A Very Special Mouse and Mole (Mouse & Mole) by Joyce Dunbar

Mouse and Mole

by Joyce Dunbar

Book by Dunbar, Joyce

Genres: Childrens, Animals

Paperback

First published November 7, 1996

About the author

Joyce Dunbar is an English author of over seventy children’s books, best known for Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep, This Is The Star, and the Mouse and Mole series. Born in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, she studied English at Goldsmiths College before teaching drama until hearing loss led her to write full time in 1989. Her first children’s book appeared when she was 35, followed by works such as Mundo and the Weather-Child, which explored the experiences of a deaf child and earned critical recognition. Her stories have been adapted for stage, television, and interactive media, with Mouse and Mole becoming a 26-part animated series. She has also been an advocate for deaf awareness, cycling across Cuba for charity. Dunbar lives in Norwich.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series Mouse and Mole I was hoping this book might get away from the theme of the last book that seemed to concentrate on Mole having an eating problem where he over eats and attempts to starve himself the following day. This book has 3 separate stories and sadly the first is all about Mole's obsession with food. In this story he only eats half a biscuit, half a cake etc. hides the other halves where he can find them and then pretends to be surprised to find them and convinces himself he needs to eat the rest. When he's so stuffed he falls asleep his dreams are shown above his head, bars of chocolate and biscuits and much more. Apart from being boring and a one dimensional personality for a character to have I think this is a very old fashioned and extremely unhelpful storyline for children.

The other two stories don't feature on the eating problem but were incredibly boring. Such a pity this is so dated in a bad way, you could think of so many interesting day to day storylines involving some cute animal characters living in the woods but this was hugely disappointing and not a book I would want to share with a child.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful to see this fabulous book - part of a wonderful series - back in print. They've never looked better! Graffeg have produced lavish versions of the books with lovely paper and superbly printed. The stories are enchanting: witty and philosophical, perfect for bedtime reading. The illustrations are a delight, and are very much in the tradition of Shepard's Winnie the Pooh etc, lovingly characterised. If you remember the TV series with Alan Bennett and Richard Briers, you'll want to own these books.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley Arc
This is such a cute and wonderfully illustrated book! You get to see how Mouse and Mole live together and interact. This would be a great read aloud in a classroom or bedtime story in the fall.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy collection continues the day-in-the-life stories of Mouse and Mole. This time, 1) Mole has a tendency to eat half of something and leave it for some later time, 2) the pair have fun on a rainy day walk and 3) the pair have a bit of an existential crisis when throwing pebbles into a pond. I like the gentleness of these tales.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Star Bright Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of three short, silly stories perfect for reading to young children. I really liked the friendship between Mouse and Mole. It reminded me of the Frog and Toad books I enjoyed reading as a child. The reader learns about getting along with others, solving problems, friendships, and playing using imagination. At times I felt sorry for Mouse because Mole was always playing tricks on him. My favorite thing about the book was the illustrations. They were amazing! I would note that this book is not considered an early reader because the vocabulary is often hard to read for a young child. It would be best to read to or with a young reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Star Bright Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you NetGalley and Star Bright Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*

What a joy it was to dive back into the universe of this charming and heartwarming duo.

Once again, Mouse and Mole’s friendship is a gift that keeps on giving. Every adventure, whether large or small, is a delight. I especially loved the last story and how many levels of depth there are to it. It reminded me of Peanuts and how philosophical it can get even if it’s aimed at children.

As for the language, its formality elevates the reading experience. I do believe that more children could benefit from reading above their level, even if it is more challenging. This book series would be a great place to start.

[Erica Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me say that the art in this book is beautiful.

Now for the stories, of which there are three:

Half a Banana and Preposterous Puddle: Mole is portrayed as a bit of a selfish, whiny twat. Mouse is constantly trying to appease him, but the relationship is obviously one-sided. This is not a healthy representation of what a friendship should be. Disappointing and very outdated social mores.

Pebbles: Despite my dislike of the first two stories, the third, while a bit depressing, did ultimately have an uplifting message about self-worth and individuality.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouse and Mole are very good friends who share a home and do all sorts of things together. They share their lunch, name their possessions, and enjoy learning together.
The illustrations by James Mayhew are fun, detailed, brilliant, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Star Bright Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@CBCBook

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book, not only the illustrations have a traditional classical style the design of the book is beautiful breaking the text with sweet illustrations.
This book has three cleverly simple stories that make us think of the famous Mouse and Mole. My favorite is the last one with the pebbles.
There is so much to explore, from friendship and imagination to finding joy in the smallest things and existence. It's a delightful read for all ages.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this e-Arc.

(scheduled the insta post and blog for this weekend November 11)

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of Frog and Toad and cozy books, this is a sweet read featuring two friends and their daily lives. This was such a precious read, the artwork was amazing and I loved how sweet the story was!

*Thanks Netgalley and Star Bright Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are three more gentle adventures with Mouse and Mole about friendship, and enjoying a happy life. These beautifully illustrated tales would perfect for quiet, mellow times.

Thanks to NetGalley and Star Bright Books for sharing.

[Megan Wrye · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are super cute and help teach the importance of friendship. They also show what it means to be a good and supportive friend.

[Mrs. Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read encouraging team work and planning with friends. Beautifully illustrated and the story is engaging. Loved it.!