Book Review: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed
1.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Wilbur, a naked mole rat, is the only one of his
kind who enjoys wearing clothes. He doesn’t see anything wrong with wearing all
sorts of interesting clothes, but the other naked mole rats think he is very
strange. They go to Grand-pah, the elder of the naked mole rat family to
complain about Wilbur’s clothes wearing habit. Wilbur is so worried that
Grand-pah would not like him if he wore clothes, but Grand-pah thinks wearing
clothes is a fine idea, and Wilbur is extremely relieved.
3.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Mo Willems has created a fantastic character in Wilbur, who
is perfectly happy with the way he is and doesn’t let the teasing of the other
naked mole rats change his personality. When faced with the assertion that
naked mole rats don’t wear clothes, he simply asks “Why not?” The plot has
Wilbur facing insults from other mole rats while he tries to explain his love
of wearing clothing. Although Wilbur is concerned about the opinion of
Grand-pah, his fears are put to rest and the conflict is resolved as Grand-pah
makes the proclamation that although clothes may not be for everyone, they
don’t hurt anyone. The theme in this story is to be yourself, and let others
be themselves and celebrate individuality, which is a wonderful lesson to teach children. Although this
particular story is about naked mole rats, there is a sense of realism to the
story, and the events that occur can easily be imagined with humans.
The relatively simple cartoons Willems illustrates of naked mole rats draw the
reader in due to their personification and human-like behavior. The
colors are relatively bright pastels and on a plain white background, so Wilbur and the
rest of the naked mole rats stand out. Wilbur and his family are pale pink,
with dynamic facial expressions displaying their emotions clearly to the
audience. Animals wearing clothes and getting into human-like situations are
usually popular with young children, and Naked
Mole Rat Gets Dressed is sure to be no exception.
Mo Willems is a brilliant author and illustrator. He knows how to draw and create characters young audiences will love.
Mo Willems is a brilliant author and illustrator. He knows how to draw and create characters young audiences will love.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Positive review in School
Library Journal: “Adults will embrace the message
of tolerance, happy to have a tale that can be shared with young children.”
Positive review in Booklist: “It is Wilbur’s guileless
observations that will have young readers feeling good about individual
expression.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This storybook can lead a discussion on tolerance and treating others as you wish to be treated.
* As an enrichment activity, have the children design outfits they believe Wilbur would enjoy wearing.* Other books on individuality and acceptance:
Cannon, Janell. Stellaluna. ISBN 9780152802172
*Other books by Mo Willems:
Don’t Let the Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. ISBN 9780786818709
There is a Bird on Your Head. ISBN 9781423106869
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