Happy Days for Mouse and Mole

Mouse and Mole

by Joyce Dunbar

When Mouse makes himself a hammock, Mole is more than happy to test it for his friend. Mouse is equally eager to help Mole find his lost glasses. But who will catch the falling leaf? In three short tales by Joyce Dunbar, young readers will meet the always charming, sometimes witty, and often humorous best friends, Mouse and Mole. James Mayhew’s soft illustrations show how these two unlikely pal bond together for life’s daily misadventures.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

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]

There are three short stories in this book. In the first story Mouse makes a hammock but Mole wants it. He finds lots of reasons Mouse shouldn't use it and when he still doesn't get his way he pushes Mouse over and gets in. He then tells Mouse to go and make lemonade, then tells Mouse to get biscuits. Then he wants more lemonade, more biscuits and the hammock breaks. I don't know if this is because of Mole's weight but the last two books have focused on Mole's obsession with food. I find these stories really dated with unhealthy messages about food and how you treat your friends.

The second story Mole loses his glasses, this one was really boring. The third story they go out to catch a leaf, a walk in the woods in autumn should have lots of opportunities for interesting details but no, they just catch a leaf. These stories have pretty and detailed illustrations that have great child appeal but I'm afraid the text, the dated ideas, the unhealthy and unhelpful messages are awful.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect. Such and incredible book for the whole family to enjoy. A wonderful story and the illustrations are out of this world! Every time you look at the pages you spot something new. Cannot recommend highly enough.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley Arc
Such a cute book! The illustrations are wonderful!! Mouse and Mole are enjoying days together while you get to see how they live! This would be a great read aloud or bedtime story during the fall months!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and charming stories, but the illustrations stole the show! Happy Days for Mouse and Mole is comprised of three mini stories where we meet the unlikely best friends Mouse and Mole. Early on we realize that Mole is kind of the mischievous friend and a bit more selfish and needy, and Mouse is the reliable, helpful, patient friend Mole needs. They seemed like unlikely friends but I found them so relatable and matching many duos I know in real life. My toddler loved the stories and we read it over three times!

The illustrations are soft and inviting and they brought me back to some of my favorite classic storybooks.

Thank you NetGalley and star bright books for the gifted copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[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!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three beautifully illustrated short stories as Mouse and Mole enjoy an adventure with a hammock, find the Right pair of Mole's eyeglasses, have a delightful time in the colorful fallen leaves, and generally have great fun as only good friends can do.
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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

What a pure delight! In a world full of children's picture books that are surface-level and quite simple lies this gem of a title.

Reminiscent of the great Beatrix Potter, yet in a world completely of their own exists Mouse and Mole, two lively characters that offset each other so well.

I loved the storylines which perfectly balance out childlike wonder and comedic timing while engrossing us so effortlessly.

I will absolutely be on the lookout for those two in future publications!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's an old-fashioned charm to these sweet and gentle tales of two friends who indulge in very quiet adventures. These "adventures" involve lying in a hammock, looking for lost eyeglasses, and trying to catch falling leaves, so some children may be bored. Much of the appeal of the book lies in James Mayhew's charming illustrations.



Thanks to NetGalley and Star Bright Books for sharing.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a cozy and charming children's book along the lines of Frog and Toad? This series is perfect for you. A absolutely charming and sweet book filled with cute adventures between two friends, Mole and Mouse. This one is a really cute read for autumn! The artwork is beautiful and the book has a happy atmosphere.

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

[Crysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute and cozy. The illustrations are wholesome and nostalgic. The writing is silly and engaging. I am a bit worried my kids will start leaving half bananas around the classroom and their homes, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I LOVE that there are three stories in this one book. It’s great for days when I can’t quite estimate the attention span of my students. We can just start the book and maybe we only read one or maybe we read them all. It’s a great format!

[Erica Baxter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantastic art, but that's where my love for this book ended.

After reading these stories, I am left with the impression that Mole is extremely entitled and demanding, while Mouse is a people pleaser who constantly bends over backwards to appease Mole. Their relationship is toxic, or at the very least, it is codependent. This is not something kids should be internalizing as “normal” behavior.

[Cuppa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Days for Mouse and Mole contains several short stories about friends Mouse and Mole. Mouse is the "straight man" to mole's antics. These stories are gentle and humerous and easy enough for newly independent readers to tackle. The illustrations have a dreamy, serene feel. Not a "must have" for small libraries but a nice addition to bigger libraries that have bigger budgets.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three short stories show a friendship between Mouse and Mole. There's gentle teasing, and also kindness as 1) Mouse tries to enjoy a hammock, 2) Mole can't find a particular pair of eye glasses, and 3) the pair try to catch a falling leaf. The stories are sweet and gentle.

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

[Jenna Stensland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If you can catch a falling leaf, you will be lucky for the rest of the year.”

These are just the sweetest stories. Their friendship and love for one another shines through. The stories are endearing and perfect for a calming story before bed. I love the beautiful illustrations. These are timeless stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Megan Wrye · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I loved these little short stories. Our favorite was the hammock and showing how tricking people is unkind and leads to negative impacts for yourself. We also laughed at all the spectacles on Moles head.

[Becky McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with two pals mouse and mole. They go on three separate adventures that are funny and cute. The illustrations are warm and cozy and the stories are engaging. This book reminds me of so many classic tales and takes me back to my childhood.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The illustrations are amazing and each volume has always three short stories that are little anecdotes focused on the daily life of two friends, Mouse and Mole. I love that the stories are about things that we usually don't think about but are very relatable. Also has very fun and valuable lessons, making us think. Even when one of them is naughty and tries to trick the other, they solve it without negative feelings. Their friendship is very strong. Lots of imagination and all ages will love this.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this e-Arc.

(blog and insta post soon - already posted to amazon)

[Wilde Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three illustrated short stories featuring a mouse and a mole.

I thought these stories were all good / sweet with touching graphics.

Reading time around thirty minutes.

[Mrs. Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun book. It is engaging and will keep children reading each chapter. Also encourages teamwork to solve the problem of the lost glasses.