Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In a natural follow-up to Mole's in Love (2009), this sequel finds bespectacled moles Morris and Mini expecting babies. While Mini contentedly knits as she sits on their molehill, Morris works on learning how to be a father by observing baby animals and their parents. Hopping along with a bunny family, he falls on his nose, and when he flaps like baby birds, he falls out of a tree. As the ever-vigilant Mini checks in on Morris ("Are you all right, Morris?") and reminds him that their babies are on their way, Morris's uncertainty over how to care for his offspring leads to despair. No surprise, he learns that love is all he needs to raise a family. Bedford offers a likably hapless and earnest character in Morris, and Beardshaw's cheerful scenes underscore the themes of birth and new beginnings. However, the dynamics between Morris and Mini feel better directed toward expectant parents than young readers awaiting a sibling, and the sudden, last-minute arrival of the babies doesn't give Morris much of a chance to show off what he's learned. Ages 3-7. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Morris the mole and his wife, Mini, are expecting, and he wants more than anything for their babies to be happy. However, he is not at all sure what will please them, so he goes off to watch other infants. He tries flapping like birds, splashing like ducks, and hopping like bunnies, with disastrous results. Finally, presented with his own babies, Morris realizes that all they really need is love. The colorful cartoon illustrations invoke spring, picturing animals and their young cavorting everywhere amid flowers, butterflies, and green grass. Although not particularly unique, the book would fit nicely into a preschool storytime, with listeners participating in the flopping, hopping, and splashing going on.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A mole looks to other animals for tips on fatherhood, but his wife assures him he needn't fly like a bird or swim like a duck to make their children happy. "Our babies only need. . . love." The ending for this comical story is a bit drawn out, but the jaunty illustrations, with their many different animal babies, do have child appeal. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery for this nervous first-time dad. Expectant parents Mini and Morris Mole prepare for the blessed event. Mini knits while Morris anxiously studies the happy babes in the barnyard, hoping he can replicate their daddies' natural behaviors. His attempt to hop like a bunny catapults him one-pawed over the toadstool, and he falls flat on his snout--and so on. Unable to copy any animal, Morris appears to be a natural klutz. Repeatedly, Mini gently redirects Morris after confirming that he is uninjured. "Good, because our babies are on their way!" Morris' final fall is greeted with silence, and upon investigating he finds Mini cuddling their three new family additions. Morris' earnestness is endearing. Varied typography highlights word choices; decorative hearts surround "hand-lettered" verbs like "flapping" and "splashing." Panels reveal shifts in time and movement. There's an unforced fluidity in the parents' nonverbal communication. Unfortunately, the couple's good intentions are undermined by the simplistic slant. "Our babies only need love," the proud mom explains. Morris is one well-intentioned papa, though this sentimental message would be better served by a subtler storyline. (Picture book. 2-5)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
