Little Mole Finds Hope

February 7, 2020

PreS-Gr 1-Little Mole doesn't "feel good inside," and his dark burrow is a perfect metaphor for his sadness. His perceptive mother knows the remedy is not a cookie or a playmate; it's hope. She takes him for a walk through the wintry landscape to find hope "hiding in the darkness." A bulb, bulging from the roof of their tunnel; the bare tree branches; and a chrysalis secured to the inside of a flowerpot are all symbols of the dark place where Little Mole finds himself. But they will all, some day soon, come back to life. Daffodils, tree blossoms, and butterflies will all be dancing in the wind. Little Mole will be dancing, too. The gentle reminder that all things change is diluted a little by the winter/spring association-will Little Mole have to wait until spring to be happy again? Garland's sweet moles are engagingly drawn and easily relatable. VERDICT With social-emotional curricula at the forefront of education right now, this charming story will find a place in many libraries.-Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2019
Hope can be found--if you know how and where to look. In their dark underground burrow Little Mole tells Mama he's sad. After she suggests he needs to look for hope, they begin a paw-in-paw exploration. Mama explains hope sometimes hides but waits to be found. As proof, she points to a seemingly lifeless bulb hanging at the burrow's exit. Mama says the bulb's not dead but will, upon feeling the sun's rays, soon blossom into a daffodil. When Little Mole envisions this, Mama declares, "That is hope." As the journey continues, Mama shows her little one other nascent signs of good things to come--bare trees and a chrysalis. Little Mole sees only dead objects. Still, Mama reminds him that each will soon emerge into glorious life, encouraging him to imagine the lovely transformations. Home again, Little Mole announces he understands. This gentle, comforting tale empowers kids to discover light in darkness on their own or with assistance from a warm, guiding hand. In support of this, a discussion guide for caregivers at the end provides simple facts about moles plus discussion questions and useful, empathetic tips to help a sad child find hope. The grainy illustrations add texture to the expressive moles, their cozy burrow, and their natural surroundings. The moles are as fuzzily warm as their relationship. Sweet and reassuring for little moles--and humans too. (Picture book. 3-6)

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