Summer Is Here: A Bear and Mole Story

Bear and Mole

by Will Hillenbrand

Swish. Swish. Swish… Thwack! Bear and Mole are stepping up to the plate for summer baseball season—but what happens when Mole struggles to hit the ball? Now in board book!

Finally, summer is here! Baseball-loving Mole suits up and hustles to the baseball diamond for a game with his best friend Bear. Mole is ready to play, and he’s swinging for the fences! Swish. Swish. Swish. It’s a swing and… a miss?

Mole measures, wishes, grits his teeth, and swings—still, it’s like he can’t even see the plate! But with the gentle support of his friend Bear, lots of patience, and a new pair of glasses, Mole is ready to play all summer long.

Full of simple sound-words and lots of repetition, Spring is Here is ideal to share with toddlers. This new board book format is small and durable, perfect for the adventurous toddler who loves playing ball.

Genres: Picture Books, Baseball, Summer, Sports, Animals, Friendship, Childrens

30 pages, Board Book

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

Will Hillenbrand is an American children's book author and illustrator who has worked on over seventy books for young people. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was influenced by the stories he heard in his father's barbershop growing up. After taking a class in picture-book art while in art school, he decided to pursue a career in children's literature, combining his love of storytelling with his love of illustration. He lives in Terrace Park, Ohio with his wife, Jane, and their son, Ian.

Reviews

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

short sentences that are good for young readers. not much of a story - mole plays baseball and needs glasses.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2025/08/04... AND PLEASE FOLLOW ME, THANK YOU!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Mole wants to play baseball despite Ump saying he would never hit the ball. Bear kept saying Mole could do it.

After missing several times, Ump gives Mole a suggestion, and suddenly everything changes for the better.

This is a great story that teaches you not to give up. Sometimes it just takes changing one thing, and you can get what you want. Also, don’t get discouraged by someone saying you can’t do it, the way Ump did.

This is a fun, and very encouraging book that says, “yes, you can!”. Children aged four to eight-years-old will enjoy this book.

Thanks to Candlewick Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer and baseball just seem to go hand in hand, even for Bear and Mole. Mole is excited to be at the plate with his bat, ready to hit the ball while Bear offers encouragement, suggestions, and tells him that he's a natural at this. After a couple of swings, misses, and adjustments, he finally hits the ball far and hard, thanks to some glasses offered to him by the umpire. But Mole has no idea which direction to run, meaning that he heads to third base, second, and first before sliding home. Still, according to Bear, he is a natural. That might not be quite true, but what is true is that this story will naturally make readers smile even as they appreciate the supportive nature of this friendship and the attractive digital artwork, created with graphite and charcoal pencil, watercolor, gouache, and collage. Ah, baseball--America's--and Mole's--pastime.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Is Here: A Bear And Mole Story is an adorable, engaging, expressive, and wonderful story! This duo is so cute and I love how Bear encourages Mole throughout the book. The love of summer, baseball, and spending time with friends is apparent. Mole's determination to keep trying is admirable. I love the expressiveness this book is written with.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love bear and mole and i love this story even though the ump started out kinda an asshole? hitting a ball off a tee is hard, mole. but you did it! some of my story time kids are just starting to play teeball so i think they'll love this one.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a less than pleasant week, I definitely needed a smile brought to my face. This title by one of my favorite author’s illustrator’s did it. Subject is t-ball that beginning level of baseball for preschoolers.
It brought back precious memories of watching young children enjoy themselves. And just like every t-ball game ever played there occurs a “mistake”.
Great summertime story that parents and grandparents will enjoy.
Big beautiful illustrations.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun filled summer day, and Bear and Mole spend it in the park on the baseball field honing their Tee-Ball skills.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about a mole and a bear who enjoy playing baseball!

Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 92