Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The Best Gift of All
Illustrator: Vanessa Cabban
Picture Book Series
For ages 3 to 5
Candlewick, 2008 ISBN: 0763638609
One morning Mole pokes his head out of his tunnel and he discovers that it is raining – again. Mole is most put out by this. He hasn’t seen his friend Rabbit for many days and he misses her. The only place for a mole in weather like this is underground. Then mole gets a wonderful idea; he will tunnel his way to Rabbit’s home. If there is one thing Mole is good at it is digging tunnels.
Mole doesn’t get far when he comes across Squirrel, who was just in the process of burying a nut. Squirrel asks if she can join Mole in his tunnel. She too would like to see Rabbit. A little further along Mole come up to the surface, right under Hedgehog! Hedgehog thinks Mole’s tunnel plan is a “splendid” one, and he soon joins Mole and Squirrel. Will Mole be able to find his way to Rabbit’s home, and what will they do if and when they get there?
This warm and utterly charming picture book will take young readers on a delightful underground journey. At the end of Mole’s journey Mole, and young readers, will be reminded that the best gift of all is friendship.