News Release
September, 2004
Milly Molly Books Offer Children Insights On Diversity
Chicago Union Teacher, September 2004.
Primary and early childhood teachers have a new tool for teaching children the values of diversity.
The Milly Molly stories are the adventures of two little girls and their multicultural friends. The stories have been endorsed by psychologists and teachers around the world for being both educational and entertaining. Originating in New Zealand, the stories about the two little girls–one black and one white–were created by Gill Pittar and illustrated by Cris Morrell. The books are designed for children 4 through 8 and each book, on the title page, carries the note that "We may look different but we feel the same."
In addition to instructing children on multicultural issues, the books also teach basic lessons of life. In Milly, Molly and Jimmy's Seeds for example, the two girls notice that their friend Jimmy is missing a lot of school. Inquiring about the situation with the teacher, they learn that Jimmy has died. Since Jimmy was fond of gardening, the children use some seeds that had belonged to Jimmy to plant a garden in his memory. Illustrations in the books are warm and friendly and help to convey the story that is being told through the written word.
"Children who are lucky enough to meet Milly and Molly will experience a wide variety of captivating adventures designed to help them appreciate diversity and learn to cope with challenges of life," according to Dr. Myrna Shure, a best selling children's author.