What do you think?
The Mole Construction Company: The Squirrel Family's Treehouse
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Read
September 26, 2026See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/the-mole-c...
THE MOLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: THE SQUIRREL FAMILY'S TREEHOUSE is a delightful story of construction fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary school readers. The Squirrel Family's house is leaning, so they go to the Mole Construction Company for help getting it straightened back up. While they are there, they ask for the house to be fixed up as well. The Mole Construction Company is up to the task and work together to get things done - with some surprises they find and fix along the way!
What I loved: This is a great pick for construction-loving young readers. Toddlers through young elementary school aged readers will love seeing how the house is repaired, as well as the issues and problem-solving skills used along the way. The story uses some clever characters and lots of vehicles to make it work! They straighten out the house with many different tools before they begin work on the interior. The problem of all the stored acorns add a bit of humor, which is also solved by a clever storage construction.
The story presents a clear sequence of events with lots of construction-related creativity. The images help to present what is happening with lots of color and detail. The animal characters are lots of fun. Clear font with thoughtful color changes between black and white keep it highly readable and easy to read aloud throughout the book.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the kitchen and food gathering are all related to mother squirrel, leaning into some gender norms. The kitchen really benefits the whole family, even though it is presented as just for her.
Final verdict: THE MOLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: THE SQUIRREL FAMILY'S TREEHOUSE is a fun picture book, great for young construction lovers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
THE MOLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: THE SQUIRREL FAMILY'S TREEHOUSE is a delightful story of construction fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary school readers. The Squirrel Family's house is leaning, so they go to the Mole Construction Company for help getting it straightened back up. While they are there, they ask for the house to be fixed up as well. The Mole Construction Company is up to the task and work together to get things done - with some surprises they find and fix along the way!
What I loved: This is a great pick for construction-loving young readers. Toddlers through young elementary school aged readers will love seeing how the house is repaired, as well as the issues and problem-solving skills used along the way. The story uses some clever characters and lots of vehicles to make it work! They straighten out the house with many different tools before they begin work on the interior. The problem of all the stored acorns add a bit of humor, which is also solved by a clever storage construction.
The story presents a clear sequence of events with lots of construction-related creativity. The images help to present what is happening with lots of color and detail. The animal characters are lots of fun. Clear font with thoughtful color changes between black and white keep it highly readable and easy to read aloud throughout the book.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the kitchen and food gathering are all related to mother squirrel, leaning into some gender norms. The kitchen really benefits the whole family, even though it is presented as just for her.
Final verdict: THE MOLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: THE SQUIRREL FAMILY'S TREEHOUSE is a fun picture book, great for young construction lovers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The squirrel family’s treehouse is leaning precariously to one side, so they hire MCC, the Mole Construction Company. The moles are a cheerful bunch of construction workers – they even have a song: “When heading our for work each day, it’s ‘Safety first’ we always say.” Not only do they straighten up the squirrel family’s tree, but they fix the Squirrels’ bath and kitchen and renovate the kids’ room. When the the Squirrels’ pantry proves insufficient for their vast storage of acorns, the moles even build a nifty storehouse shaped like a giant acorn. The Squirrels couldn’t be happier.
Charming, “bold and lively” artwork, done in acrylic paint in a homey naive style, makes this book a delight, especially for kids who love construction. The vehicles that the moles use – digger, bulldozer, grab loader, crane and dump truck – are profiled on the front end pages, while the rear end pages show a construction report and diagram of the newly renovated treehouse. The moles – Morris, Molly, Max, Mel and Murray (my favorite, wearing a jaunty sweat band on his big boxy head) – work enthusiastically, with frequent snacks, of course, and they’re corralled by the administrative assistant Eartha, an awesome worm lady with strap-on prosthetic arms. Kids who like to know the steps of construction work will love seeing all the vehicles and tools in action. There’s a funny moment when one worker opens the pantry door and there’s “an acorn landslide” which swamps the kitchen. Poor Mother Squirrel is so embarrassed, but MCC solves the problem. This is a warm, cozy book for story time or individual sharing.
I would love to see more from Eartha if there are future installments of The Mole Construction Company!
Charming, “bold and lively” artwork, done in acrylic paint in a homey naive style, makes this book a delight, especially for kids who love construction. The vehicles that the moles use – digger, bulldozer, grab loader, crane and dump truck – are profiled on the front end pages, while the rear end pages show a construction report and diagram of the newly renovated treehouse. The moles – Morris, Molly, Max, Mel and Murray (my favorite, wearing a jaunty sweat band on his big boxy head) – work enthusiastically, with frequent snacks, of course, and they’re corralled by the administrative assistant Eartha, an awesome worm lady with strap-on prosthetic arms. Kids who like to know the steps of construction work will love seeing all the vehicles and tools in action. There’s a funny moment when one worker opens the pantry door and there’s “an acorn landslide” which swamps the kitchen. Poor Mother Squirrel is so embarrassed, but MCC solves the problem. This is a warm, cozy book for story time or individual sharing.
I would love to see more from Eartha if there are future installments of The Mole Construction Company!
October 2, 2026
The Squirrel family's treehouse is beginning to lean precariously, so they go to the Mole Construction Company for help. Luckily, Boss and his crew have everything they need to repair the leaning treehouse and make all the renovations the family has requested for the interior, as well. Of course, the plans do not go completely as expected, but the Mole Construction Company is prepared for anything and ultimately lives up to their promise of restoring the Squirrel's home to order once more.
This optimistic picture book is particularly well suited to young readers who love construction vehicles. The Mole Construction Company employs many diligent and experienced workers who need several pieces of machinery to complete their respective jobs. Each machine has its own name and sound, and readers will relish getting to see each vehicle in action as they mimic the onomatopoeia presented within the book. Written with a preschool-aged audience in mind, the narrative is just the right length, telling a story without being heavily burdened by details. Additionally, the Mole Construction Company’s crew members love to sing as they work, and these song lyrics are embedded within the book, as well. Intricately detailed illustrations showcase the work of the Mole Construction Company, inviting readers to investigate each image closely as the book is being read aloud. The color choices are reminiscent of a forest landscape, which permits readers to suspend their disbelief as they observe otherwise nature-centered characters engaging in human-like activities. From one endpaper to the other, this book is a delight for preschool-aged readers who love construction, and it is a fun addition to library collections for this age group.
This optimistic picture book is particularly well suited to young readers who love construction vehicles. The Mole Construction Company employs many diligent and experienced workers who need several pieces of machinery to complete their respective jobs. Each machine has its own name and sound, and readers will relish getting to see each vehicle in action as they mimic the onomatopoeia presented within the book. Written with a preschool-aged audience in mind, the narrative is just the right length, telling a story without being heavily burdened by details. Additionally, the Mole Construction Company’s crew members love to sing as they work, and these song lyrics are embedded within the book, as well. Intricately detailed illustrations showcase the work of the Mole Construction Company, inviting readers to investigate each image closely as the book is being read aloud. The color choices are reminiscent of a forest landscape, which permits readers to suspend their disbelief as they observe otherwise nature-centered characters engaging in human-like activities. From one endpaper to the other, this book is a delight for preschool-aged readers who love construction, and it is a fun addition to library collections for this age group.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a fun little book perfect for little construction lovers!
From problem solving to onomatopoeia, intermittent song, following numbered steps, and using common materials in new and creative ways, Nagasaki's tale brings entertainment and education together in a fun way for kids and parents alike! I love how the Mole Construction Crew celebrated a job well done but also looked forward to the next task- that's how good employees become essential, build strong morale, and ensure the success of a team! Just like a family, one day of wins is outstanding, but we still have to show up for one another the next day.
I found it fascinating that this book was originally written in Japanese. I don't often think of moles in
Japan, but what a fun extra element to the story- the idea that these moles could be building in
Japan is so fun and whimsical!
Thank you to Publisher Spotlight and NetGalley for this ARC!
From problem solving to onomatopoeia, intermittent song, following numbered steps, and using common materials in new and creative ways, Nagasaki's tale brings entertainment and education together in a fun way for kids and parents alike! I love how the Mole Construction Crew celebrated a job well done but also looked forward to the next task- that's how good employees become essential, build strong morale, and ensure the success of a team! Just like a family, one day of wins is outstanding, but we still have to show up for one another the next day.
I found it fascinating that this book was originally written in Japanese. I don't often think of moles in
Japan, but what a fun extra element to the story- the idea that these moles could be building in
Japan is so fun and whimsical!
Thank you to Publisher Spotlight and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The acrylic illustrations in this picture book are quite attractive with plenty of appeal for young eyes. The content follows a construction company run by moles [!] as they elevate a tree that's leaning too far and ready to topple. Afterward, they repair the house in which a family of squirrels lives. And readers won't believe the improvements they make to the place. They even build a storage area for all the nuts and acorns the squirrels collect during the summer and fall for winter. Youngsters who like knowing how things work and are fascinated by construction or building sites will probably be interested in this one.
October 5, 2026
Thank you, Pub Spotlight and Do Re Mi, for the gifted books! All thoughts and opinions are my own (and kids).
My toddler is obsessed with anything that has wheels. He loves tractors, so he was very excited about it! I loved how vibrant the illustrations are too! The story was also so cute with how they tried to save the tree. I loved how the different construction vehicles explained how they work. I loved how this has songs, creative solutions, and a cute story. If your kid loves vehicles, then I think this would be a hit!
My toddler is obsessed with anything that has wheels. He loves tractors, so he was very excited about it! I loved how vibrant the illustrations are too! The story was also so cute with how they tried to save the tree. I loved how the different construction vehicles explained how they work. I loved how this has songs, creative solutions, and a cute story. If your kid loves vehicles, then I think this would be a hit!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. These thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
When my 3-year-old was asked what he thought of the book, he said "Me like this book."
This was a cute story about a construction company owned by moles and how they helped fix the tree for a family of squirrels. I liked that it told you about each of the construction vehicles used in a kid friendly way. My kid loves excavators so this was a hit.
No language. No spice, obviously.
When my 3-year-old was asked what he thought of the book, he said "Me like this book."
This was a cute story about a construction company owned by moles and how they helped fix the tree for a family of squirrels. I liked that it told you about each of the construction vehicles used in a kid friendly way. My kid loves excavators so this was a hit.
No language. No spice, obviously.
September 23, 2026
Toddlers and preschoolers love a good construction vehicle book! I liked that it described what each vehicle did within the same construction job to show specific tasks that they can do and how each different vehicle is needed. The rhyming jingles and illustrations were adorable! I enjoyed the detail of the fossils in the dirt at the initial construction site, as well as the engaging written sound effects. I hope the Mole Construction Company will do some other construction jobs in the future!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advance copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
My daughter loved this book! She especially loved the squirrel family and the moles fixing the outside of the squirrel house.
My daughter loved this book! She especially loved the squirrel family and the moles fixing the outside of the squirrel house.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews