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One Dark Night
Evenings at home with Mouse and Mole are always safe and cozy, until one dark night they venture outside for a moonlit walk and find something waiting for them. With its satisfying ending, this adventure is a perfect read-aloud for every night.
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 2, 2021
The first thing to notice is the fabulous illustrations for this tall book; gorgeous and full of expression and feeling. The next thing is the bouncy wonderful rhyme.
The story is about two friends, a mouse and a mole, who fearfully venture out one dark night. The reader is taken back and forth from the mouse and mole, to a BIG GIANT bear in his BIG GIANT lair - and back and forth to see what each is doing. The bear is so very hungry and finally goes out too - leading the reader to wonder what is going to happen - if the bear is going to find the mouse and mole when he is so hungry. The surprise ending is so much fun.
The story is about two friends, a mouse and a mole, who fearfully venture out one dark night. The reader is taken back and forth from the mouse and mole, to a BIG GIANT bear in his BIG GIANT lair - and back and forth to see what each is doing. The bear is so very hungry and finally goes out too - leading the reader to wonder what is going to happen - if the bear is going to find the mouse and mole when he is so hungry. The surprise ending is so much fun.
October 11, 2025
Super fun to read and hear little kindergarten gasps.
June 25, 2022
I'm sorry to be so literal, but it makes no sense that mole is afraid of the dark. After all, if you're going to use animal characteristics to enhance their character, do so accurately.
And the set up that induces suspense just isn't one that I find entertaining. A sensitive child may not be able to deal with this. Unless, of course, he did manage to get to the end and find the happy ending therapeutic.
I do like the theme of subverted expectations, of "don't judge a book by it's cover," of stereotypes & prejudice. It's related to my other favorite theme, "another point of view" after all. But somehow I think this could have been a better book. Or maybe I just wasn't reading it from the right perspective, myself.
And the set up that induces suspense just isn't one that I find entertaining. A sensitive child may not be able to deal with this. Unless, of course, he did manage to get to the end and find the happy ending therapeutic.
I do like the theme of subverted expectations, of "don't judge a book by it's cover," of stereotypes & prejudice. It's related to my other favorite theme, "another point of view" after all. But somehow I think this could have been a better book. Or maybe I just wasn't reading it from the right perspective, myself.
August 31, 2023
Mouse and Mole live in a tiny little house and were busy munching on some yummy food when they decided to go out into the forest. But what they don't know is that A BIG HUNGRY BEAR is also out in the forest that night, too. Will they be alright? This is a book that has been read a lot in our house. My mom loves doing different voices for the characters. I especially like her bear one! It has a really cute ending, and the pictures are so pretty as well! Thanks for reading! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
January 17, 2018
Two friends - mole and mouse - set out in the dark heading for an adventure. Meanwhile, the large bear is big and growling and hungry. He sets out in the dark also. Love the surprise ending that the three are friends who get together for a feast.
March 25, 2019
"One Dark Night" is a fun story with a twist! The illustrations are beautiful and we love the rhyming cadence and theatrical descriptions as we read. A definite must-read for toddlers!
August 9, 2019
This was so stinking cute! I just loved the cadence of the story. There was anticipation and worry in the story, but not super-scary.
February 16, 2022
Cute, predictable story that little ones will enjoy because of the gentle scare factor and the adorable art.
February 5, 2023
Fun to read aloud, with cute animal illustrations. The story helps tackle the fear of the dark.
September 18, 2023
Never assume that you understand the motivations of another. All is not as it seems in this sweet story of friendship.
December 5, 2023
Children's Picture Books
A great bedtime book!
A great bedtime book!
February 3, 2021
Excellent vocab and some lovely perspectives in the art work.
October 29, 2014
This story is about a little mole and a little mouse who live in a little, warm and safe house in the middle of the forest. Most nights they stay inside their nice and safe house but one night they decide to venture out of their house. They leave their house and realize that the forest is very dark and the moon isn't very bright. As they are wandering around the forest, we see a big bear in his big cave in the same big woods. He lives in his cave and like most bears, he is very hungry so it looks like he will have to go outside and get some food. This isn't good since little mouse and little mole are in the same forest. As little mouse and little mole get lost, they hear a noise and who is standing in front of them but the big bear. Not to worry, though. The bear was hungry because he was waiting for his friends to join him for dinner. Those friends are the little mole and the little mouse. They realize that they are close to the bears cave and they go in and have a great feast.
I really enjoyed the illustrations and it was so colorful. The pictures are crisp and clear which really add to the story. They follow the story really well and they tell the story just as much as the words. I really liked the story and it had such a good and happy ending. It was also a twist. Just when you think the bear is going to eat mole and mouse, they end up being his friend. The text is big and it is simple to read. It would be easy for beginning readers to read and understand. It reads very easily and I like that it did have a twist at the end. I think this would be a great book to read to beginning readers and all of the readers would love the twist.
I really enjoyed the illustrations and it was so colorful. The pictures are crisp and clear which really add to the story. They follow the story really well and they tell the story just as much as the words. I really liked the story and it had such a good and happy ending. It was also a twist. Just when you think the bear is going to eat mole and mouse, they end up being his friend. The text is big and it is simple to read. It would be easy for beginning readers to read and understand. It reads very easily and I like that it did have a twist at the end. I think this would be a great book to read to beginning readers and all of the readers would love the twist.
August 28, 2012
This was an adorable book that tells the little adventure a mouse and a mole had one dark night. As they describe what seems to be a scary and fearful night for these two little friends, turns out to be something the reader does not expect. The bear who also plays a role in this dark night seems to be what is causing the mouse and the mole their fear. The bear is very upset because he hungry and has not found anything to eat. As they approach a place where a light is coming from, we find out that the bear lives there. Terror runs through the readers mind thinking that the bear is going to come outside and have the mouse and mole for supper. But we are pleased to find out the mouse and mole are actually going to meet up with the bear to have a nice dinner together. The bear even jokes with them, that they are late. The surprise at the end of the book is so cute and not expected. Especially seeing a bear have dinner with two little cute animals.
April 15, 2011
I can't quite figure out how Julia picks her books. Sometimes she picks them from the library/store, sometimes I do, and sometimes we do it together. But she's in charge, for the most part, once we go to read them at home. I thought this would be one of the first she went for and it ended up being one of the last. Maybe it'll teach her not to judge a book by it's cover though since she did end up liking this more than she thought she would.
Mouse and Mole are just too cute in this story and I'm finding myself hoping there are others featuring these little guys. The ending was pretty cool too.
I'm on my way to check out Wheeler's other books now!
Mouse and Mole are just too cute in this story and I'm finding myself hoping there are others featuring these little guys. The ending was pretty cool too.
I'm on my way to check out Wheeler's other books now!
March 29, 2015
One Dark Night is a cute book that has a mouse and mole who take on an adventure at night. The embark on a journey to meet a friend for dinner.
We also have bear who is very hungry and we get the impression that he is looking for food as he stomps and growls in his den.
We both liked how the animals are friends even though at first we are not told that.
The pictures are very colorful the text is nice and big. It is easy to read and know what is going on. I think this would be a good book for those learning to read.
I liked how mouse reassures his friend mole who is scared of the dark.
We also have bear who is very hungry and we get the impression that he is looking for food as he stomps and growls in his den.
We both liked how the animals are friends even though at first we are not told that.
The pictures are very colorful the text is nice and big. It is easy to read and know what is going on. I think this would be a good book for those learning to read.
I liked how mouse reassures his friend mole who is scared of the dark.
December 12, 2016
Reminiscent of Karma Wilson's classic story Bear Snores On, this rhyming tale about a big, growly bear and a couple of smaller critters is sure to entertain younger children.
The wax pencil crayon and watercolor illustrations are adorable and the characters are very expressive. This would be fun to read aloud with a group or for a one-on-one bedtime snuggle.
The wax pencil crayon and watercolor illustrations are adorable and the characters are very expressive. This would be fun to read aloud with a group or for a one-on-one bedtime snuggle.
September 3, 2013
I am always on the look out for new titles for my "not so scary" storytime for preschoolers in October. This rhyming tale of a wee mouse and a wee mole in a wee little hole and the big giant bear growling beasty growls as he stuffs his beasty jowls will be added to my list. Nice big pictures, some good vocabulary, a plot full of preschool level suspense,the rhyming, and the evocative use of onomatopoeia make this a great choice. Will let you know how it goes.
October 1, 2014
Fun repetitive word play in introduction, nice rhyme, and lyrical language that moves the story along. Its's a simple story of Mole and Mouse venturing out onto the evening, scared and lost. Meanwhile, Bear is grumpy and hungry and their encounter is inevitable. Despite its simple plot, young readers will enjoy the mystery and suspense that ends with surprise. It's a great read-aloud book for story time
March 11, 2009
I like this book way more than my kids. My son liked it, but I was really wondering about the story. How would it end? I was practically biting my nails!! Oh, and it's so fun to read aloud if you do silly voices for the characters. Good rhyming and great story!
March 19, 2013
The first time you read this book to your kids make sure to watch their reaction when they think the bear is going to eat the sweet little mouse and mole. Priceless! They have wanted multiple reads ever since.
March 20, 2013
Great book for children! Colorful lively illustrations with great expression. Nice characters and a surprise twist for the ending that leaves kids happy and wanting to read it again. We thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it for others as well.
March 5, 2014
Mouse and mole being friends live together and on a dark night must venture forth to their friend's house. Love the blue color used for the night time as well as the full page illustrations of mouse and mole being frightened with their hair standing on end.
April 1, 2008
I re-read this picture book and found that I really enjoyed it. It has an interesting meter pattern and builds suspense throughout the story then has a fun surprise ending.
August 6, 2008
Wow, Julez, you're on fire with the good book recs right now! This book is awesome, great vocabulary, great rhyming text, suspense and a perfect ending. Love it!
October 28, 2008
The surprise ending is great :)
December 11, 2008
two stories in one...with a surprise ending (bear is not as ferocious as it might seem).
August 27, 2009
The rhyming rhythm and surprise ending make this a fun book to read to kids. The story switches between a mouse and mole and a big, grumpy bear who cross paths at the end.
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November 3, 2010Great play with words. Love it: SOMEthing!! They have fun with the words in the book some are all caps and some have only have half the word caped. Very cute book about friendships.
December 14, 2012
Love the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews