This book is perfect for cozy season. The art is so cool, and lends a feeling to the story that feels very immersive and earthy. I loved the story of this little (or should I say large?) mole family. I went into this expecting a children's book, but this read a bit older and wordier — so I'm not sure what the intended age range is.

This is a story about a family of moles, including the newest twin moles who were born on the first day of Spring. Naturally, they are curious about the world and question their father and mother often, wanting to know what the others are talking about, and everything there is to know.

As time passes, they begin to be able to safely explore their surroundings, seeing what is in the forest, what other animals make the forest their home, learning more about their surroundings every day, and happy to return home when they have satisfied that day’s curiosity. They share their adventures with the others when they return, and they learn that they need to be careful, since there are other creatures and other things out there who could be dangerous. As they become more familiar with their surroundings they realize just how many new friends they have made, and how much they’ve learned in their journeys and how wonderful the world can be.

While this story is charming on its own, the lovely illustrations really add a dimension to this story as well, which will draw in both the youngest readers as well as parents and grandparents.


Pub Date: 14 Nov 2023


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Archipelago, Elsewhere Editions

I love the hand drawn illustrations in this book, they're beautiful. I found the storyline quite dense & slow at parts, but I did enjoy the large family setting & that every mole had a different personality. It was also really nice that it follows two moles & their inquisitive minds as they grow older. It's definitely a great, cosy read.

This is such a cozy winter early reader. The illustrations helped establish the setting and mood of the story. Fun read!

I like the book because of the way it reminds me of children's books from days gone-by. The illustration is lovely and the story is lovely. I am just not sure what age group is this supposed to be for. The vocabulary and the storyline seem to suggest that it targets the KS1 group but it is a bit wordy for this age group.

A cosy, pleasant read about the adventures of twin moles, who explore the world that surrounds them. Great for Primary School (or Elementary School) readers, but it would also be suitable to use during bedtime stories. The illustrations were charming but minimal and fleshed out the story effectively.

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early!

It was such a fun experience! I needed something fresh and cosy like this book and it didn’t disappoint me at all.
The story of these moles has the power to fill your heart, making you feel part of the forest itself. The drawings helped me to get through the setting, they surely make the reader to appreciate the surroundings which are extremely homely and pleasant. I loved to read about the animals’ lives during the different seasons, they behaved as a human family, living in a human town full of love and kindness.
I can’t help but suggest you to read this novel even if you’re not a child.
It warms your heart and it’s perfect when you’re in a reading slump. The atmosphere and the plot can make you forget reality, letting you relax and enjoy being a kid again.

This was a lovely story! I enjoyed it! It was too old for my daughter, but she liked looking at the pictures and listening to it!

A tale of a family of moles and their sylvan adventures. Animal loving kids will no doubt enjoy it, but adults will probably find it a little saccharine.

Received via NetGalley.

There are seven chapters in this book and each chapter might make for a good read aloud bedtime story. Perhaps because it’s translated from Ukrainian, the story comes across as rather odd and a bit dull. The mole family doesn’t do anything all that exciting, but that’s okay for a story you read before going to sleep. The illustrations are different from any I remember seeing before. I found myself squinting my eyes to pick out the details.

I received an electronic ARC from Archipelago through NetGalley.
Sweetly written story about a mole family with thirteen children. Readers follow the adventures of the newest twins and their brothers as they explore the woods and make new friends. Prokhasko writes about their daily life and readers will feel like they are in the burrow and along for adventures too. The illustrations capture the overall action and characters. Mid elementary readers will appreciate the writing style and chapter breakdown.