WHY MOLE SHOUTED

In a collection of four short stories told in her classically droll style, Segal conveys the tender bond between Grandmother Mole and her grandson, Grandmole. Ruzzier applies muted earth-tones to intimate, distinct illustrations illuminating the reassuring love each has for the other. Endpapers characterize little Mole’s messy habits showing images of spilled milk, lost glasses, marbles, and a book scattered on a patterned linoleum background. Each story pertains to Mole’s behavior: losing his glasses, not zipping his jacket, shouting to be noticed, and forever asking, “Why?” Typically, when Grandmother Mole is cold, she instructs Mole to wear and zip up his thick fur jacket before going outside to play in the snow. In each story Grandmole says, “You are my Good Grandmother” and Grandmother replies, “You are my dear Mole.” Grandchildren can do no wrong and grandparents’ admiration and patience is unlimited. But, of course. (Picture book. 4-8)