Eeny Up Above

by Jane Yolen, Kathryn Brown (Illustrator)

Curious Eeny Mole emerges from her dark hole home to discover the world up above

Eeny Mole lives with her family at the bottom of a deep, dark hole. One day she discovers something wonderful Up Above. And she goes exploring.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 21, 2021

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

An OK book about a little mole who is not afraid of being above ground and has an interaction with a human. Not much to it. Felt a little bland to me.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of Eeny, one of 3 moles who live in a dark underground hole. Eeny wants to explore above ground and have adventures in the sunshine. Meeny and Miney stay in the dark. Eeny asks the earthworm, the centipede, and the snake about predators and danger. She climbs into a hole for safety and is lifted out by warm hands. The human takes her back to her home. Eeny discovers sunshine, the land above ground, and a human. And ends up back home safe and sound and shares her adventure.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book, with delightfully detailed and unique characters. I liked that the story is told from a mole's perspective (an animal not usually thought of, especially in children's books!) and that the child who finds Eeny treats her with gentleness and respect and returns her to her home. This will definitely inspire some kids to learn more about moles and hopefully treat small backyard creatures with kindness.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthropomorphized moles Eeny, Meenie, and Miney live below ground. Eeny has an adventurous spirit and ventures up above, despite warnings about eagles, cats, and humans.
In a confusing mix of fantasy and reality, a human child finds Eeny and gently returns her to her home--pail and shovel and all.
The message about kindness to wild animals is sweet. The illustrations and gentle and charming.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Yolen makes my heart sing under any circumstances. This is gorgeously illustrated by Kathryn Brown. The message is: learn; remember; apply; don't judge; make new friends, regardless of their size. This is destined to become a favorite.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the moles in my backyard looked as precious as these! Maybe they do! ;) Story ends somewhat abruptly, but the journey to get there is delightful.

[Syntha Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be excellent to read to children t get them to learn that animals must be handled gently

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about the rush of adventure and the comforts of home. Highlights being kind to animals.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of adventure and finding new friends.
I would love to score this higher, but the choice of names for the mole sisters is problematic, with the references to an old racist rhyme.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book about a mole who wanted to go above ground. Animals warned her about humans, but she met a human, and the human was nice. I liked the snake with teeth but no lips.

[Miss Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeny the Mole loves to explore the wold up above. Her sisters would rather stay in their hole. In this adventure she discovers spring and the big Something (human).

[Joscie Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book written by the incredible Jane Yolen. A book focused on how it's OK to be different and it doesn't always have to be scary.