Mole is Not Alone by Maya Tatsukawa (review)

Reviewed by: Mole is Not Alone by Maya Tatsukawa Natalie Berglind Tatsukawa, Maya Mole is Not Alone; written and illus. by Maya Tatsukawa. Holt, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781250869647 $18.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs When introverted Mole is invited to Rabbit's Moon Harvest Party, an important decision must be made: to go, or not to go? Worries about the party consume Mole's thoughts ("But what if I only know Rabbit?"), but on the big day, Mole decides to attend. As the little critter moves through the tunnels with a little gift box, insecurity about how the party will go returns: "This time I'll try even harder. Then everyone will stop telling me I'm too shy!" Unbeknownst to Mole, an entire forest's worth of creatures head to Rabbit's party aboveground; at Rabbit's place, the party is raucous, and Skunk, holding a bouquet of flowers, waits outside, also apprehensive about entering. An outgoing Rabbit accepts their gifts when Mole shyly appears, and together Skunk and Mole are able to give their condolences for missing the party, returning to Skunk's place for a much quieter tea. Tatsukawa (Sunday Pancakes, BCCB 04/22) creates art that is as gentle as the story, with soft, [End Page 73] muted tones in greens, browns, and blacks, clean stenciled lines, and stamp-like smudgy textures. The tunnels Mole traverses are cleverly set up to function like comic book panels, and all text is in speech bubbles, making this easy for youngsters to try to read on their own. Astute viewers will catch glimpses of Skunk's nose or bouquet poking out behind trees, mirroring Mole's verbal doubts, as well as books in both of their homes that tie into their personalities. This sweet book affirms to quieter kids that they can sit out social events that seem too overwhelming. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois