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Reviewed by Kate Gwerder, Teacher, Mangorei Primary School, Taranaki
Opening sentence
The mole had his friends come to afternoon tea, fairies and butterflies, beetle and bee.
In the charming follow-up to the original tale, 'The (Once) Grumpy Mole Gets a Digger' proves that even the best intentions can lead to a bit of a mess. Our mole has officially turned his frown upside down and wants to share his home with friends for afternoon tea. However, he quickly realises his cozy burrow is a tight squeeze for a party.

Determined to be the ultimate host, Mole saves his money and buys a shiny new digger. It’s a classic "DIY disaster" in the making; fueled by excitement but lacking any formal lessons, Mole’s renovation project quickly spirals into a series of mishaps. The rhythmic rhyming keeps the story bouncing along, making it a joy for children to listen to.

The vibrant, colourful illustrations and text capture the chaotic energy of the mole and his adventure, ensuring that even the youngest readers will be glued to the pages. It’s a lighthearted lesson on patience, planning, and the joys of friendship.
Author & Illustrator: Minky Stapleton (illustrator)
Publisher: Roiall Emerald Publishers
ISBN: 9780473730802
Format: Paperback
Publication: October 2025
Ages: 5 - 7 years
Themes: Friendship, problem solving