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A Friend for Mole
Sometimes a new friend is just what you need to help you conquer your fears.
Mole has a comfortable and safe life in his burrow deep below ground. One day he is forced to venture out into the world, where the bright light overwhelms and intimidates him. Soon he is lost and frightened.
Night falls and just as Mole is feeling secure again, he senses another presence. Wolf is lost—and afraid of the dark. They decide to work together; Mole will keep Wolf company during the dark and Wolf will help Mole find his way home once day comes. As they pass the night together, these two strangers become fast friends and master their respective fears.
These endearing protagonists demonstrate how opposites can complement, strengthen, and support each other in a comforting story that explores fear and friendship.
Mole has a comfortable and safe life in his burrow deep below ground. One day he is forced to venture out into the world, where the bright light overwhelms and intimidates him. Soon he is lost and frightened.
Night falls and just as Mole is feeling secure again, he senses another presence. Wolf is lost—and afraid of the dark. They decide to work together; Mole will keep Wolf company during the dark and Wolf will help Mole find his way home once day comes. As they pass the night together, these two strangers become fast friends and master their respective fears.
These endearing protagonists demonstrate how opposites can complement, strengthen, and support each other in a comforting story that explores fear and friendship.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 6, 2016
Nancy has written and illustrated a wonderful heartwarming book about a mole and a wolf who become friends. I would have bought this book just for the gorgeous artwork, but it is so much more than just her fabulous illustrations. The text and the story of Mole and Wolf's Journey together leaves you happy and wanting another book with these two friends.
March 13, 2016
Beautifully Illustrated Friendship Story with an Interesting Twist
While mole is content in her cozy burrow, curiosity about the world above leads her to venture outside. Once outside, it’s all pretty overwhelming and scary, but ultimately she meets a young wolf who’s also scared and a friendship develops. My kids love the story – they can easily relate to young animals who are scared of new situations. A friendship with an older wolf would certainly be unlikely, but the ability for two such different creatures to bond when they’re young is heartwarming. It’s a nice opportunity to have a discussion about seeing beyond differences in making friendships. We also love the illustrations, which help make the book enjoyable to read over and over. Highly recommended.
While mole is content in her cozy burrow, curiosity about the world above leads her to venture outside. Once outside, it’s all pretty overwhelming and scary, but ultimately she meets a young wolf who’s also scared and a friendship develops. My kids love the story – they can easily relate to young animals who are scared of new situations. A friendship with an older wolf would certainly be unlikely, but the ability for two such different creatures to bond when they’re young is heartwarming. It’s a nice opportunity to have a discussion about seeing beyond differences in making friendships. We also love the illustrations, which help make the book enjoyable to read over and over. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2016
This is a really sweet story. I love how mole becomes friends with perhaps one of the more unlikely creatures above ground, the wolf and a wolf that had been being chased by the other animals too, as I think this show children in a gentle way that you should never judge people on their exterior, only their interior. The illustrations in this are beautiful. Bright and enticing.
March 26, 2016
Absolutely charming (and timely) friendship story!
This is a beautifully illustrated story about finding friends in unexpected places. A young mole ventures out of his burrow for the first time and is overwhelmed by the bright sunshine and the sounds of other animals. Then he meets a young wolf who is also scared, and together they work through their fears. You might think the wolf would just eat the mole but in fact, wolves don’t actually eat moles – especially young wolves. The theme of creatures with such different backgrounds forming a strong friendship really resonates in these crazy times and is, I think, an important lesson for kids. Mine love reading A Friend for Mole over and over. Highly recommended.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about finding friends in unexpected places. A young mole ventures out of his burrow for the first time and is overwhelmed by the bright sunshine and the sounds of other animals. Then he meets a young wolf who is also scared, and together they work through their fears. You might think the wolf would just eat the mole but in fact, wolves don’t actually eat moles – especially young wolves. The theme of creatures with such different backgrounds forming a strong friendship really resonates in these crazy times and is, I think, an important lesson for kids. Mine love reading A Friend for Mole over and over. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2016
Charming Story About Fears and Friendships
A young mole ventures out of his burrow and is immediately overwhelmed by bright sun and strange noises. It’s pretty scary, but then he meets a young wolf who’s also scared. The theme of overcoming fears through friendship comes through loud and clear. I appreciate the insight that that a wolf pup would not be interested in eating a mole – a point that my niece (4) seems to easily understand (and that some adult reviewers evidently can’t!) We’ve read the book several times and it holds her interest, even though we know how the story ends. Highly recommended.
A young mole ventures out of his burrow and is immediately overwhelmed by bright sun and strange noises. It’s pretty scary, but then he meets a young wolf who’s also scared. The theme of overcoming fears through friendship comes through loud and clear. I appreciate the insight that that a wolf pup would not be interested in eating a mole – a point that my niece (4) seems to easily understand (and that some adult reviewers evidently can’t!) We’ve read the book several times and it holds her interest, even though we know how the story ends. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2016
A Heartwarming Story About Overcoming Fears and the Power of Friendship.
My grandchildren (ages 3 and 4) love this book. They find mole and wolf appealing and funny, and the theme of overcoming fears through friendship comes through loud and clear. I appreciate the insight that that a wolf pup would not be interested in eating a mole – a point that my grandchildren can easily understand (and that some adult reviewers evidently can’t!) We’ve read the book several times and it holds their interest, even though they know how the story ends. Highly recommended.
My grandchildren (ages 3 and 4) love this book. They find mole and wolf appealing and funny, and the theme of overcoming fears through friendship comes through loud and clear. I appreciate the insight that that a wolf pup would not be interested in eating a mole – a point that my grandchildren can easily understand (and that some adult reviewers evidently can’t!) We’ve read the book several times and it holds their interest, even though they know how the story ends. Highly recommended.
September 1, 2016
This is my new favorite picture book. I love the illustrations and the sweet way it makes the point. It's wonderful!
November 9, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
I loved this adorable book! A must have for any library, A Friend for Mole is sure to be a new children's classic. The illustrations are lovely as is this story of friends helping one another. I could definitely see using this in my small groups and guidance to talk about friendship as well as diversity. I really enjoyed Nancy Armo's way of showing how each creature was able to use their own unique traits to benefit the other. This could lead to some wonderful teaching moments for educators to inform students about each of these animals. I think my students would know what a wolf was but most have probably never heard of a mole so that could be something new to learn. I also appreciated the messages of trying something new and overcoming fears which were embedded in this story. Simply delightful!
I loved this adorable book! A must have for any library, A Friend for Mole is sure to be a new children's classic. The illustrations are lovely as is this story of friends helping one another. I could definitely see using this in my small groups and guidance to talk about friendship as well as diversity. I really enjoyed Nancy Armo's way of showing how each creature was able to use their own unique traits to benefit the other. This could lead to some wonderful teaching moments for educators to inform students about each of these animals. I think my students would know what a wolf was but most have probably never heard of a mole so that could be something new to learn. I also appreciated the messages of trying something new and overcoming fears which were embedded in this story. Simply delightful!
March 24, 2016
Destined to be a classic tale of friendship and overcoming fears.
This wonderfully illustrated book tells a simple but effective story that will encourage children to overcome nighttime fears, especially with the help of others. I hope this unlikely friendship of Mole and Wolf continues to flourish in future adventures!
This wonderfully illustrated book tells a simple but effective story that will encourage children to overcome nighttime fears, especially with the help of others. I hope this unlikely friendship of Mole and Wolf continues to flourish in future adventures!
March 24, 2016
A wonderful story of friendship and overcoming fears, with lovely illustrations. Bravo Nancy Armo!
March 29, 2016
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program in the hopes that I would leave an honest review.
This is a cute little story about two animals that learn to help each other in spite of their differences. I had my 7 year old son read this book to me the day it arrived. He's a weak reader at the moment, but only stumbled over a few words; surprisingly overwhelming wasn't one of them.
The illustrations were clear and reasonably realistic. Simple so as not to be too distracting, but still appealing.
My 7 year olds assessment is that it's a good book and he liked all of it. (One of these days I'm going to get him to be more verbose in his book reviews.)
Overall I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed on Just Another Girl and Her Books blog
http://www.justanothergirlandherbooks...
This is a cute little story about two animals that learn to help each other in spite of their differences. I had my 7 year old son read this book to me the day it arrived. He's a weak reader at the moment, but only stumbled over a few words; surprisingly overwhelming wasn't one of them.
The illustrations were clear and reasonably realistic. Simple so as not to be too distracting, but still appealing.
My 7 year olds assessment is that it's a good book and he liked all of it. (One of these days I'm going to get him to be more verbose in his book reviews.)
Overall I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed on Just Another Girl and Her Books blog
http://www.justanothergirlandherbooks...
December 31, 2018
I think this book is a lovely tale of friendship. I enjoyed the story and I liked the twist that mole and wolf are from completely different worlds but manage to find common ground and conquer their fears by working together. I think the story works well on several different levels and shows children that we all have things we are afraid of and working together can be the best way to solve a problem.
The illustrations are beautiful and vibrant. They compliment the story very well and make all the animals in the tale very endearing.
The illustrations are beautiful and vibrant. They compliment the story very well and make all the animals in the tale very endearing.
November 11, 2015
This was a charming little book about friendship and facing fears. Mole and Wolf both get lost - and while one is afraid of the light, the other is afraid of the dark. They become fast friends while they distract each other from their fears with play, and then help each other find their homes again come morning. It would be a great book for preschoolers to learn that you can always face fears with friends nearby, and that everyone has different strengths when it comes to helping solve problems.
My only issue with this was that I found it unrealistic that a wolf and a mole would become friends - more like the mole should become dinner. But I'm sure the intended audience would be too young to pick up on that.
I did really enjoy the illustrations - Mole and Wolf were charming and childlike and very lovable.
My only issue with this was that I found it unrealistic that a wolf and a mole would become friends - more like the mole should become dinner. But I'm sure the intended audience would be too young to pick up on that.
I did really enjoy the illustrations - Mole and Wolf were charming and childlike and very lovable.
March 29, 2016
I'm a Librarian at an Elementary school in Arizona, so I get every grade coming in for lessons. I decided to read this to the Kindergartners. They loved it. They thought the artwork was adorable and the story of the mole who was afraid of the light was funny. The SLLD Kindergarten class loved it so much they wanted me to read it again. I'm pretty sure this is a winner and is going to be requested a lot more in the future. I think what makes this so accessible is the cute artwork, the small simple words and the story of being afraid and conquering your fear. All of us have been afraid, and so all of us can relate to this story, and I think that helps the kids latch on to the story.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
A Heartwarming Story of Fears and Friendship
Mole is happy in his comfy burrow. Then one day he ventures outside but the bright sun and loud noises (compared with his burrow) are too much. He panics and runs, finally ending up under a bush where it's dark and quiet. He goes to sleep, but then when he wakes up, he realizes someone else is there. The events that unfold are surprising and fun.
My kids love the story and the illustrations and don't seem to tire of it after multiple readings. Highly recommended.
Mole is happy in his comfy burrow. Then one day he ventures outside but the bright sun and loud noises (compared with his burrow) are too much. He panics and runs, finally ending up under a bush where it's dark and quiet. He goes to sleep, but then when he wakes up, he realizes someone else is there. The events that unfold are surprising and fun.
My kids love the story and the illustrations and don't seem to tire of it after multiple readings. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2016
Adorable story of the unlikely friendship between Mole, who gets lost in the bright light of day, and Wolf, who is afraid of the dark. Each has something to offer the other... Whether it's the feeling of safety in the dark or help when you're lost.
Great illustrations enhance this story. I'd happily count Mole and Wolf among my "friends" and will share this story many times with my own little ones.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Great illustrations enhance this story. I'd happily count Mole and Wolf among my "friends" and will share this story many times with my own little ones.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2016
Absolutely in love with this story and the pictures!
September 27, 2016
What a cute book, great illustrations, and a unique friendship!
March 21, 2018
This book is about a Mole and a Wolf, who some how have encounter because they are lost. Mole can’t see in the day time and Wolf cannot see in the night. They are scared but they have each other, so they are not as scared as they would be without each other’s.
I like this book because it shows that different animals can get along with different animals. So this will allow kids to play with other kids no matter the race.
I will teach the students that fear isn’t real and the best way to go through something is with your friend, not by yourself.
I like this book because it shows that different animals can get along with different animals. So this will allow kids to play with other kids no matter the race.
I will teach the students that fear isn’t real and the best way to go through something is with your friend, not by yourself.
January 29, 2019
This book is about a mole laying in a burrow. He then hears a ruckus above the ground. He goes out to see what it is. He meets a lost wolf who is scared. The wolf is scared of the dark and the mole ends up staying with him through the night until the sun rose again. To let time pass, they came up with games to play. Once the sun rose, they parted ways and asked if they could play again.
I like this book because of the story behind it. It shows that it is okay to be scared to be by yourself and ask others to help you. And that it is okay to make friends that are not like you.
I would definitely use this book to teach about differences and our fears.
I like this book because of the story behind it. It shows that it is okay to be scared to be by yourself and ask others to help you. And that it is okay to make friends that are not like you.
I would definitely use this book to teach about differences and our fears.
February 27, 2018
Mole, a rather shy and reserved guy, liked to stay underground in his burrow-that is until the shouting, laughter, and ground shaking began to happen above him. Mole finds the nerve to adventure out of his burrow, to simply see what was going on. Blinded by the light, Mole wanders far from his home, how will he make it back?
I LOVE this book. Love the theme of friendship obviously present, showing that you have different gifts than your friend, but if you stick together, you both can benefit and have fun along the way.
I would definitely read this in my classroom, around the beginning of the school year when the kids aren't quite familiarized with each other.
I LOVE this book. Love the theme of friendship obviously present, showing that you have different gifts than your friend, but if you stick together, you both can benefit and have fun along the way.
I would definitely read this in my classroom, around the beginning of the school year when the kids aren't quite familiarized with each other.
March 1, 2016
Originally posted on You Have Your Hands Full
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My daughters love reading books. We almost always order something from the Scholastic flier at school each month, and we all have piles of books from the library and overflowing bookshelves. They read themselves to sleep each night. I appreciate the opportunity to read new books via Netgalley, and I was very excited about this book.
A Friend for Mole is a picture book by Nancy Armo. The story begins with a little mole getting a little too curious and venturing aboveground and away from the safety of his dark burrow. The bright sunlight hurts his eyes, but he manages to stumble into a bush. At nighttime, he finds himself lost and unable to find his way home. Mole meets a little wolf, who is lost and afraid of the dark. Can these two unlikely friends help each other or are they just too different?
The illustrations are darling. I love Armo’s style. The animals are rendered in a very gentle manner, and she makes wonderful use of sunshine and darkness. I loved the way that she showed Mole and Wolf being gentle and kind with each other through small gestures and facial expressions.
This was a wonderful story. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. I loved the emphasis on kindness and finding common ground. Even though Mole was frightened, he still listened to what Wolf had to say. They found ways to help each other, and they found that they had more in common than they thought they did.
I would absolutely recommend A Friend For Mole. This story will appeal to preschoolers, as well as children in the early years of elementary school. My daughters loved this book, and they found it easy to relate to Mole and Wolf because they have similar fears. Nancy Armo has a delightful style of storytelling, and I am looking forward to reading more books from her.
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My daughters love reading books. We almost always order something from the Scholastic flier at school each month, and we all have piles of books from the library and overflowing bookshelves. They read themselves to sleep each night. I appreciate the opportunity to read new books via Netgalley, and I was very excited about this book.
A Friend for Mole is a picture book by Nancy Armo. The story begins with a little mole getting a little too curious and venturing aboveground and away from the safety of his dark burrow. The bright sunlight hurts his eyes, but he manages to stumble into a bush. At nighttime, he finds himself lost and unable to find his way home. Mole meets a little wolf, who is lost and afraid of the dark. Can these two unlikely friends help each other or are they just too different?
The illustrations are darling. I love Armo’s style. The animals are rendered in a very gentle manner, and she makes wonderful use of sunshine and darkness. I loved the way that she showed Mole and Wolf being gentle and kind with each other through small gestures and facial expressions.
This was a wonderful story. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. I loved the emphasis on kindness and finding common ground. Even though Mole was frightened, he still listened to what Wolf had to say. They found ways to help each other, and they found that they had more in common than they thought they did.
I would absolutely recommend A Friend For Mole. This story will appeal to preschoolers, as well as children in the early years of elementary school. My daughters loved this book, and they found it easy to relate to Mole and Wolf because they have similar fears. Nancy Armo has a delightful style of storytelling, and I am looking forward to reading more books from her.
November 11, 2015
A Cheerful and Upbeat Tale About Friendship and Small Fears
SPOILERS: Mole is drawn out of his comfy, dark burrow one day. Confused and a bit frightened by bright daylight he gets disoriented and takes cover in some underbrush, where he meets a young Wolf, who is also lost. Wolf helps Mole with his fear of being lost. As night falls, Mole feels better but young Wolf starts to get a bit frightened. Mole helps out Wolf. The next day they help each other find their respective homes, and plan to play together soon.
Nice, mellow story with all positive and upbeat messages. A bit of adventure and a very friendly feel. The drawings of Mole and of the young Wolf are appealing and expressive. Both seem engaging and little reader friendly. The story is enhanced and complemented by the high-energy pastels and gentle watercolors.
This is a lowkey book with a nice comfy bedtime vibe, but it actually touches on a lot of bases on the way to the happy ending. I liked and admired it.
Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
SPOILERS: Mole is drawn out of his comfy, dark burrow one day. Confused and a bit frightened by bright daylight he gets disoriented and takes cover in some underbrush, where he meets a young Wolf, who is also lost. Wolf helps Mole with his fear of being lost. As night falls, Mole feels better but young Wolf starts to get a bit frightened. Mole helps out Wolf. The next day they help each other find their respective homes, and plan to play together soon.
Nice, mellow story with all positive and upbeat messages. A bit of adventure and a very friendly feel. The drawings of Mole and of the young Wolf are appealing and expressive. Both seem engaging and little reader friendly. The story is enhanced and complemented by the high-energy pastels and gentle watercolors.
This is a lowkey book with a nice comfy bedtime vibe, but it actually touches on a lot of bases on the way to the happy ending. I liked and admired it.
Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
December 16, 2015
Mole is happy living in his burrow, but one day he gets curious about what's going on above. He can hear laughter and decides to take a look. Immediately he gets lost blinded by the bright light of the outside. Poor Mole trips over a tree's root and ends into a bush. Relieved in the shadow and very tired because of the whole experience, he falls sleep. It's night when he wakes up. In the dark he finds Wolf, who is hiding. While Mole is glad that it's night, Wolf finds darkness frightening.
Both of them are eager to help each other. Mole decides to stay with Wolf while is dark, and Wolf helps Mole to find his burrow in the morning. Mole and Wolf become great friends.
The story is absolutely sweet. Mole and Wolf learn that they are not the only ones afraid of something, and that they can help and be helped. The illustrations are so beautiful! Every single animal looks so cute. I'm glad this I crossed paths with this author.
Age range: 3 to 6 years old
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!
Both of them are eager to help each other. Mole decides to stay with Wolf while is dark, and Wolf helps Mole to find his burrow in the morning. Mole and Wolf become great friends.
The story is absolutely sweet. Mole and Wolf learn that they are not the only ones afraid of something, and that they can help and be helped. The illustrations are so beautiful! Every single animal looks so cute. I'm glad this I crossed paths with this author.
Age range: 3 to 6 years old
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!
February 3, 2017
This is a charming book about conquering fears with the help of friends. Though they are different - mole is afraid of daylight and wolf afraid of nighttime - these two unlikely animals make friends and ultimately work together to find their way home. Their ability to find common ground in their differences and figure out how to help each other makes for a wonderful story, for all ages.
Nancy also shows how friends stick together when things get scary. The fun games that Mole and Wolf invent, imaginary hunts, pretend stomping, and scary imaginary beasts will appeal to children and likely spur other ideas for "conquering" night time fears.
The illustrations are tender and sweet and the story begs to be read again and again.
Nancy also shows how friends stick together when things get scary. The fun games that Mole and Wolf invent, imaginary hunts, pretend stomping, and scary imaginary beasts will appeal to children and likely spur other ideas for "conquering" night time fears.
The illustrations are tender and sweet and the story begs to be read again and again.
May 17, 2016
A lesser version of NIGHT ANIMALS by Gianna Marino
October 24, 2016
An excellent story about friendship, would read in ST.
January 10, 2017
I just read this to my five and seven year old. They both gave it 5 stars. It is cute story with charming illustrations. I can't wait to read it to my students.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews