Molly, a storyteller with spunk, spins fables about her absent father. Told she’s the spitting image of her dad, Molly creates the perfect father of her dreams through elaborate tales. In reality, Molly knows very little about him until his visit reveals their similarities. Dad’s zany and exuberant style initially leaves his young daughter cold: “Hello my little Mollymaloola!” he cries; “My name is Molly,” is her terse reply. Eventually, however, his visit to Molly’s class strengthens their relationship, when, just like his daughter, Molly’s dad demonstrates his own spectacular storytelling skills. The growing love between a father and daughter is aptly portrayed through whimsical colors; Thompson expertly utilizes line and perspective in the mixed-media illustrations to highlight this familial relationship, liberal smudges of charcoal and pencil lending spontaneity and energy to each spread. Ormerod’s spare text deftly captures Molly’s child-centered concerns, appropriately focusing on the here-and-now and not addressing why he lives so far away. This delightful offering is a genuine celebration of the nontraditional family. (Picture book. 4-7)
