Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

by Mo Willems

Wilbur is different from the other Naked Mole Rats in his Colony, because he wears clothes (and he likes it!). But what will happen when Grandpah, the oldest, wisest, and most naked Naked Mole Rat ever discovers Wilbur's secret

Funnyman and three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems exposes the naked truth about being yourself and wearing it well.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Fiction, Storytime, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems is best known for his Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale.

In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.

The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."

Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.

Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.

He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library]

In a world where the signs read "No shirt, No Shoes, Service," you'll find naked mole rats. As Mo Willems writes, "1. They are a little bit rat. 2. They are a little bit mole. 3. They are all naked." With that, I was hooked into this Mo Willems classic (2009) about Wilbur, the naked mole rat who likes to get dressed. Kids will love this story, and in the end we all learn the power of "Why not?"

-Diana F.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naked mole rats dress better than I do.

[Intisar Khanani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night I wrote a blog post relating to the spread of bans against wearing burkinis at beaches in France, Italy, and Morocco. It was a personal post, about my love of swimming and what the burkini affords me, and how much I love teaching my kids to swim and playing with them in the water.

Today, my four year old daughter picked this book up at the library. There could not have been a more perfect book for me to read with her. Really. This book should be required reading for anyone parked in the "I don't like burkinis" camp, or even the "I don't like bikinis" camp. Because seriously, I think Grand-Pah was spot-on in his assessment of the situation. What Mo Willems does in this book, with simplicity and humor, is just plain awesome. Anyone over the age of four who has not yet learned how to accept different approaches to living one's life needs to read this book and gain a little perspective. Now.

*Rant done.* Thank you.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mo Willems branches out to write this standalone piece that still entertains his young readers. Wilbur is a naked mole rat with a different; he prefers to wear clothes. While he stands firm, his fellow mole rats chastise him relentlessly. Wilbur asks the simple question, ‘Why not?’ when told that naked mole rats do not wear clothing. This makes its way up the chain of command to the Grand-pah leader. A proclamation is made and the naked mole rat community learns the fate of Wilbur’s decision to go against the grain. Neo loved this little story, particularly because it permitted him to say ‘naked’ in a story repeatedly. A cute piece that has an interesting moral to say the least.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 4, 2009

There's a reason it's on the best-seller list. You got to love those naked mole rats, they know how to have a good time. And, how to wear fun clothes.

***

June 24, 2014

From most any one else I'd give it fives stars, but Willems has delighted me with so many other books, that this one isn't quite as fabulous as...

[Kacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find the strangest things in an elementary school library....I loved this tho XD Mo Willems is a genius!

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, the moment that I saw Mo Willems’ name on this book, I just knew that I had to pick this book up since I have been loving everything that Mo Willems had thrown at me! This particular book that I had just recently picked up is called “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed” and I was quite surprised by the title of this book and I wanted to see how Mo Willems would make this book just as interesting as his other works!

There are three things you should know about naked mole rats:

1. They are a little bit rat.
2. They are a little bit mole.
3. They are all naked.

Well, except for one naked mole rat…WILBUR!

Wilbur was the only naked mole rat who was not…well…naked, as he constantly wears clothes to every occasion he goes to. The other naked mole rats were not pleased by Wilbur’s strange notions about wearing clothes and they tried to persuade Wilbur to not wear clothes. But Wilbur refuses to take off his clothes and the other naked mole rats ended up telling the Grand-pah, the oldest, greatest and most naked mole rat, about Wilbur constantly wearing clothing.

What will the Grand-pah say about Wilbur’s strange notions in wearing clothing?

Read this book to find out!

Well, what did I tell you? Mo Willems has never failed to amaze me with his creative and hilarious writing and this book is no different! I loved the way that Mo Willems addressed the issue of peer-pressure to the readers by having Wilbur dealing with peer-pressure as the other naked mole rats keep on telling him that it is appalling wearing clothes and that he should be like everyone else and remain naked. I also loved the way that Wilbur is portrayed as being strong willed and wanting to keep wearing his clothes, despite what the other naked mole rats say about him as it shows the readers that you should be yourself no matter what other people say about your hobbies or appearance. I thought it was creative and interesting that Mo Willems used naked mole rats as characters and used their titles to describe about the pressure of not wearing clothes since naked mole rats are supposed to be “naked” and it sends an interesting message about being yourself despite how different your notions may be compared to everyone else’s. Mo Willems’ artwork is as usual creative and fun to look at as the naked mole rats are shown as pink creatures with whale shaped heads and chubby little stomachs that make them look extremely cute! I also loved seeing the images of Wilbur putting on clothes as it makes him stand out from the other naked mole rats and I also loved the styles that he has chosen for himself!



Overall, “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed” is a truly inspiring and cute book about not giving in to peer-pressure and being yourself no matter what anyone else thinks about you! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[midnightfaerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story by one of our favorite children's authors, Mo Willems. Showing off some great illustrations with the naked moles and the different outfits, it's about a naked mole rat who likes to wear clothes and is considered silly because of it. A great lesson in respecting people (or naked mole rats) with differing opinions, this one will be sure to delight those that hate getting dressed. My 5 yr old was tickled by this story, and my twin 3 yr olds, could give or take it. They weren't quite as engaged as some of the other stories we've read. Still, a fun read!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mo Willems' books always make me grin...and be thoughtful. What a splendid combination! I've had my name on the library holds list for this for weeks now and was quite thrilled when it came my turn to read it. Perhaps all that anticipation meant that it couldn't QUITE live up to my expectations, but I still really enjoyed the story. It's a bit heavy on the "moral" -- not to a frustrating or didactic extent, but it's just rather obvious. That said, it's of course a great message (be yourself, no matter what others may say--"WHY NOT?") and the fact that it is told with naked mole rats is just too hysterical for words! You've got to see the illustrations! (That said, maybe it's not for everyone--my husband saw the book sitting out and thought it looked creepy!) I think a lot of the fun was in not really knowing in advance what the story would be about, so I'll keep the mystery in tact for you...

[Robyn Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is charming and hysterical. The premise: A naked mole rat defies societal norms by choosing to express himself through clothing. While the concept scandalizes his peers at first, soon the community comes to realize that there is no wrong way for a naked mole rat to dress (or not dress). As always, Willems writes with an economy of words that nonetheless has me laughing out loud. The colorful illustrations contribute to the general message: it takes all kinds and all colors to make a truly vibrant world.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny reversal. One naked mole rat dared asked "Why not?". Favorite line "Grandpa was the most regal, the most heroic, the most...naked." Hmmm...degrees of nakedness. This book brings up a philosophical issue. A flippant "why not?" (throw out the things that are good/worthy/right/deserving of our best efforts) gives us moral relativism. A sincere "Why not?" within the Tao (as C. S. Lewis says in Abolition of Man) can change everything for the better.

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

No wonder people love this author so much! This is funny and entertaining and contains the word "sarcastic," which is an important term for small children to learn. It also has a comforting message about nonconformity. I think my favorite part was the little sign on the endpaper that said "No Shirt, No Shoes, Service."

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about being okay with being different, and that you shouldn't judge something until you try it. My only problem is that its too long to read at most story times.

[Shannon]

So cute. Mo Willems never disappoints.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't call it essential Mo Willems, but it's a fun and silly story that encourages kids to be different, and nakedly ask the question "why not"?

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willems newest is a satisfying and funny picture book, just what we have come to expect from him. Wilbur is a naked mole rat who prefers to wear clothes, something unheard of in the mole rat society. Wilbur doesn't understand why there is anything wrong with clothes, so the other mole rats go to complain to Grand-pah who was very wise. He thought for some time and then decides to make a proclamation. Wilbur heads to the proclamation wearing only blue socks, knowing that it is very important and not wanting to overstep in the fashion arena. You will have to read the book to find out what Grand-pah said!

Willems' text and illustrations are entirely typical of his charming, disarming, funny and clever style. He has smart asides to the audience, illustrations that will work with a group, and of course the thrill of the NAKED mole rats. Lovely stuff that is sure to be a hit with the preschool crowd.

[Debrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are three useful things to know about naked mole rats:

1. They are a little bit rat.
2. They are a little bit mole.
3. They are all naked.

Except... for Wilbur.
Wilbur is the naked mole rat exception. In fact, you could say that Wilbur is a little bit weird.
You know what is so weird about Wilbur?
He likes to get dressed.
Imagine! A naked mole rat... who isn't naked!
None of the other naked mole rats can understand it. You don't see them running around wearing clothes, now do you? So what's up with Wilbur?
They don't get it, so they don't like it. And they are about to take their complaints about Wilbur to the oldest, greatest and most naked naked mole rat of all: Grand-pah.
And Grand-pah will make an important proclamation.

Oh no! What will Grand-pah say about naked mole rats who wear clothes?
What should Wilbur do?
And most important of all - what will he wear?

Find out in Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, by Mo Willems.

[Crystal Bandel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems, published 2009.

Fiction.

Picture book.

Pre-K to grade 2.

Found via Kirkus Reviews, reviewer not identified.

Naked mole rats are supposed to always be naked, but Wilbur's a mole rat who likes to get dressed. The other naked mole rats make fun of Wilbus and try to change his mind, but Wilbur resists, and eventually it's up to the great Grand-pah naked mole rat to make a decision about clothes. This book is a fun and humorous take on the it's-okay-to-be-different genre, which makes the message entertaining despite being cliche. The anonymous reviewer notes that "[t]here are some similarities to the Pigeon format (including the trademark temper tantrum, for instance), but otherwise this is a story that stands firmly on its two bare feet." This book should appeal to all readers, but parents should be warned that there is (of course) animal nudity.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another one I read aloud with my young nephew while he was here over the summer. Too fun! My nephew loved the simple illustrations - who wouldn't love pages full of naked mole rats? Where does Mo Willems get his odd ideas that always turn out to be brilliant? I love that Wilbur, the naked mole rat who likes to get dressed, asks the question, "Why not?" This would be a great story to use in a lesson on peer pressure. It could also work well to generate discussions about how we treat people who are different from us. It's also just a fun one to read!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute illustrations and a mole rat with a flair for individualism make this book very funny as well as a good example for children. You do not always have to follow the crowd; if you have a great idea that is different from what everyone else is doing, you never know...you might start a new trend yourself. Our girls like this book a lot (actually, they pretty much like everything Mo Willems writes) and we read it again at the library.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book’s rodent star is tired of being a naked mole rat—he loves to put on his duds and go out on the town! The other naked mole rats are shocked and scandalized, and they go to the wise old leader of the colony to settle the matter once and for all. Surprise—he concludes that wearing clothes, if you like to, can be A-OK, and even he likes dressing up at times too. A humorous twist on the theme of nonconformity and acceptance.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun story by Mo Willems about a naked mole rat, Wilbur, who enjoys wearing clothing. This enrages this other naked mole rats who insist on having Grand-Pah sort things out. When they tell Grand-pah about Wilbur's effrontery to ask "why not?" when it comes to clothing, this gives Grand-pah a pause. Indeed, why not? And after a proclamation by Grand-pah, the naked mole rats are free to wear or not to wear clothes to their heart's content.

Groovy illustrations.

[Dominique Liongson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great twist with this story. We heard of people who were shamed because they are naked. Here we have a naked animal that was shamed - because he wears clothes! Silly to see other mole rats say he's disgusting to wear garments. Read this book to see the point the author tried to make with this fun story.

[Michelle (driftingsong) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's simple, it's clever, it's fun, it's cute and it's something adults can enjoy too. Just because something has always been a certain way, doesn't mean that it should remain that way. Live and let live!

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.pussreboots.pair.com/blog/...

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There are a few things you need to know about Naked Mole Rats.
1. They are a little bit Rat.
2. They are a little bit Mole.
3. They are all naked. "

I loved Wilbur!

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit of weirdness from the great Mo Willems. My 2nd-grader thought it was funny.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny book about having the confidence to be yourself.

[Cassie Veselovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When there is no good answer to the simple question "why not?", you know things need to be reconsidered.

[Mim_farahani · Rating 4 out of 5]

ویلبر تنها موش صحرایی قصه است که دلش میخواهد لباس بپوشد و خوش‌تیپ باشد. کاری که تا به حال هیچ کدام از موش‌های صحرایی نکرده‌اند.

مناسب P4C