“Mole Music”
by David McPhail, author and illustrator.
Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1999, 32 pages, K-3.
Sometimes, people think that they have little to offer the world. After all, we are not all famous and have little power in the community. Nevertheless, we discover that talents exist in our hearts and minds that can change the way we think and feel, and possibly, the way others think and feel.
How does this come about? The journey begins with an interest in an idea or an activity. Next, we need to try to develop these emerging interests. Finally, through practicing, we can often achieve goals and benefits beyond anything we can imagine. David McPhail, famous author and illustrator, has created a charming story based on these ideas. The name of this lovely title is “Mole Music.”
Mole labors under the surface, digging tunnels throughout all the neighboring fields. After a hard day of work, he eats by himself and watches television. Having no friends or relations, he feels lonely and unfulfilled. One night, he watches a musician playing the violin on television. He can’t believe that anyone can make such moving and beautiful music on a musical instrument. To overcome his loneliness, Mole decides to take action. He thinks: Maybe I can learn to play the violin and make such lovely music.
With this, he eagerly orders a violin through the mail. Each day, he rushes to his mailbox to see if the violin has arrived. Finally, the package is delivered and Mole opens the box. Inside is the violin he has so longed for.
Taking it home, he takes the violin bow and plays his first notes. The screech from the instrument shocks him. This is not how the violinist on television sounded. But still, he perseveres in his desire to make beautiful music. Finally, Mole learns how to play a single note without mistake.
Over the next month, he adds more notes. As Mole’s ability to play improves, his loneliness lessons and a sort of peace enters his heart. His music becomes so lovely that the plants above his tunnel begin to grow and flourish. Mole begins to dream that his music can make people forget hateful thoughts and want to become friends.
In the meantime a war breaks out above the tunnel. Mole doesn’t know what this means, he only knows that he wants to make exquisite music so that people stop hating. Mole’s music rises from his underground home. The soldiers hear it. What happens next?
Does Mole’s music make people stop attacking each other? How does the music help Mole feel better about himself and others? Have you ever done anything to make your life, or someone else’s life better? Does Mole’s hard work to make his life more meaningful succeed? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this lovely story, “Mole Music” by David McPhail.
This is an absolutely endearing story. You just want to root for Mole as he tries to make sense out of his life through the beauty of music. The pictures are a visual delight and children (and adults) will want to look at all the elements McPhail includes in the book.
This is just a can’t-miss story that could be shared in a classroom or at home with younger family members. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Highly recommended.
