Written by the prolific Jane Yolen, the charming characters from Eeny, Meeny, Miney Mole and Eeny Up Above return in the third installment of this picture book series that explores themes of agoraphobia, anxiety, and bravery.
Eeny Mole lives at the bottom of a deep dark hole with her two sisters. If it were up to her sisters, she would never leave the hole, but Eeny loves to go exploring--especially in the spring.
In this final Eeny Mole picture book, Eeny tries to encourage her sisters to face their fears as she has done and venture into the world Up Above.
"Like Spring ... Brown's soft illustrations echo Beatrix Potter's in both delicacy and whimsy, and Yolen's story of bravery justified should put a smile in readers' hearts."----Kirkus Reviews on "Eeny Up Above"
"PreSchool-Grade 1--The text is carefully constructed, with thoughts building upon one another and reality clothed in poetic contemplation. This is also a book of opposites, of questions, and of astonishing answers... The characters have such full and individual personalities, and the vision of all the rooms visited is so complete, that readers will be drawn into each earth-brown picture. Young Eeny is especially engaging as she pulls her doll in its acorn wagon, a shovel by her side, energy and innocent determination in each stride. A notable effort by both author and illustrator."----School Library Journal on "Eeny, Meeny, Miney Mole"
"Yolen's poetic narrative is expertly paced and has a nicely varied repetitive pattern, giving the familiar story of venturing forth into new territory a fresh flavor. Brown's watercolors are just right: the menage is homey, though with clues to its being underground; the older sisters are visibly set in their ways, while Eeny (like Henkes's mice) is sweet but refreshingly persistent. Perfect for sharing aloud. (Picture book. 4-8)"----Kirkus Reviews on "Eeny, Meeny, Miney Mole"
"Yolen returns to the snug hole of siblings Eeny, Meeny, and Miney Mole in this comforting addition to the Eeny Series ... Throughout this likeable low-key adventure, Brown's carefully rendered interiors fill the mole hole with homey domestic details, while the wider world is prettily pictured, replete with birds, butterflies, and flowers. Ages 3-8."---- Publishers Weekly
"Eeny, Meeny, and Miney Mole are sisters who live in a deep, dark burrow. Meeny and Miney are content in their predictable, quiet home, but Eeny longs to be part of the Up Above; she visits often--despite her older sisters' scolding. Nothing Eeny tries convinces her sisters to venture into the light; only an acorn cup of cocoa sparks a compromise. Watercolor illustrations portray the blossoming beauty of spring and the cozy hues of the Mole sisters' underground home."---- Foreword Reviews
"Follow a brave young mole as she ventures up above her underground home to explore despite her sisters' objections ... The illustrations are whimsical and depict a beautiful mole world above and below ground. This is a wonderful message for young children about bravery and trying new things. A great read for home or school."---- Children's Literature
The amazingly prolific Jane Yolen, has been called "America's Hans Christian Andersen." She is the distinguished author of over 300 books, including Fairy Tale Feasts, Jewish Fairy Tale Feasts, Owl Moon and Devil's Arithmetic. She lives on an old farm in western Massachusetts with numerous moles who do not seem to be afraid of anything. She enjoys taking walks along the river near her house and visiting people, including her editors--in fact, she wrote this book in the office of one of them.
Kathryn Brown has illustrated numerous highly-acclaimed picture books for children. She lives with her husband and their daughter near Jane Yolen in western Massachusetts. She did not, however, use the moles on Jane Yolen's farm as models for this book. (They were too hard to catch.)
Crocodile Books
Target Age: 3-8
Pub Date: March 26, 2024
0.32" H x 8.66" L x 11.18" W
32 pages
hardcover