Mr. Mole Moves In

When Mr. Mole moves to Juniper Hollow, a place which doesn’t get many visitors, this new resident stirs excitement and curiosity among the town’s critters. When Mr. Mole meets the locals — including Raccoon, Rabbit and her bunnies, Giraffe, Cat, and Chicken— he makes an odd impression during each interaction with his new neighbors. He’s polite and courteous, but, instead of shaking Raccoon’s hand, he shakes the branches of a tree; he bows to a fence post and mistakes a watermelon for a baby. The residents, intrigued, wonder how things are done in Mole Town. It isn’t until the critters of Juniper Hollow gather to welcome Mr. Mole to the town that the littlest bunny gives Mr. Mole the best welcome gift, her extra pair of glasses.

Lesley-Anne Green achieves a lot in this seemingly simple story for young children. In Mr. Moles Moves In, a wonderfully engaging storybook, an outsider and his strange manners and odd gifts pique interest in his new neighbors who find his differences odd but charming and welcome him to Juniper Hollow with open arms and a new pair of glasses.

This story about inclusion, tolerance, and kindness is elevated by Green’s textile illustrations. The soft warm tones of the textiles complement the story in Mr. Moles Moves In; they reflect the warmth of the characters Mr. Mole encounters in his new town. The miniature textile art is incredible; the level of detail in the critters’ clothing, the supplies at the General Store, the felt trees, the miniature buildings, and Mr. Mole’s home will fascinate young readers and keep them engaged long after the words on the page have been read.

While the story is conveyed successfully in words alone, the visual elements —the textile illustrations, the colours, the composition— featuring little animals made of wool, thread, pipe cleaners, and fabric, offer additional insight into Mr. Mole’s curious behaviour, enhancing the story and distinguishing this book from other storybooks. The textural effects provide a sense of reality, fully creating the fictional world of Juniper Hollow.

This charming story is ideal for young readers aged 3-6 as it consists of a longer narrative and introduces readers to more sophisticated concepts and vocabulary. Mr. Moles Moves In will captivate young children, engaging them on many levels, from the story, the illustrations, and the textile art, itself.