The Mole and the Hole

The rocks on the surface are determined to keep Mole underground, in his “dark and lonely” hole. “I don’t know what their problem is,” Mole says innocently; “When I could go out, all I did was mind my own business.” But readers can see that Mole is actually a thoughtless boor of the worst kind. He steals ants and calls it playing with “friends,” perches on frowning rocks to sunbathe, and blithely poops from a tree branch onto the unhappy rocks below. Kowalczuk, a Disney character artist making his book debut, immerses readers in a strikingly imagined landscape, the digital artwork rendered in strong graphic lines, earthy hues, and nuanced textures. But given his day job, it should come as little surprise that character carries the story, and not just the inconsiderate Mole; rocks aren’t normally the stuff of vivid personalities, but a spread of a glaring rocky outcropping sternly barring Mole’s above-ground access proves a deeply funny opening scene. Mole does finally get a comeuppance when the rocks chase him away, but he proves equally incorrigible in his new digs—an ending that offers readers an opportunity to indulge in a knowing and deeply satisfying eye roll. Ages 3–6. [em](May) [/em]