School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--An unsuspecting weasel gets caught in a very bad storm with wind and rain and even hail. So he decides to build a shelter with walls and a roof to keep himself safe from the storm. One day, he finds a very friendly mole sitting on his couch. Weasel is concerned that his safe place is only for him. But happy-go-lucky Mole has a very different way of seeing the storm. He insists that rather than something to fear, a storm can be an opportunity for fun. The wind makes him ticklish, the rain makes puddles for splashing, and being out in the rain always makes drying off by the fire with a cup of soup extra special. In fact, Mole's advice is ultimately to face anything scary with a friend. Warnes's full-bleed digital illustrations effectively convey the emotions of the two characters. VERDICT Although not breaking any new ground, this would be an appropriate selection to give to kids with anxiety. Recommended for larger collections.--Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR
Kirkus Review
The anthropomorphic title character isolates himself to feel safe from the elements--until an unexpected visit from Mole. Weasel's friendly face, fluffy, rust-colored fur, and loose polka-dot necktie remove any prejudices some readers may have about his species. Indeed, he is innocently collecting fall leaves against a colorful, bucolic backdrop when "suddenly the weather changed." The page turn shows, on the verso, two comical vignettes of Weasel trying to protect himself from a "nasty rain" by clamping a large leaf on his head and then falling "FLAT on his bottom" as a gust of wind hits him. Little viewers will giggle as Weasel tells the sky, "That's ENOUGH of that nonsense!"--and is soon pelted with hail. They will also empathize with Weasel's growing sense that he's small and powerless. Weasel builds himself a snug, protective home, where he lives in isolation until, one day, he turns around to find Mole sitting on the blue sofa. The ensuing dialogue is first about Weasel's insistence that his home is solely for safety and then about Mole's insistence that there is plenty of fun to be had in the fortress. A particularly comical illustration shows the bespectacled Mole demonstrating his "scary face" to thwart foxes. Mole proceeds to turn Weasel's concerns on their heads, demonstrating to Weasel--and readers--that "a different way of seeing things" can work wonders. A healthy range of vocabulary differentiates the two creatures' divergent approaches to life. Sweet depictions of reassurance and friendship. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
