Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Mole is enjoying the beautiful day outdoors when a thunderstorm strikes and scares him back into his burrow. After such a big scare, Mole doesn't want to leave. What if something awful or scary happens? Mole's friends worry when he doesn't want to join them outside of his burrow, and each of them takes a turn trying to convince him to emerge. Still, Mole hesitates. Then his friends come up with a plan that helps Mole find the beauty of the world waiting outside. A wonderful message will encourage readers to look around at the happiness they can enjoy, and it will particularly resonate with those dealing with anxiety like Mole's. Colorful illustrations depict Mole, his friends, and their blissful spot in the woods, as well as the uncertainties Mole faces and the comedic plan his friends pull off. VERDICT This will allow for excellent discourse about worrying and about the quiet joys that can be found in friendship and in the world.--Selenia Paz
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
What will it take to get a frightened mole to leave his burrow? Mole wasn't always afraid, but when he's out for a stroll one day, a thunderstorm sends him underground for good. His concerned friends attempt to cajole him out. Squirrel asks if he wants to help her gather nuts, but Mole refuses: "A tree is sure to fall on me and break my paw!" Following Bear's invitation to swim, Mole envisions an aggressive shark approaching. After each entreaty, the protagonist conveys his intentions to remain safe. Young listeners will soon be chanting along with his response: "I said no! There are too many dangerous things out there. I'm better off staying safe and sound in my burrow." Ultimately, the friends concoct a scheme. They call for help, describing an attack from "STINKY-FOOTED ALIENS" and "UNIDENTIFIED FLYING BUTTS." When the cautious Mole crawls out to help, he's greeted with a birthday party in his honor as he realizes that too much worrying leads to missing out on fun. Children will enjoy the characters' silly postures, the outlandish scenarios, and the potty humor. The bright palette plays out in a variety of layouts, each used effectively: sequential panels to show the time it takes for Mole to reach home, a cross-section to depict the burrow's elaborate plumbing, a full-bleed double spread to convey the joyful celebration. The dynamic design tempers the repetitive structure of the narrative, translated from Spanish. A lighthearted look at common fears and the rewards of bravery.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
