Mole Music

Picture from amazon.ca

Mole Music by David McPhail is recommended by Pam Allyn in her book Best Books for Boys.

It is a lovely picture book about a mole who spends his days digging tunnels. He is happy enough, but realizes that something is missing from his life. When he sees a man playing the violin on television, he is inspired and says to himself, “I want to make beautiful music, too.”

He receives a violin by mail order and teaches himself to play. It takes time for him to master the instrument, but he persists. He eventually learns to play even better than the man on television, and his music has an impact on the world above him, even though he does not realize it.

On its surface, Mole Music offers a touching story with beautiful illustrations. But there are deeper lessons that will sink in with repeated reading and as children get older. Readers will learn that they should keep going when things get challenging. They’ll also receive some valuable lessons about music:  it can soothe and bring joy, and it should be played from the heart.