Holey Moley
by Bethan Clarke, illustrated by Anders Frang
Interest age: 3 to 7
Reading age: 4+
Published by Little Tiger, 2024
About this book
Meet Mavis Mole and Gus the Goat. Gus is a big fan of rhyming and is curious about where Mavis lives. Well, as we all know, moles live in… holes! Or do they live in bowls? Or maybe even sausage rolls!?
As Gus offers more and more outlandish rhyming suggestions, he becomes increasingly flustered. With every guess, Mavis is imagined into various silly costumes and ridiculous situations (including a wonderful “Rock N’ Rolly Moley” outfit).
All this drama does not impress Mavis at all, and her coolness contrasts hilariously with Gus’s energy. After a lot of silliness, Mavis finally shows Gus her actual home, much to his relief!
This is a joyful read-aloud book full of silly rhymes, wonderful wordplay and funny illustrations. Children will love the collaborative aspect of the story, with plenty of opportunities to join in and offer their own rhyming suggestions.
The text is complemented by Frang’s artwork which is engaging and expressive – capturing the contrasting characters of Gus and Mavis beautifully.
Fans of Oi Frog, and other stories which play with language, will love this picture book and it is a great read to introduce rhyme and rhythm to children in a light-hearted way.
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Oi Frog!
by Kes Gray, illustrated by Jim Field
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A First Book of Bugs
by Simon Mole, illustrated by Adam Ming
4 to 9 years
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Bun on the Run
by Smriti Halls, illustrated by Chris Jevons
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