I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Cute book about a mole stuck underground because the rocks won't let him up. It's okay, but I'm not sure what the point is.

Mole did what he does best : digging. But he cannot find his way out, he was blocked by the stones.

This is a story of a mole, who loves digging holes like moles do, to find a way to enjoy his life. A fun read and a good one too, the story reminds me to be optimistic like the mole, and try 101 ways to find your way out to see the sun.

This is a children's book about a mole who is stuck underground because the rocks and animals above the earth do not want him annoying them anymore. Mole does not understand how his daily living affects others; for example, he had been very messy and this had been annoying the rocks and animals. The rocks therefore blocked his hole, so that he could not get out.. The artwork of the book is great and the book is a lot of fun. It is a useful way to teach children that they must think of others who are around them and try to respect other people and the environment in which they live.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. The Mole tries to have a normal day, but the rocks above refuse to let them out. No matter how hard Mole tries, it looks like they may be stuck underground for a while. Yet as this tale comes to a close they get out and find a new place to do their daily tasks. Kids are sure to have a great time reading this book.

I would say this was a cute picture book but quite honestly two pages of the mole "doing his ahem thing" is kinda crude.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Mole and the Hole is a cute book about a mole who wants to explore above ground, but encounters angry rocks and other less than happy creatures. Mole just wants to do his thing and the rocks and creatures are not happy.

The story is told from mole’s perspective and the beautiful illustrations show the perspectives of everything around mole.

As an educator, I would recommend this story for classroom libraries. It can be used for lessons on taking another perspective. How do the rocks feel? What would you say to mole if you were the ant?

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mole just wants out of his hole, but the rocks won't let him. Poor Mole. It's not like he's ever done anything . . . wrong. Or has he? Can Mole learn from his past and correct his ways, or is history doomed to repeat itself?
This laugh-out loud book by author/illustrator Bryan Kowalczuk will have kids begging for more. and offers parents a great introduction to talk about personal responsibility and caring for our environment.
Warning, includes potty humor.

This debut picture book is a humorous story about how NOT to be a good neighbour. Mole is being trapped underground in his dark and lonely hole by some cantankerous rocks who are very unhappy with him.

Mole cannot imagine what he has done to deserve such treatment. "When I go out, all I did was mind my own business." Is that true or is Mole oblivious to his actions that are definitely disturbing and making those around him very angry? For instance, he steals ants and calls it playing with friends and he poops from a tree targeting unhappy rocks below, just to name a few of his despicable acts. Will Mole ever be able to escape and be free from these smouldering boulders who are out for revenge and justice?

The digital artwork is full of emotion and fun. I love all the expressions that are portrayed by the rocks, flowers and insects which further enrich the narrative. The message shows how actions can and do impact those around us and how important it is to be a kind, responsible neighbour. There certainly are consequences to the choices one makes in life. The book highlights proper social skills and will spark conversations about respect, manners and how to treat others. I highly recommend this book.

For me the potty humor seemed a little unnecessary but I'm sure some kids would be drawn to that. I found the story a little dull but the illustrations were sweet.

This was a weird story about a mole who would love to get above ground, but who is hampered from doing so by abundant rocks. Pretty much everything in this story has a face and a motivation, including the rocks, who seem to be conspiring to keep the mole down there with his pet bug. I found it amusing that the mole has a pet.

I also found the story a bit confusing and wondered from time to time if there's a meta story going on here, but in the end it seems to be just a tale of the mole finding a place to live that doesn't have so many rocks. There are no rocks underground in this world, just on the surface, and despite the book description, there seems to be no attempt here to tell any morality tale, so it seems we're supposed to figure that out for ourselves, I guess, or just enjoy the story. It was, as I said, a bit of a mess, but it was nicely illustrated by the author and amusingly told, so I commend this as a worthy read for children.

What a cute book. It’s a kids book but, the illustrations and the plot move along as much as you can with a kids book. I liked this but, more importantly my 4 year old liked it. Better then any recommendation I could write!

It was a very cute book. Loved it so much. Read it along with my nieces and they loved it more than I did.
Perfect for kids.

Mole is clueless about how his actions affect others around him, I really thought there would be more to the ending.
With that said, the illustrations were fun. I love how the characters are all clean and happy looking at the beginning of the book. Kids will be able to see the consequences of moles actions by the end.

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Mole is trapped in his hole/home by angry rocks. They don't want him above ground and he doesn't understand why. He shares what happened the last time he was above ground so doesn't understand the problem. Finally, he does make it out and again enjoys his time on the ground. Readers see other parts of nature get angry too. The book opens and closes with brief descriptions of all of the characters and they clearly change from start to finish.
Kowalczuk clearly shows what happens when you are completely focused on yourself and your own needs. Readers can see what happens from several perspectives throughout. Yes, it is funny but it's also a teaching moment for families and classes.

There are lots of lessons to be learned in this cute little book, most especially about how our actions impact others. The illustrations are adorable. It's a good resource for teaching kindness and responsibility.

This is a short and cute picture book that follows a mole who wants to go out of his hole, but whose way keeps getting blocked by grumpy rocks. The art in this was very cute, and I like all of the different character designs. I think this book tries to tackle themes of how people's actions can cause harm to others without realizing, but I wish that this had been explored a little more in the writing as well as in the illustrations. The mole didn't really learn his lesson by the end and I think having him see that he's been accidentally hurting others would have been helpful in conveying the message of the book. Maybe the mole will learn his lesson in the future, but with that ending of the book other characters are still getting upset because of his actions.

rating: 3/5

The Mole and the Hole starts out like a book that is going to teach a great lesson about social skills and interacting with other people. And then it just...doesn't. Not sure what happened but the story takes a turn in an entirely different direction. Great illustrations and a good solid first 2/3rds!

The Mole and the Hole
Author, Brayden Kowalczuk
Pub date: May 25, 2021
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

It's Children's Book Week! The annual celebration of books for young people to celebrate in the joy of reading. Reading to my kids is one of my most favorite things to do with them and although they may be a little too old for picture books in their opinion, I say you're never too old for picture books.

The Mole and the Hole is a silly picture book, adorably illustrated for kids ages 3- 8 about an innocent, yet naive mole, who seems to keep finding himself inside his hole. Everyday he tries to dig himself out of his hole, but he continually finds it blocked by rocks. He just can't seem to understand why... he thinks he's a perfectly friendly neighbor, but is he? You'll get lots of giggles with this one!

Check out Brayden Kowalczuk's debut picture book out in stores on May 25, 2021.

Thank you to @netgalley @franceslincolnpub @brad_picture_book_79 for this fun e- ARC!

This cute and silly picture book follows a mole who just wants to leave his hole! I liked the humor and the art style, and this works as both a comedic little story as well as a teaching moment to be more conscientious of those around you. This a charming story that will be well-loved by many kids!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing/Frances Lincoln Child Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a well illustrated childrens book. I am not sure that the kids will get the subcontext but it was fun. Poor mole can only see his side of the story. Still easy enough to point out using the great graphics. 4 stars