Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week
Age 5-7 | Hardback | 32 pages | 250 x 200mm
Publication May 2021 | ISBN 9781913134839
Mouse and Mole’s charming, gentle and humourous adventures continue in this new addition to the much-loved series.
Contains three stories:
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The Secret of Happiness
Mole dreams that he finds the secret of happiness and wakes a grumpy Mouse to tell him, but then Mole instantly forgets! Mole spends all day trying to remember, bringing Mouse and all their friends to join his search, but will he manage to discover the secret again?
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This Way and That
Mole sets off for a walk going this way and that, but Mouse keeps asking him to run errands for him. But why is Mouse making Mole run these seemingly useless errands, and will Mole ever be able to go for his care-free wander?
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A Good Read
Mouse and Mole sit down for a good read, but Mole can’t stop fidgeting and distracting Mouse. Whether it’s finding a place to sit, having hiccups, itching and scratching or yawning, Mole just can’t stay still.
Books in the series:
- Mouse & Mole
- Mouse & Mole: Have a Party
- A Very Special Mouse & Mole
- Happy Days for Mouse & Mole
- Mouse & Mole: A Fresh Start
- Mouse & Mole: The Secret of Happiness
- Mouse & Mole: Lo and Behold
Joyce Dunbar is a prolific children’s author who has published over 80 books, translated into 20 languages. Joyce has also written many stories for radio and television and contributed to several anthologies. The Mouse and Mole series remain some of her most treasured work.
James Mayhew is an illustrator and author of children’s books, a storyteller, artist and concert presenter/live art performer. His works include the much-loved and bestselling Katie and Ella Bella Ballerina series, as well as the classic children’s story The Knight Who Took All Day, republished by Graffeg in 2017, the Gaspard the Fox series, with author Zeb Soanes, and Koshka’s Tales – Stories from Russia, republished by Graffeg in 2019.
Reviews:
'As always, the gentle humour in Joyce Dunbar’s thought-provoking story telling is given a delightfully nostalgic feel thanks to James Mayhew’s charmingly elegant illustrations. Whether as bedtime reading for little ones or read solo by older children, these are small literary gems.' - Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub
'Such a wondrous, warm addition to the series, The Secret of Happiness is filled with quiet reassurance, bringing delight to the most restless sort of days.' Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories
'The book passes the test that adults will love reading it again and again without getting bored due to the interesting characters, the simple stories, the gentle humour and the wonderful, cheery illustrations. I can see these stories becoming classics and an important part of a child’s lifelong favourite book collection.' Phil M Robinson, JeannieJeannieJeannie.co.uk
'These simple adventures are perfect for sharing with younger children or for older children to read independently. Although unlikely companions, Mouse and Mole are the bests of friends and these stories celebrate true camaraderie- that ease of being together which those who truly care for each other enjoy. Each story is delightfully illustrated, full of warmth and whimsical charm. A real delight!' North Somerset Teachers Book Award
'The level of humour is just perfect, the illustrations are warm and engaging, and this will work wonders at calming excitable children and making them laugh' Jo Sennitt, The School Librarian
"The thing that made me read the book was the beautiful,amazing front cover .I like the page where the mole and the mouse were reading next to the warm fire on page 11 because it made me feel like having a read in front of a cosy fire, too! I think the illustrations really show what's happening in the story and describe the words very well. Even if they have an argument, we know that mouse and mole are very good friends so this gives a positive idea of what friendship can be. I would read the book again, especially because I love the illustrations. I think my four-year-old sister would love this book but I would have to read it to her." - Narla, aged 8, via Toppsta