Reviews for Amy’s new book, Dottie Meets Mully the Bully
Dottie the penguin is back — and this time she’s taking on a bully. Amy’s book very clearly but gently illustrates how kindness and understanding can help to diffuse a hard situations and turn them into learning opportunities. Mully the bully hurts her feelings, but her attitude — and support from a friend — ultimately helps her to rise above his unkindness. She also knows that her mom is always there for her. A school read-aloud or library storytime could be followed by a discussion of things like feeling intimidated, what it means to be a good friend and how kids can best handle bullies with patience and empathy. And how a big bowl of Chocolate Mint Fish ice cream never hurts either!
— E. Singer, Children’s Librarian in Lexington, MA
Wow! Amy Moy has done it again! She has written a great book that meets kids where they are and gives them the chance to learn about important skills they will need for life. Being kind to others and sticking up for yourself are things that never go out of style!
— L. Peabody, Elementary Music Teacher, Burlington, MA
“The importance of reaching young children with the message of embracing the differences in all people can not be overstated! The story of Dottie Meets Mully the Bully shows, in a sweet and age-appropriate way, how to not only treat others, but also how to stand up to a bully in a kind but effective way. Children will love the characters and the story, and rich discussion will undoubtedly follow.
— M. Wishart, Retired Special Education Teacher and Author of Parker the Purple Penguin
“A wonderful story for young children! I appreciated how the book could be used in my classroom for multiple themes of social emotional learning; strategies on how to handle bullying, qualities of a good friend, inclusion, and many more!
— Hayley, Title I Teacher
What People Are Saying
We love our readers, both big and small!
““I was looking for a children’s book that my niece (6) and nephew (9) could read that would help me talk to them about children with Down syndrome, and this book fit the bill perfectly! The book introduces Dottie, a young penguin who despite looking a little differently from the other penguin kids, is still able to do everything they do although sometimes she needs a helping flipper. I loved how the author adapted some popular, recognizable books and people into the penguin world as little Easter eggs. The only thing missing is a sequel!”
“Great book. It’s a about a penguin with polka dots who is a little different than other penguins, but is perfect on every way. Great way to teach children about other humans with special needs. Highly highly recommend. ”
We read the Spanish edition today in my second grade classroom! The kids loved it and they felt connected to it! We drew Dottie and they came out so cute. We have a program of kids with disabilities who come into some of our special Ed classes, so I encouraged them to say hello to them just like they would any friends, because we are all different and all very similar too!
-Kenzie F, 2nd grade teacher
“My child has special needs and this book will help him see himself and others. It will help us talk about how to be kind and open to people we meet in our community.”
“The Polka-Dotted Penguin is a fabulous book to teach kids that being different isn’t something bad, or something to be scared of, but sometimes their different friends just need a little extra help. My 6-year-old son laughed out loud at some of the human to penguin comparisons. Beautiful story, and beautiful illustrations!”
“A lovely, heartwarming story that will spread the joy of inclusion to our youngest learners!”
“I have 3 kids of different ages (9,4,3) and they all love reading it. It’s simple to understand and easy to appreciate. I love how it gives examples of how to help and teach children about this topic making it fun and relatable. The younger kids have even started to ask for Dottie the Penguin accessories!”
“A great children’s book to encourage inclusion. It’s about Dottie and how she may be different but with a little help can be a part of anything. I really liked the cute illustrations and references to popular books/songs in the penguin world. I really hope to see more stories of adventures in Dottie’s life in the future.”