Published by Henry Holt and Company

Summary:  Mole wakes up to the realization that today is Rabbit’s moon harvest party, and he has to make the torturous decision about whether or not he’s going to go.  He decides to bring some homemade cream puffs, then sets off through tunnels that go under the town.  Readers can see other animals traveling to the party aboveground, while Mole goes back and forth between encouraging himself to talk to other party guests and recalling how awkward previous social gatherings have been.  He wants to push himself to be better, but as he approaches Rabbit’s house, he starts to think he should have stayed home.  At the front door, he meets Skunk, a kindred spirit who is also debating whether or not he’ll go inside.  Rabbit invites them in, but the two hand off their gifts and head for Mole’s place, where they enjoy a quiet cup of tea together.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  Socially anxious introverts of the world, unite!  Rarely has a book spoken to me quite this accurately, as I recognized almost word for word Mole’s internal dialog while he overthought going to a party.  The underground illustrations are adorable, and I was delighted that Mole found a true friend at the end.

Cons:  I wish this book had been around in my younger days.