Rock 'N' Roll Mole



Last updated Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Author: Carolyn Crimi
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0803731663
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2013

Synopsis: Mole has a rock 'n' roll soul. He wears a leather jacket (even in summer) and shades (even at night), and he can strut just like his idol, Mick Badger. But then Mole's friend Pig plans a talent show and, to everyone's shock, Mole refuses to play. He's a rock star, see-just as long as no one's watching. The night of the big show, Pig is ready for his sizzling dance number, but wait-his iPod's broken! Can Mole step up and save his friend's rep, or will the bright lights and big crowds make him shake in his shades?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is a mole? Have you ever seen one?
•  Have you ever been afraid to speak or perform in front of an audience? If so, how did you overcome it?
•  Do you listen to rock 'n' roll music? Do you like it? What's your favorite kind of music to listen to?

Vocabulary:
•  Shades- another word for sunglasses
•  Swoon- to really like someone and get butterflies in your stomach when you see him or her
•  Funky- something that is cool, groovy, or hip
•  Snarl- when an animal shows its teeth and growls

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did Mole not want to perform at Pig's show?
•  What happened when Mole first got on stage?
•  How did Mole show loyalty to Pig?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a poster advertising Pig's talent show.
•  Make a poster for your favorite singer, band, or show.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!