The Mole and the Mound

Animal houses provide ample opportunity for picture book adventures but The Mole and the Mound has lots to recommend it. Mole is industriously building a shelter underground, lovely cross sections allowing young readers to see just how comfortable and extensive it is. It doesn’t impress his neighbours however; Bird, Beaver and Bee boast that their homes are the best, competing with one another to heap praise on their constructions. But when a storm arrives, and the wind and rain wreak destruction, the three are delighted to accept Mole’s kind invitation to shelter with him, and properly impressed at just what luxury lies beneath the mound. It’s a funny and very satisfying story – we’re definitely on Mole’s side from the start – with a gentle message about kindness and not judging by appearances. Will Hamilton-Davies is a poet and this rhyming text is particularly pleasing to read aloud, with lots of opportunities for young readers to join in. The illustrations too are very appealing, lively depictions of both the natural world and Mole’s cosy home.

Read our Q&A interview with author Will Hamilton-Davies.