Smile Big...

WE CLOSED! Hallelujah!

People often ask me where the name Molly Lou Gifts came from. Most assume that my name is Molly Lou and I have been referred to as Molly Lou many times since MLG's creation.

When I was student teaching many moons ago, my mentor teacher read the class, Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell. It is a wonderful children's book and quickly became my favorite. It read it to my students throughout the years, even to a group of sixth graders. After the birth of Molly Lou Mini #1, I first read him this story and he loved it. It quickly became a favorite in our house and was read daily. When I set out to create this shop, I decided that Molly Lou Gifts would be the perfect name after the story's character, Molly Lou Melon.

Molly Lou Melon is a short "just taller than her dog", clumsy, eccentric child with interesting talents and a great attitude towards life. Her grandma gives her great advice, telling her to smile big, walk proudly, and sing loudly. After each of grandma's wise offerings, the page always follows with "so she did." Molly Lou moves to a new school and is met with a bully, but each time Ronald Durkin tries to embarass or harass Molly Lou, she remembers her grandmother's wisdom and entertains her new classmates and puts Ronald in his place. David Catrow offers perfect illustrations to accompany the wise story. The story and illustrations just bring a great big smile to your face.

While it's a children's book, but has so many of those valuable life lessons that we all can appreciate. My favorite line from the story is "Smile big and the world will smile right alongside you." Even if you don't have minis, read this book. Go ahead, I won't tell anyone! Perhaps my next job should be a Barnes & Noble book critic! :)

So my friends, walk proudly, smile big, and sing loudly!!

TOMORROW IS THE BIG 100! Can you believe it??? MLG is celebrating 100 posts! YAY! Come back for the BIG reveal and party. NEW giveaway celebration coming tomorrow! Celebrate with us!