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

Little Mole Gives Thanks is a gift! With characteristic charm and wisdom, Glenys Nellist has crafted an inviting and gentle story about hospitality and welcome, echoing an age-old story about guests at a feast. This book will resonate with children and adults alike on many levels. Mostly it will engage young imaginations as they consider who are the people in their lives for whom they are most grateful. —Jennifer Grant, author of Maybe God Is Like That Too and Finding Calm in Nature

Once again, Glenys and Little Mole utterly charm and delight readers—of all ages. This brilliant re-imagining of an old, old story makes the perfect addition to every Thanksgiving table and offers an adorable tribute to the true VIPs in our lives. —Caryn Rivadeneira, author of Frankinschool: Monster Match (RedChair Press, 2023)

From preparation, through anticipation, and then disappointment, Little Mole discovers that the most special people in the world are those who are there all along. For that, Little Mole is grateful, and for learning along with Little Mole, we are grateful. —Bishop David Alan Bard, Michigan Area of The United Methodist Church

"A welcoming, inclusive, and fun tale. . . . Children will relate to Little Mole's feelings of disappointment and be inspired to turn to their friends for comfort when things don't go the way they planned." —Midwest Book Review

"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. ... 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." —School Library Journal