Naked Mole rat gets dressed by Mo Willems

cover image

Walker Books, 2009.
(Ages 3-7) Recommended. Naked mole rats are a little bit rat, a little bit mole and are all naked, except for Wilbur the naked mole rat who likes to get dressed. All the other moles think that he is very peculiar and go to Grand-pah complaining about his lack of nudity. Grand-pah is very wise and after much thinking makes a proclamation. But his response is a big surprise.
Award winning author Willems has created a funny and appealing race of creatures with his little naked mole rats. Young children will find them irresistible. The illustrations are a delight with each naked mole rat looking individual - just by changing the shape of the ears and eyes in the illustrations!
It is a great story about being prepared to be an individual and sticking to your beliefs even when everyone else thinks that you are wrong. The message of being prepared to look at things in a different way and answering the question 'Why not?' is never didactic but rather couched in gentle good humour. A memorable book for all the family.
Pat Pledger

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