Molly Mae’s Milkshakes by Ajia Kirchgasser

Review by Angie Carlson

Readers will fall in love with the enchanting town of MooCow Meadows and Molly Mae MooCow, a calf from a prize-winning milk-producing family. However, there is just one problem: Molly Mae can’t produce any milk.

Molly Mae’s Milkshakes explores themes of being different and not fitting in, touching on how it feels to not meet the expectations of those around you. Molly Mae sinks into sadness as she grapples with her self-proclaimed inadequacy, struggling to understand why she doesn’t produce milk and what that means for her future.

While Molly Mae’s biggest critic is herself, no one in the town or her family is putting pressure on her, highlighting a moral of the story: our inner narrative and a woe-is-me mindset can often be the biggest obstacle to overcome. In the end, it’s our individuality we must let shine in order to be our happiest selves.

Teachers and parents can draw parallels to situations where children may feel out of place, such as being able to tie their shoes or participating in a different level reading group, illustrating that everyone develops at their own pace. The lesson remains: it just takes time, and everyone is unique.

Fortunately, Molly Mae’s chicken friend, C.K. Doodle, suggests they find her special talent (because everyone has something to offer)—the skill that will be uniquely hers, even if it differs from her family's prize-winning milk production. Molly Mae agrees to the plan and tries more than half a dozen activities, all illustrated in a fun action-packed montage that children will love. However, none of these activities reveal Molly Mae’s special talent.

It is only when Molly Mae steps in to help the farmer’s daughter during a milkshake-making mishap that she discovers her gift: making amazing, delicious milkshakes from her family’s prize-winning milk. While her contribution differs from that of her family, it is exceptional and unique. Now, MooCow Meadows is known not only for its best milk but also for the best milkshakes.

Molly Mae’s Milkshakes is a delightful tale about discovering yourself in your own time, teaching the importance of not comparing yourself to others in the process. This story promotes resilience, inspires self-confidence, and reminds children that they have the power to rise (or sink) based on the mindset and thought systems they choose to employ.

About the author

Ajia is an accomplished accountant, a passionate storyteller, and the author of the book Molly Mae’s Milkshakes. While she navigates the world of numbers and spreadsheets all day, her true love lies within the realms of imagination and creativity.

Ajia currently lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, Ross, and their precious yet mischievous, chocolate labs, Axel and Charlie.