In this cozy picture book about friendship, Mole anxiously decides to journey through underground tunnels to attend a party.
Mole is invited to a party, which is very worrisome. What if the party is too rowdy for Mole? What if Mole doesn’t know anyone there? What if Mole is just too shy to make friends? Mole worries through the tunnels, around Snake’s burrow, under the forest, past Bear’s den, and all the way to Rabbit’s door. But despite all those worries, maybe Mole can find a quiet way to make friends . . .
Mole is invited to a party, which is very worrisome. What if the party is too rowdy for Mole? What if Mole doesn’t know anyone there? What if Mole is just too shy to make friends? Mole worries through the tunnels, around Snake’s burrow, under the forest, past Bear’s den, and all the way to Rabbit’s door. But despite all those worries, maybe Mole can find a quiet way to make friends . . .
AWARDS
Indie Next List Pick
Kirkus Best Children’s Books of 2023
Book Page Best Books of 2023
Indie Next List Pick
Kirkus Best Children’s Books of 2023
Book Page Best Books of 2023
PRAISE
★"Soft, muted artwork depicts an utterly cozy and enchanting world. . . . Mole's self-talk is endearing and all-too relatable. Ultimately, Tatsukawa brings this tale to satisfying conclusion that lets young introverts know they can have fun on their own terms." — Kirkus, starred review
★"Soft, muted artwork depicts an utterly cozy and enchanting world. . . . Mole's self-talk is endearing and all-too relatable. Ultimately, Tatsukawa brings this tale to satisfying conclusion that lets young introverts know they can have fun on their own terms." — Kirkus, starred review
★"...a story about anticipatory worry that ends not with forced revelry, but with a “Maybe... next time?” and gentle camaraderie found" — Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "Sweet and cozy—much like the cream puffs Mole makes—Mole Is Not Alone lends itself well to both storytime read-alouds and quiet snuggles before bed.." — BookPage, starred review
"Tatsukawa's adorable illustrations . . . would be at home on any nursery blanket, making the story's handling of social anxiety feel comforting and reassuring." — Booklist
"Tatsukawa creates art that is as gentle as the story, with soft, muted tones in greens, browns, and blacks, clean stenciled lines, and stamp-like smudgy textures. The tunnels Mole traverses are cleverly set up to function like comic book panels, and all text is in speech bubbles, making this easy for youngsters to try to read on their own." — BCCB
"Tatsukawa's beautiful pastel illustration create a whimsical feel; kids will delight in the many details in the pictures. . . . This sensitive story will delight party lovers and those with social anxiety alike—a charming addition to the SEL shelves." — SLJ