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Mole Is Not Alone
In this cozy picture book about friendship, Mole anxiously decides to journey through underground tunnels to attend a party.
Mole is invited to a party, which is very worrisome. What if the party is too rowdy for Mole? What if Mole doesn’t know anyone there? What if Mole is just too shy to make friends? Mole worries through the tunnels, around Snake’s burrow, under the forest, past Bear’s den, and all the way to Rabbit’s door. But despite all those worries, maybe Mole can find a quiet way to make friends . . .
With warm and sweet illustrations, every page of Mole Is Not Alone is an invitation to look and look again. Readers can follow Mole’s tunnel as it connects from one page to the next, learning along the way that everyone can make friends, even if some parties are quieter than others.
Mole is invited to a party, which is very worrisome. What if the party is too rowdy for Mole? What if Mole doesn’t know anyone there? What if Mole is just too shy to make friends? Mole worries through the tunnels, around Snake’s burrow, under the forest, past Bear’s den, and all the way to Rabbit’s door. But despite all those worries, maybe Mole can find a quiet way to make friends . . .
With warm and sweet illustrations, every page of Mole Is Not Alone is an invitation to look and look again. Readers can follow Mole’s tunnel as it connects from one page to the next, learning along the way that everyone can make friends, even if some parties are quieter than others.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 2, 2024
Loved the message of it being okay to not love crowds or to feel nervous about socializing. It was not done in a "preachy" way whatsoever, and the illustrations added so much to the story!
June 2, 2024
Respect for introverts.
Read
September 12, 2023A great book about social anxiety. I love that mole finds common ground with a new friend and that rabbit is accepting of his shy nature.
December 1, 2023
just a little mole who wants to support his friends but also wants to stay home :,)
November 20, 2023
Provided synopsis:
In this cozy picture book about friendship, Mole anxiously decides to journey through underground tunnels to attend a party.
Mole is invited to a party, which is very worrisome. What if the party is too rowdy for Mole? What if Mole doesn’t know anyone there? What if Mole is just too shy to make friends? Mole worries through the tunnels, around Snake’s burrow, under the forest, past Bear’s den, and all the way to Rabbit’s door. But despite all those worries, maybe Mole can find a quiet way to make friends...
With warm and sweet illustrations, every page of Mole Is Not Alone is an invitation to look and look again. Readers can follow Mole’s tunnel as it connects from one page to the next, learning along the way that everyone can make friends, even if some parties are quieter than others.
In this cozy picture book about friendship, Mole anxiously decides to journey through underground tunnels to attend a party.
Mole is invited to a party, which is very worrisome. What if the party is too rowdy for Mole? What if Mole doesn’t know anyone there? What if Mole is just too shy to make friends? Mole worries through the tunnels, around Snake’s burrow, under the forest, past Bear’s den, and all the way to Rabbit’s door. But despite all those worries, maybe Mole can find a quiet way to make friends...
With warm and sweet illustrations, every page of Mole Is Not Alone is an invitation to look and look again. Readers can follow Mole’s tunnel as it connects from one page to the next, learning along the way that everyone can make friends, even if some parties are quieter than others.
March 4, 2024
This lovely picture book will speak to those wrestling with social anxiety and teach them that there’s nothing wrong with being who they are.
One day, Mole is invited to Rabbit’s Moon Harvest Party and then has to make the big decision of whether to go or not. Mole ends up deciding to make some cream puffs for the party and sets out for Rabbit’s house. Along the way, readers are shown Mole’s internal monologue: What if Mole doesn’t know anybody else there? What if Mole feels awkward like at past parties? Should Mole have just stayed home? The ending shows Mole making a true friend and enjoying their company in a more introverted-friendly way.
As someone who gets nervous in social situations as well, I could completely understand Mole’s worries and concerns. I appreciated how the ending affirms that the quality of one’s friends is more important than quantity and that having a quiet night in with one good friend can be just as fun as a big party. I also loved that nobody seemed to judge Mole for being nervous about the party; they just accept Mole for Mole. The nice message and sweet illustrations make this an understated but incredibly important read.
Katie E. | Marathon County Public Library
See this book in our catalog.
One day, Mole is invited to Rabbit’s Moon Harvest Party and then has to make the big decision of whether to go or not. Mole ends up deciding to make some cream puffs for the party and sets out for Rabbit’s house. Along the way, readers are shown Mole’s internal monologue: What if Mole doesn’t know anybody else there? What if Mole feels awkward like at past parties? Should Mole have just stayed home? The ending shows Mole making a true friend and enjoying their company in a more introverted-friendly way.
As someone who gets nervous in social situations as well, I could completely understand Mole’s worries and concerns. I appreciated how the ending affirms that the quality of one’s friends is more important than quantity and that having a quiet night in with one good friend can be just as fun as a big party. I also loved that nobody seemed to judge Mole for being nervous about the party; they just accept Mole for Mole. The nice message and sweet illustrations make this an understated but incredibly important read.
Katie E. | Marathon County Public Library
See this book in our catalog.
July 27, 2023
Thank you to Macmillan for the digital review copy!
This was so cute. I could stare at the beautiful, whimsical illustrations all day just to see every little fun detail in the animals' houses and other buildings. There's so much character presentation without being in-your-face about it or needing to address every character directly.
I also just love how Mole is having that classic party anxiety that so many of us introverts get whenever we're invited to literally anything. I appreciate that they found courage to at least give Rabbit the gift they made. The fact that Skunk was in the same predicament makes it even more wholesome when the two awkwardly stand outside together, both wondering if they should go in. I shared Rabbit's "I hope they get along" sentiment as the two retreated below ground and I was not disappointed. The fact that Rabbit didn't fuss when Mole and Skunk politely declined joining in the party sets a healthy standard.
If a child is having people/party anxiety but loves making friends, this is a good one to show them that sometimes others are dealing with the same thing. You're not alone either!
This was so cute. I could stare at the beautiful, whimsical illustrations all day just to see every little fun detail in the animals' houses and other buildings. There's so much character presentation without being in-your-face about it or needing to address every character directly.
I also just love how Mole is having that classic party anxiety that so many of us introverts get whenever we're invited to literally anything. I appreciate that they found courage to at least give Rabbit the gift they made. The fact that Skunk was in the same predicament makes it even more wholesome when the two awkwardly stand outside together, both wondering if they should go in. I shared Rabbit's "I hope they get along" sentiment as the two retreated below ground and I was not disappointed. The fact that Rabbit didn't fuss when Mole and Skunk politely declined joining in the party sets a healthy standard.
If a child is having people/party anxiety but loves making friends, this is a good one to show them that sometimes others are dealing with the same thing. You're not alone either!
November 19, 2023
Oh joy! Mole has been invited to Rabbit's party! Well, not really. Mole is a bit -- shy. And an overthinker. And he worries about lots of things. And ponders changes he could make to not be called out as shy. He makes his cream puffs (because Rabbit loves them!) and heads out to Rabbit's house, worrying all the way.
I liked the split view that showed what was happening above ground as Mole follows the tunnels below to Rabbit's house. There are lots of animals headed to Rabbit's party. Including one fuzzy black and white friend. Underground, Mole hesitates about going to the party. Above ground, so does Skunk. Rabbit warmly welcomes both - and both hand their gifts to Rabbit and decline to join the large, noisy gathering. They do, however, decide to have a quiet cup of tea together - which apparently was Rabbit's plan all along.
I had to go back after I finished the first read through to find all the pictures of Skunk slowly making his way to Rabbit's house above ground as Mole tunnels underground.
Very cute! I relate to Mole's shyness and inability to come up with things to talk about at gatherings. May we all find friends like Rabbit!
I liked the split view that showed what was happening above ground as Mole follows the tunnels below to Rabbit's house. There are lots of animals headed to Rabbit's party. Including one fuzzy black and white friend. Underground, Mole hesitates about going to the party. Above ground, so does Skunk. Rabbit warmly welcomes both - and both hand their gifts to Rabbit and decline to join the large, noisy gathering. They do, however, decide to have a quiet cup of tea together - which apparently was Rabbit's plan all along.
I had to go back after I finished the first read through to find all the pictures of Skunk slowly making his way to Rabbit's house above ground as Mole tunnels underground.
Very cute! I relate to Mole's shyness and inability to come up with things to talk about at gatherings. May we all find friends like Rabbit!
October 31, 2023
A very cute book about a shy mole who isn't sure whether or not they would like to go to a loud party. I love that their friend, Rabbit, didn't pressure them to come into the party and was totally okay with that. I also like that the friend may have helped to connect them with another shy creature (and that it shows them having tea together in the endpapers). I hope that Rabbit later hosted these two friends on their own because for them that would probably be the perfect number.
I liked that on the page spreads where you could see above ground you could see glimpses of Skunk, who was the other shy animal, as they made their way along.
I think Mole could be read as shy but it may venture into being social anxiety.
Because of how this is set up and how the illustrations are it may be best for one-on-one reading or with a very small group (which I guess matches the theme pretty perfectly).
I liked that on the page spreads where you could see above ground you could see glimpses of Skunk, who was the other shy animal, as they made their way along.
I think Mole could be read as shy but it may venture into being social anxiety.
Because of how this is set up and how the illustrations are it may be best for one-on-one reading or with a very small group (which I guess matches the theme pretty perfectly).
October 7, 2023
This is a very sweet picture book about friendship and social anxiety. Mole is excited that his friend Rabbit is having a party, but he's also nervous. What if it's loud? What if he doesn't know anyone there? What if, what if, what if? He has almost talked himself out of going when, standing outside the party, someone else is scared to go in. There are a lot of lessons about friendship in this picture book which is made extra cozy with muted illustrations. Readers will love following along on Mole's journey to Rabbit's house -- especially because it takes place under ground. The cross-section type illustrations are engaging and inviting.
March 7, 2024
Introverts unite! I really identified with the main character, Mole, who has to do a lot of self talk to convince himself to go to rabbit's party. He makes the cream puffs he knows rabbit likes, and along the way his mood vacillates. The ending is quite satisfying and has a wonderful message of acceptance.
The art is as nuanced as the story. The subterranean world of the mole and his travels are nothing short of spectacular. As mole emerges above ground we get a super big view of his head on one page providing a clear turning point in the narrative.
I urge everyone to dip into this lovely little book.
The art is as nuanced as the story. The subterranean world of the mole and his travels are nothing short of spectacular. As mole emerges above ground we get a super big view of his head on one page providing a clear turning point in the narrative.
I urge everyone to dip into this lovely little book.
November 2, 2023
The beauty of this book is its unique message. The illustrations are a bit busy for me, and lap reading, rather than storytime, will be the best delivery so the teeny weeny details can be appreciated. The MC is on their way to a birthday party, but they are second-guessing this bold social choice all the way. Ultimately, they meet a fellow introvert/uncertain party-goer, and they bond thanks to this common trait. Even better, the party people totally understand and are glad to see the pair leaving the scene happily, rather than being disappointed in them. Yay!
December 16, 2023
Mole is an introvert, he likes his friend rabbit and wants to go to his bday party, even making cream puffs for a present. Kids will enjoy his inner dialogue as he sends his way thru the tunnels, under all the forest creatures and homes. He convinces himself to at least drop off the cream puff box and he sees another shy animal, Skunk, on the porch, hiding behind a flower bouquet. They decide not to stay for the loud party and go off together, which appears to be Rabbit’s ulterior motive to inviting them, so they can be shy friends together.
June 20, 2024
What a wonderful book! Mole has been invited to Rabbit's party. That is when all the questions begin. Will Mole know anyone there? Will the party be too loud? Should Mole make cream puffs to take along? Once en route, Mole continues to wonder: Am I doing the right thing? Will I enjoy myself? Is it too late to turn back? -- The ending is touching...and funny. -- I loved this book about the mysteries (and, yes, the struggles) of friendship. The artwork is fun, too (there's a lot to take in!) Highly recommended...whatEVER your age!
November 29, 2023
Mole is anxious about attending a party Rabbit has invited him to, worrying and worrying until the moment to step through the door arrives. There he and another guest, Skunk, prevaricate until Rabbit opens the door. They both deposit their gifts and decide to leave. Rabbit is understanding and nonjudgmental, hoping that the two will eventually become friends. A good choice for a worrier, or anyone who might need to empathize with a worrier.
January 2, 2024
I read some more books listed by someone as the best illustrated books of the year. This was the best of my second round of kids books.
The artwork is simple and fun to follow as it follows the main character Mole tunneling his way to a party he is really reluctant to attend. He passes other critters and landmarks, both under and above ground, as he travels. The ending is clever and nice and reassuring.
The artwork is simple and fun to follow as it follows the main character Mole tunneling his way to a party he is really reluctant to attend. He passes other critters and landmarks, both under and above ground, as he travels. The ending is clever and nice and reassuring.
April 4, 2024
What a delightful way to address the topic of social anxiety! Let Mole deliberate all the apprehensions on the long journey to Rabbit’s house, demonstrating the heroic effort it takes for shy ones not only to show up but also maintain firm yet resilient boundaries by speaking up. Mole finds a way to be true to self and remain friends, receiving a surprise gift in return. Adorable illustrations of Mole and the menagerie of critters show how the quiet way is the best way for some of us.
July 27, 2023
5 stars
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publisher
Mole is timid but when rabbit invites him to a party, he sets out determinedly, despite many reservations. Just as he arrives and pokes his head up, he meets another shy party goer, skunk. Both have a lot in common; maybe that's why rabbit invited them.
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publisher
Mole is timid but when rabbit invites him to a party, he sets out determinedly, despite many reservations. Just as he arrives and pokes his head up, he meets another shy party goer, skunk. Both have a lot in common; maybe that's why rabbit invited them.
March 20, 2024
A very interesting read and I can't think of any off hand that are similar.
Mole has second thoughts as he makes his way through tunnels to rabbit's party. He has pretty much talked himself out of it when he meets skunk outside of rabbit's house. Rabbit invites them in, but they politely decline. They head off to skunk's burrow for tea, while rabbit hopes that they become friends.
Mole has second thoughts as he makes his way through tunnels to rabbit's party. He has pretty much talked himself out of it when he meets skunk outside of rabbit's house. Rabbit invites them in, but they politely decline. They head off to skunk's burrow for tea, while rabbit hopes that they become friends.
April 17, 2024
A great choice for a story time for elementary schoolers! I asked them before Mole arrives if they thought he was going to go inside to the party, and they all said a loud YES! So when, Mole and Skunk decide to have a quiet night in they were surprised, but not unhappy. They quickly understood and related to the fact that sometimes its okay to stick to your comfort zone.
May 3, 2024
A picture book about social anxiety?!?! Wow! Perfection.
I'm sure many of us can relate to the conversation Mole has with themself, as they slowly make their way to Rabbit's party. Should I go? Is it too late to turn around and go home? Will it be loud? But maybe I'll have a great time?
Great ending!
I'm sure many of us can relate to the conversation Mole has with themself, as they slowly make their way to Rabbit's party. Should I go? Is it too late to turn around and go home? Will it be loud? But maybe I'll have a great time?
Great ending!
May 18, 2024
As one who experiences social anxiety, I really thought the author did a great job writing the internal dialogue one has within him or herself as they fight back against the anxiety. However, I am a bit disappointed that Mole went all that way and didn't find the courage to remain at the party with Skunk.
June 29, 2023
This book is so wholesome and sweet. It’s a wonderful story about friendship and the art is absolutely beautifully done with heartwarming details you might only catch on your second read. I’m so glad to have gotten the chance to read this beautiful book.
August 1, 2023
Read an ARC
Great illustrations. Loved that the made it clear that Mole is just fine as they are. Not everyone needs to enjoy being at a large function, talking to strangers, or being around anyone for a long time.
I might be Mole.
Great illustrations. Loved that the made it clear that Mole is just fine as they are. Not everyone needs to enjoy being at a large function, talking to strangers, or being around anyone for a long time.
I might be Mole.
September 6, 2023
Mole wants to celebrate Rabbit's birthday, but he's a bit anxious about the party's other guests. This book shows all sorts of forest happenings above and below the tunnels Mole takes on his way to Rabbit's house-- there's a lot to look at in addition to its sweet story!
Read
October 9, 2023This might be one of those books that should have been an early reader. It ends very abruptly, and I think if it had had short chapters in an early reader, it would have made more sense. Otherwise we definitely need a sequel.
October 20, 2023
Mole has a lot of anxiety about attending big parties--but maybe he can spend a quiet moment with a friend where it's less noisy and overwhelming? A nice approach to the complications of being very shy.
November 13, 2023
I was thoroughly impressed! I didn't think this was going to be as good as it was, but alas, it was. I especially liked the ending and how well rabbit understood his friends.
In this book it is also worth looking closely at all the pictures. Very fun stuff throughout.
In this book it is also worth looking closely at all the pictures. Very fun stuff throughout.
December 3, 2023
I loved everything about this adorable, wonderful book. A celebration of friendship, and how hard it can be to socialize if you are shy or introverted. The way that mole's tunnel connects across the pages was enough to win me over. Don't miss this one.
December 29, 2023
Mole is terribly shy and socially anxious, but his friend Rabbit has invited him to a party. So Mole pushes himself out of his comfort zone to at least bring the gift to Rabbit. I had a good giggle at the end when we realize Rabbit’s true intentions!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews