Molly and Her Dad

“Molly and her Dad” by Jan Ormerod & illustrated by Carol Thompson (2008)

The book is about the little girl who hasn’t seen her dad in a long time, not since she was a baby. Molly was curious about what he was like and yet, she loved telling stories about her dad. At school, the other classmates’ dad paid a visit except for hers. Molly wondered about her dad and what he was like. Her mom went away for a week and her dad was able to take care of her for that particular entire week. During that week, Molly learned many things about her dad.

The themes could be family, relationships, school, and self-identity. The story is filled with warmth and humor. There is a lot to take in all the illustrations including bubbles that has dialogues/comments. It was nice to look at details to get the full information. The story is completed well by nice illustrations of Molly and her father.

I could follow Molly’s feelings throughout the pages well. Since my father living in the different country, he didn’t have an active part in my life as well. Every time, my dad came home on his vacation, I was always excited to spend time with him. This was what happened with Molly. This could be the reason why I was attracted to this story. She was excitedly nervous to learn about dad. 

The story is moving because it demonstrates well what it is like for a child who is different from others. I could see that Molly desperately tries to fit in with the other children who have fathers in their life. Additionally, this story can be used to explain why some children don’t have fathers at home.

This book can be used in the classroom. Through self-love and knowledge, students can learn and study different aspects of their life identity. Negative stereotypes about a child having fatherless figure can be deconstructed. Then students who have father and students who don’t have father can share their experience and knowledge with their classmates. This can create a safe and respectful environment, where classmates learn to respect for others. Teachers can also utilize this story to introduce the issues of social justice. Students learn about how the forms of oppressions can harm or hurt the group of children who doesn’t have dads at home.