A Friend for Mole

3.3 (2)

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Author(s)

Nancy Arno

Publisher

Peachtree Publishers

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

March 01, 2016

ISBN

978-1561458653

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A Friend for Mole features an adorable Mole and his experience after he decides to leave his dark and cozy burrow.

Struggling with his overwhelming fear of the unknown, Mole stumbles across a friendly Wolf who is trying to conquer fears of his own. As they keep each other company and learn from one another, the two discover that friendship can be one of the strongest shields against fear.

Through Mole and Wolf's experiences, young readers learn that differences aren't necessarily weaknesses, and strengths are most powerful when used to help a friend. With simple but humorous text, and soft, bright illustrations to guide the way, this picture book is a gentle, fun journey through fear to friendship.

A Friend for Mole features an adorable Mole and his experience after he decides to leave his dark and cozy burrow.

Editor reviews

4 reviews

Overall rating

3.3

Plot

3.0(2)

Characters

N/A(0)

Writing Style

N/A(0)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

3.5(2)

picture book about friendship and fears

July 05, 2020

Overall rating

3.5

Plot

N/A

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

A FRIEND FOR MOLE is a cute picture book that speaks to unlikely friendships and shared experiences. Mole is happy living in his hole underground. He hears things from above, but one day, the sound of rushing feet makes him wonder what is going on. When he comes out to see, the light and sounds are blinding. Mole cannot find his way home and is afraid. He falls asleep in a bush.

When night arrives, he meets a new friend, who is also afraid- but of the dark. Together they pass the time until they can find their way home together. The book features cute illustrations of Mole and his new friend, Wolf, and the ways that they interact.

What I loved: This is a cute story about sharing your fears and overcoming them with the help of friends. It also speaks to the need to help others. The story flows pretty smoothly and the animals are very cute.

What left me wanting more: The story is a little lengthy and the pictures are not very detailed, making it better for older picture book readers who like more words vs. pictures.

Final verdict: An overall sweet story about unlikely friendships and fears, A FRIEND FOR MOLE is a cute book with appeal for older picture book readers.

Olivia Farr, Assistant Blog Manager & Staff Reviewer Top 10 Reviewer 1956 reviews

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A Debut Picture Book About Unlikely Friends

January 28, 2017

Overall rating

3.0

Plot

N/A

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Mole is happy in his dark, cozy burrow, but when he hears commotion overhead, he ventures outside to find out what is happening. The light is blinding, though, and he quickly stumbles and falls asleep in a dark corner of the woods. At night, he meets Wolf, who is afraid of the dark. Together, they help pass the time and become fast friends.

This is a sweet story, and could be used with young children to talk about friendship. Indeed, the promotional material from the publisher notes that “differences aren’t necessarily weaknesses and strengths are most powerful when used to help a friend.” I did find myself wondering why Mole was scared of the light but not of a wolf, but these types of “differences” could be more precisely spelled out with the help of an adult.

This is Armo’s first picture book, and at times, it shows. Her illustrations are inconsistent, in places, richly textured and fully rendered, and in other places, seemingly unfinished and clearly Photoshopped. Another example of a way that she could have pushed the illustrations further is with the cover, title page and first page, which each bear the same image. Though this is not a book I will likely read again, I will look for more from Arno in the future.

Good Points

It has potential to prompt discussion about friendship, fear, and courage.