In three stories, Mouse and Mole try to find The Secret of Happiness. What can be? Good reading, a relaxed walk, or tea with friends who care about you.
Everything starts well for the duo in A Good Read when they agree that nothing is better than reading a favourite book. Soon after, Mouse seems to find enjoyment: ‘ha-ha’, ‘tee-hee’, but Mole finds different reasons to stay away from the page because of hiccups, itching, and yawning. Is this true, or does Mole settle for the wrong type of book?
In This Way and That, Mole thinks happiness is a relaxed walk, but well-meaning Mouse wishes even something better for his friend, giving him small jobs on the way. Why is Mole annoyed?
The third ‘secret’ shows that Mole found The Secret of Happiness in his dream, which “was so obvious, ” but unfortunately, he forgot it. His friends arriving for tea try to comfort Mole with a four-leaf clover, a summer pudding, and even a hat.
Mouse & Mole The Secret of Happiness, shows that sometimes we search vigorously for an answer hidden in the small things. It suggests that happiness is not a revolutionary phenomenon but something that can be experienced daily and has different meanings for different people. It is a warm, comforting read that brings a nostalgic feel through the illustrations (just a few: the footstool and the lampshade with tassels) mixed with realism much needed for the shelves as opposed to many ‘magical’ and ‘diverse’ styles of stories. A hard copy book with a yellow muted page would make it a gift or a read-aloud on a chilly, starry evening.
The Stats:
- Title: Mouse & Mole, The Secret of Happiness
- Author and Illustrator: Joyce Dunbar & James Mayhew
- ISBN: 9781913134839
- Publication Date: 2021
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Graffeg
- Recommended age: 4-7
- Categories/Topic: Friendship, Happiness
Further Information:
If you loved Mouse & Mole’s The Secret of Happiness, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
Where to Find it:
- Buy on Amazon: Mouse & Mole The Secret of Happiness
- Find on: Goodreads
Further reading:
Happiness for Mouse & Mole continues. Read another story from these memorable characters.
- Buy on Amazon: Happy Days for Mouse and Mole: 3
