Books like Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

What a delight! I just adore Molly Lou for her sweet self-confidence and the joy she finds in (and brings to) life. Little Molly Lou is smaller than all the other kids in her class, she has buck teeth, and can't sing a good note. But, her grandmother taught her that, if she carries herself with confidence, the world will look up to her... and if she smiles, the whole world smiles, too... And all is well and good--until the Melon family moves to a new house, and Molly Lou begins a new school. Since the students don't know her bright spirit, the bully is only too keen to tear her down based on appearances. Can Molly Lou maintain her self-confidence and maybe even win some new friends?Since this is a children's book, it should come as no surprise that she DOES. But I absolutely love the way it plays out and the last page held a fun surprise, after all. This is a wonderful story with a clear message that is told with such charm and humor (through both the words and the delightful illustrations) that it never seems heavy-handed. I also love the celebration of nature and that Molly Lou seems such a kindred spirit with the animals. And it's nice to see a grandmother celebrated for her wonderful wisdom. Highly recommended!