And....crying seems to be a theme so far this year, because I was bawling at this one too. I plan to buy it for several children that I love. ( )

Dennis Haseley wrote the picture book "Photographer Mole," which is a story about a mole finding his place in the town he lives in as well as the happiness he feels is lacking in his life. Mole took portraits of the other members in his community, but was unsure of what his portraits were missing. He left his town in search of the missing element and said he would write when he found it. The other members of his community missed him while he was away, but mostly due to the lack of pictures being taken around the town. The people of the town realized that they did not only miss Mole for the pictures that were not being taken, but they began to understand the importance of Mole, and the friendship they missed while he was away. The big idea of this book is the appreciation of friendships and how to treat others, as well as the realization of your own needs. Many members of the town were upset with Mole for leaving and did not understand why Mold needed to leave, such as the commander Bear who was worried that Mole was not there to capture the color of his color and the Bulldogs did not have Mole to capture their reunion. Once Mole returned home with another mole named Belinda, his-bride-to-be, the town began to realize that Mole was lacking companionship and love in his life. The townspeople began to understand the importance of friendship and the needs of their friend, and Mole realized what he needed in life besides his passion for photography: his own family. ( )

32 months - Picked this up from the thrift store for a $1, hard cover in perfect condition. A beautifully written and illustrated story. ( )