Mole and Shrew Have Jobs To Do

Mole and Shrew #3

by Jackie French Koller

In this third title about Mole and Shrew, the fabulous friends find themselves a little short of cash. At Shrew's suggestion, the two head into the working world with hysterical results. Mole manages to thwart their attempts at everything from hanging wallpaper ("Where are the hooks?" asks Mole) to waiting on tables ("Why would you want to wait on a table? A chair would be more comfortable.").

Genres: Chapter Books, Childrens

80 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Jackie French Koller (born 1948) is an American author of picture books, chapter books, and novels for children and young adults. She lives and writes in western Massachusetts.

Koller is also an accomplished painter. Her interest in art inspired her to open The Little Black Dog Gallery in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Koller's young-adult novel If I Had One Wish was adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie under the title You Wish!.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great fun. My boys laughed and laughed. Mole takes things literally, like Amelia Bedelia.

[Rani H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe kids find this "Moris & Boris" humor funny, but I don't. I am surrounded by people who share Mole's literalist humor--enough not to want to read it as well. I did find the themes of books and flowers charming enough to save the book from complete tedium.

[Olivia Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, fun book that would be great for young kids to read. It also teaches how important and fun teamwork can be.

[Joey Peacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, funny, funny! Great read aloud for little boys.

[Cognatious Thunk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the Amelia Bedelia series, where everyone gets mad at Amelia for misunderstanding things and only forgive her after eating her delicious cooking, Shrew takes the time to carefully explain to Mole everything he misinterprets. Unless, of course, the animal is rude to Mole. Then, explanations don't matter, and he is simply reassured that it isn't his fault. Such a kinder way to handle linguistic confusion!

[Katt Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I understand completely the lack of money and the need to get more so that one can buy books, I was more irritated than charmed with this story which got a little too...inane. Seriously, if Mole reads THAT much, then why in the world does he know so little about everything? I'd give this one a pass with my kids and find something else.