Photo credit for Margaret – (Denver Public Library, Western History Department)
Photo credit for Molly the Cow – (Robin Loznak/The Great Falls Tribune)
Indomitable. Determined. Fearless.
Living a century apart, Margaret Tobin Brown of Titanic notoriety and a brockle-face heifer of Montana renown share an experience of a singular day that forced them to fight for their lives and unites them in more than a sobriquet. This picture book biography documents their brave actions, telling side-by-side stories of hope and resilience.
The Mollys B. Featured Online!
Humor Me, Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Interview with Joann Howeth – Author of THE MOLLYS B.
Storystorm, Tara Lazar
Storystorm 2025 Day 12: Joann Howeth Chooses Parallel Story-Telling
Great Falls Tribune
THE MOLLYS B. - despite living a century apart, share an experience that unites them in more than a name,” said Joann Howeth of the motivation for her work. “I have placed Molly the cow side-by-side with the original Unsinkable Molly, Margaret Tobin Brown, after whom she was named by Del Morris, the manager of the slaughter yard at the time.”
“A charmingly illustrated, fact-filled journey that teaches children the power of perseverance.”
Inspiration Behind The Mollys B.
Read relevant blog posts about the Mollys, the inspiration behind Joann’s writing, and more.
About the Illustrator, Rupert van Wyk
Instagram: vanwyk.designs
Website: rupertvanwyk.com
Born in 1971, Rupert van Wyk has been drawing from a young age. He applies humor to his expressive use of line and color, believing that the small details bring an image to life. Over the years, he has created work for numerous children’s book publishers worldwide. A passionate traveler, Rupert divides his time between England and Italy, where he lives and works.
Enjoy a Sneak Peek!
“Howeth cleverly uses dual narratives to highlight themes of resilience and survival, showing that courage knows no bounds whether it is a woman on a sinking ship or a cow escaping an inevitable fate. The Mollys B. is an uplifting story about perseverance . . .that will leave readers rooting for both Mollys.”
— Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
9th Place - Children’s/Young Adult Category
2023 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition
AWARDS FOR THE MOLLYS
I know that many people don’t consider contests that require an entry fee as “legitimate,” but I balance that assessment with the argument that I’m happy to get my work in front of readers. Entering any contest is a way to do that. The Writer’s Digest contests receive thousands of entries across several categories, so the final list of winners is a small and select group of writers – namely, “the cream of the crop.”
When I won 9th place in the Children’s/Young Adult Fiction category of the 92nd Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, my vision for THE MOLLYS B. was strengthened. From its vague and tenuous conception, I sincerely believed in this story, so it was rewarding to know that a few “someones” out there in the literary community recognized its promise. It was an honor to be celebrated; the award was the encouragement I needed to keep working on the story.
Then when I was notified that THE MOLLYS B. had been awarded a Silver Medal by the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards for Children’s Nonfiction, I was stunned, but also delightfully gratified. No longer was the story just a manuscript showing promise as it had been when it won the Writer’s Digest award; THE MOLLYS B. was now a hardbound book with a glossary and a dust jacket. It had officially arrived in the literary landscape and was being recognized as a story with merit by another set of judges. This award confirmed my original vision for THE MOLLYS B. as a viable, worthwhile tale, and reassured me that there was indeed an audience out there waiting for it.
Where to Buy
Joann Howeth’s books can be purchased online, and The Mollys B. can be found in select local bookstores!