What Molly’s Stories Are About
- Bravery – Molly shows that being brave doesn’t mean never being scared – it means finding the courage to share worries and accept help. This can give children a way to talk about their own fears.
- Friendship – Prince, the kind horse, reminds us that listening and understanding can make all the difference. His example can encourage children to think about who supports them in their own lives.
- Kindness – From Mr and Mrs Bunting to the sheep, the animals and people on Oak Tree Farm show how we all help one another in different ways. Stories like this can prompt conversations about saying thank you and recognising care.
- Discovery – Children can learn that first impressions aren’t always right – sometimes the things we fear can turn out to be safe or even helpful. This message can reassure them when they face something new.
- Belonging – Molly finds her place in the farm community when she realises the sheep are friends, not foes. This can be a gentle way to talk with children about feeling included and valued.
Sharing the Story Together
Everyone has their own way of reading and enjoying stories, especially when reading aloud with children. Here are a few ideas you might like to try as you read Molly’s Secret with your little ones:
- Many readers pause at the “Can you guess which one?” pages – it gives children a chance to think, predict and join in before the page is turned.
- Some find it fun to use a gentle, reassuring voice when Molly feels worried and a brighter one when she finds her courage – it helps bring the story to life.
- Questions during reading time can open up thoughtful conversations if your child feels like sharing, such as:
- “Which animal did you think Molly might be afraid of?”
- “What makes you feel brave?”
- “Who helps you when you’re worried?”
- If this encourages your little one to talk about their own worries, a simple moment of reassurance and listening can help them feel understood and supported.
- Sometimes children want to talk simply to be heard and understood, rather than for a grown-up to solve their problems – and recognising this can be a powerful way to help them grow.
Continuing the Conversation
Stories like Molly’s Secret are often most powerful when they become part of everyday life. Rather than being a one-off, little moments of reflection can be sprinkled in regularly – asking gentle questions, noticing brave moments or simply saying thank you together.
Research suggests that positive reinforcement in the early years helps children grow into more confident and resilient teenagers and adults. Just as importantly, it creates a safe space for them to practise talking about feelings before social pressures – at school, with friends or online – sometimes push them toward doubt or self-criticism.
Of course, you know your little ones best. Every parent, carer, guardian or teacher will approach these moments in their own way. Molly’s story is simply here to provide a gentle starting point – a way to open up conversations that may, over time, grow into habits of kindness, courage and connection.
Molly's Achievement Badges and Certificate
Molly’s badges and certificate are designed to encourage positive behaviours gently and to make achievements feel celebratory rather than competitive.
- Badges can be awarded daily, or less often if that suits your child.
- The aim is to notice moments of effort – not just “success”. Even a small step of bravery is still a big step for a child.
- The Special Badge gives you flexibility – it can celebrate something unique or unexpected, so no child feels left out if they’ve had a tricky week.
- If your child collects all six badges in a week, Molly’s Achievement Certificate is a fun way to mark their achievement.
Most importantly, keep the focus on encouragement, not pressure. The badges are a way of sparking conversations, saying thank you, and recognising effort. Even if not all the badges are awarded, you can celebrate the ones that have been – or simply give a little longer to achieve the rest.
Molly’s badges and certificate can be used in classrooms, clubs or groups to celebrate positive behaviours. The focus is on encouragement, not competition – recognising children for their efforts and the values they show.
- Badges can be awarded individually, or to the whole group when shared behaviours are noticed.
- The Special Badge is especially useful for celebrating unique contributions, so every child has a chance to be recognised.
- The Achievement Certificate can be presented at the end of the week or term as a shared celebration of progress.
The aim is to spark conversations about bravery, kindness, friendship and gratitude, helping children see that their actions – big or small – make a difference to others.
A Note from the Author
Molly’s Secret was inspired by a real sheepdog I once met who, surprisingly, was afraid of sheep. From that spark grew a story about how fears can be overcome with kindness and support. My hope is that Molly’s stories give you and your child gentle ways to talk about feelings and celebrate courage together.
— Jay Rawlings
You can read more about the real-life inspiration behind Molly on the True Story page or by clicking the link below.