The Mole Family's Christmas (R)

i was given this book as a child and absolutely LOVED IT!!! about 20 years ago, i tracked it down again (my childhood copy was long gone) thru a bookseller in morgantown, wv. it was tough, but we found it! now everyone has it so much easier! just click and there it is. every kid should a copy of this book!!

This is a wonderful story for elementary school kids. It is in-between picture book and "chapter book" length-- not a quick read. The story is very heartwarming, and the illustrations are beautiful and endearing. One of my very favorite Christmas stories! It is worth buying a used copy if that is all you can find (you can find really nice hardback or paperback versions).

This superb Christmas picture book deserves a rediscovery! In understatedly witty text, it tells the story of Delver mole, a young mole who lives underground and knows nothing of Christmas. One day he hears about it from a mouse, and wonders if this "fat man in a red suit" will bring him his dearest wish - a telescope so that he can see the stars. (Being very nearsighted as most moles are, he has never seen them.) Risking the peril of facing the local owl, Delver and his family build an above-ground chimney and leave a letter for Santa. They then fall asleep waiting on Christmas eve in the open, and are about to be snatched up by the owl when, in a curious and believable way, the owl finds some Christmas spirit and is duly rewarded by Santa, who also brings the telescope for Delever. The illustrations are memorable and the story is a complete charmer. Highly recommened for kids preschool through grade 2.

This picture book is my favorite "animal" Christmas book. The drawings and narrative are both charming and the story is not sacharine, but,in the best sense, heart-warming.