Children's Fiction Emotions & Feelings
When Molly Drew Dogs
- Publisher
- Owlkids Books Inc.
- Initial publish date
- Sep 2019
- Category
- Emotions & Feelings, Runaways, Dogs, Imagination & Play, Depression & Mental Illness
- Recommended Age
- 4 to 8
- Recommended Grade
- 2 to 5
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781771473385
- Publish Date
- Sep 2019
- List Price
- $18.95
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
On the night before the first day of school, a pack of stray dogs moves into Molly’s head. They are friendly, but a bit wild. They scamper through her thoughts, yap at the door to her dreams, and scratch at her brain, begging to be let out. So Molly starts to draw them.
When Molly draws dogs, she feels better—but not everyone can see the value of her strange habit. Her teacher tells her to focus. A special tutor urges her to concentrate. But Molly can’t erase the dogs, even if she wants to. As her anxiety peaks, Molly runs away. Once she is found, safe and sound, people around Molly realize the protective power of her pack and how the dogs help tame her troubled feelings.
Inspired by the Japanese folktale, "The Boy Who Drew Cats," this story celebrates the healing powers of art and imagination while touching on important issues of anxiety, mental health, and ways to cope with emotions.
About the authors
DEBORAH KERBEL a écrit des livres pour les jeunes adultes, les préadolescents et les lecteurs débutants. Ses romans ont été présélectionnés pour les Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général, le prix du livre de l’année pour les jeunes adultes de l’Association canadienne des bibliothèques et le Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award. Elle vit à Toronto avec son mari, ses deux adolescents et Freddie, leur chien adopté.
DEBORAH KERBEL was born in London, England, and now lives in Thornhill, Ontario with her husband, son and daughter, and a rescue dog named Freddie. Deborah has written a number of picture books, and is the author of four young adult and two middle-grade novels, including My Deal with the Universe. Her books have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s YA Book Award, and many readers’ choice awards. Visit her online at www.deborahkerbel.com.
LIS XU is a Chinese-Canadian artist whose main tools are ballpoint pens, pencil crayons, and watercolours. She loves creating art that reminds her of the warmth of a hug. A debut picture book illustrator, Lis lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Editorial Reviews
"Deborah Kerbel's text is astute but profound... Lis Xu's illustrations, soft and understated in pencil crayon, give Molly's story a delicate texture that reminds us that this is a child's world."
CanLit for Little Canadians
"An artful plea for emotional acceptance."
Kirkus Reviews
"This may provide little ones and their adults an opportunity to discuss positive coping skills, including how artistic self-expression—paired with adult encouragement and understanding—can help manage fears and engage with the outside world."
Booklist
"[Deborah] Kerbel offers poetic and prescient insight into mental wellness, without a whiff of didacticism."
Quill & Quire - STARRED REVIEW
"This is a compelling book about anxiety and the ways we can cope, heal and ultimately persevere, through creating art."
Mighty Village
