Molly Moves Out
Bodley Beginners Series
on Goodreads (46)
What’s inside...
Molly the dog loves living with the Anderson family, but as she gets older she struggles to go up and down the stairs in their house. The Andersons decide to build Molly her own little dog house in the backyard so she has her own space, but close enough that she can still spend lots of time with the family. Molly enjoys having a space of her own that is easy for her to get around as an older dog.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Molly feel when she decided to move out? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What are some important things Molly learned when she was on her own?
Why do you think Molly wanted to move out? What does having your own space mean to you?
How did Molly's parents react to her moving out? How would you want your family to react if you were in a similar situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about independence and space, relating them to Molly’s experiences.
Discuss the value of trying new things and the learning that comes with it, just like Molly learned from her adventures.
Use examples from the book to talk about problem-solving and how Molly handled different challenges.
Highlight the importance of family support and understanding through changes, drawing parallels to Molly's relationship with her parents.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Molly the mouse decides to move out of her family's nest to explore and find her own place, demonstrating her journey towards self-reliance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore new activities and tasks independently, fostering a sense of self-confidence and autonomy in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Molly encounters various challenges and navigates them using her critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address obstacles in their own lives by applying creative and logical thinking, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Molly shows bravery as she ventures into unknown territories, illustrating her willingness to step out of her comfort zone.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to face new or intimidating situations with bravery, whether it’s trying out for a team, making new friends, or standing up for what they believe in.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: By choosing to move out, Molly takes responsibility for her own well-being and learns to manage her own space.
Real-World Application: The narrative encourages children to take responsibility for their personal space, belongings, and actions, an essential skill for personal development.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: Despite moving out, Molly maintains a loving connection with her family, showing the importance of family ties.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the book can help children understand the value of staying connected with family members, irrespective of the physical distances between them.