Murdoch Mole's Big Idea

Georgie Adams and Chris Fisher’s 1995 picture book, Murdoch Mole’s Big Idea has been republished as an Early Reader title in Orion’s blue band ‘perfect for reading and sharing together’ alongside titles including Twit by Steve Cole and A Lion in the Meadow by Margaret Mahy. It is a simple, pleasing story which fits the early reader format very well. The clear text is on a white background, separate from the bright, cheery illustrations, making reading straightforward.  ‘The oak tree, which had stood for over two hundred years, blew down on Monday morning’ begins the story, launching us straight into an animal world where cheeky Bert the cat convinces Murdoch Mole he is responsible for felling enormous trees and building gigantic mole hills. When Murdoch discovers that he has caused none of these things himself, he is crestfallen. ‘Murdoch felt useless. A nobody. A very ordinary mole with silly big ideas.’ But when Murdoch’s other friends convince him that there is something very useful he can do, he learns that putting big ideas into action can lead to a deep satisfaction after all.