Dr. Molly Barrow's Malia & Teacup Series Selected as First Books for African Orphanage Library

NAPLES, Fla., March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-two year old Fulbright scholar, Lillian Tuttle, decided that she wanted to make a difference by establishing a library in an African orphanage school. As a volunteer with Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, Lillian traveled to Vihiga Children's Home, an orphanage in a small village in Kenya, to tutor eighth grade students in preparation for their high school entrance exams. She carried with her only two books to start the library, Malia & Teacup Awesome African Adventure and Malia & Teacup Out on a Limb, the self-esteem building adventure series created by Dr. Molly Barrow.

The children had never experienced a library, did not know how to care for books nor understand the concept of loaning the books. However, the children were thrilled with the tales of African adventure and emotional challenges the character Malia faces as a young girl who travels to Kenya to find her missing father, who insists she care for a tiny dog, Teacup.

The Edith Junior Academy School tutor worried that one particular boy might not pass his exams. Yet, after he read about the character Malia, he could relate to her struggles personally. He made the decision to commit to his studies with Tuttle's help and passed his exams. Books that demonstrate survival in dire circumstances can inspire a child to believe in him or herself and to fight for a better life. The new Lillian Tuttle Library has changed the lives of over one hundred orphaned children.

"A spoonful of adventure makes the psychology go down," according to Barrow, author with a doctorate in clinical psychology. Just as Mary Poppins helped children take their medicine with a little sugar, Barrow uses exciting adventure books to embed subtle positive messages about building self-esteem. "Self-esteem is the single most important factor for the safety of a child. How a child values themselves is the first line of defense in dangerous situations against school bullies, predators, and abuse. I want children everywhere to gain higher self-esteem and to stay safe," says Barrow.

A journey of self-discovery, Malia & Teacup Awesome African Adventure (ISBN: 978-0-9825109-0-2 7/2009) for ages 9 and up, is a fast-paced, exciting book with 325-pages and 31 illustrations by Erik Pflueger. Malia & Teacup Out on a Limb (ISBN: 978-0-9825109-1-9) is a younger version for 6-8 year olds. Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award Committee has nominated both books for the 2010 children's book award and the prestigious Children and Libraries Journal Summer issue article discusses self-esteem and the books. The book's back pages and web site provide parents and teachers help with discussion topics about safety and self-esteem. Malia & Teacup books are available at bookstores, www.maliaandteacup.com, www.drmollybarrow.com, Kindle, Follett Library Resources and Ingram. Discounts are available for groups or schools for underprivileged children from Barringer Publishing. A portion of the proceeds will help fund the Lillian Tuttle library.

PHOTOS OF LILLIAN & AFRICAN CHILDREN HOLDING BOOKS – release available: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1MT_nJIU_OY/S3VSoDCXeRI/AAAAAAAAAU8/ClriOjQTWtg/s320/lillian3.jpg  

Interview Dr. Barrow: 1-888-DRMOLLY (376-6559) Email: [email protected]

Order children’s books: http://www.maliaandteacup.com

Official website, bio, self-help books, relationship quizzes, video, coaching: http://www.drmollybarrow.com

Watch Fox Interview (4:33) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDMlltshhdE&feature=channel_page

SOURCE Dr. Molly Barrow