Little Mole Gives Thanks
(Little Mole)

PreS-Gr 1--Little Mole is preparing a forest feast for his friends as well as some very important guests. He sets the table with homemade delicacies, such as pumpkin pudding and blackberry juice, and on the best seats at the table he puts reserved signs for the most important guests. His friends, Little Squirrel, Little Mouse, and Little Lark, each ask who the special seats are for, but Little Mole will not spoil the surprise. As he beams with pride over what he created, he sees his first important guest, Principal Porcupine, coming down the path. She quickly disappoints poor Little Mole when she explains that she cannot attend. The remainder of Little Mole's special guests disappoint him one by one, and his woodland forest friends immediately comfort him. Soon, Little Mole realizes that the most valuable guests to have at his forest feast are his friends, who never let him down. Soft, autumnal illustrations bring the reader to a crisp day in the forest and create an inspiring tale of friendship. At the end of the story, readers can spend time reading additional information on how to create their very own forest feast. VERDICT Recommended for general purchase for a picture book collection; it not only celebrates autumn harvest holidays, but touches on the themes of disappointment, inclusion, and friendship.--Kristen Todd-Wurm