Little Mole Gives Thanks: Acorn Stew, Grateful Hearts, and Woodland Surprises

​If you’ve ever planned something special only to have it tumble sideways, you’ll feel right at home with Little Mole Gives Thanks by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Anne Garland. Our furry friend has whipped up quite the woodland feast of pinecone pie, acorn stew, and mushroom soup. The kind of spread that would make any forest critter drool. But when each of his invited guests sends their regrets, Little Mole is left with a full table and an empty heart.

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That’s where the Little Mole surprises us. Instead of staying stuck in disappointment, he discovers that gratitude has a funny way of sneaking in through the back door. Before long, the woodland community reminds him what true friendship looks like, right on time for the big feast he and Mama worked so hard to prepare.

This fourth installment in the Little Mole series keeps the gentle rhythm and tender heart readers love. It’s the kind of story that feels like a hug from a friend who also brought dessert.

From Disappointment to Thankfulness
One of the things I adore about this book is how honestly it treats that sinking feeling when plans fall apart. Little Mole’s excitement is contagious, and his letdown feels real. But instead of rushing to fix the sadness, Glenys Nellist lets it breathe just long enough for children to recognize it, and then turns it toward something brighter.

The forest setting wraps the story in coziness with leaves tumbling down, friends gathering under the trees, and a long table set with woodland delicacies. It’s an autumn read without being tied to a single holiday. The payoff is lovely as (spoiler alert)  Little Mole realizes the most important guests were already right beside him all along.

The illustrations carry the emotional notes beautifully. You experience Little Mole’s hope, his slump of disappointment, and that joyful spark when everything turns around. For preschool through early elementary readers, it’s a perfect mix of approachable language, rich visuals, and meaningful conversation starters. It’s also a wonderful read-aloud for asking questions like: What do we do when plans change? Who are the people who always show up? How can we show gratitude for them?

Glenys Nellist's Gentle Touch
Glenys Nellist has a knack for writing stories that honor a child’s feelings while gently steering them toward hope. Her books carry a quiet wisdom—the kind that reminds us that joy and gratitude often bloom right after disappointment.

She describes the Little Mole series as helping children “discover joy and hope in the world,” and Little Mole Gives Thanks fits that mission perfectly. What I especially appreciate is her way of weaving spiritual and relational depth into simple, child-friendly language. It’s never heavy-handed; it’s heartfelt and real.
And if you love extending stories into hands-on learning, Glenys even offers a free “Fancy Fall Feast” activity pack on her website—a thoughtful touch that turns reading time into playtime.

The Woodland Art of Sally Anne Garland
Sally Anne Garland paints the forest world with warmth and texture that invite you to linger. Her art balances gentle emotion and cozy detail so well that you can almost smell the stew simmering.
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Every page is layered with discovery, like what’s on the table, who’s bringing what, and the way Little Mole’s mood shifts with each scene. Garland’s use of color makes the forest glow, and her characters feel familiar, like old friends you’d love to share a slice of pinecone pie with.

Her illustrations aren’t just lovely; they amplify the story’s emotional rhythm, making this a book children will want to revisit, trace with their fingers, and maybe even imitate in their own drawings.

Discovering Science in Little Mole's Feast
Okay, so Little Mole Gives Thanks isn’t exactly a lab coat and goggles kind of book, but there’s a surprising amount of STEM potential bubbling beneath its cozy surface. Think forest ecology, food preparation, measurement, and sequences, all tucked inside that woodland table setting.

Ask your little readers: Where do acorns come from? How do mushrooms grow? What happens when we heat soup? How many pinecones did Little Mole gather? Those questions spark observation, counting, and cause-and-effect thinking, revealing the everyday STEM foundations often hidden in plain sight.

Growing Grateful Hearts in Little Mole's Forest
Now this is where the book really shines. Little Mole’s journey from excitement to disappointment to gratitude is a whole-hearted lesson in emotional intelligence. Kids see that it’s okay to feel let down, and that feelings can change when kindness enters the scene.

The story encourages empathy, inclusion, and thankfulness not only when things go right but especially when they don’t. It reminds readers that the best friends are the ones who show up, and gratitude grows stronger when it’s shared. Teachers, parents, and caregivers can easily spin this into a conversation: Who would you invite to your feast? What if someone couldn’t come? How could you still make it special?
These are gentle but lasting questions that help children grow emotionally sturdy roots.

What Little Mole Teaches Us
Little Mole Gives Thanks is a warm and meaningful story that invites readers, both big and small, to pause and appreciate the blessings already gathered around the table. With Glenys Nellist’s tender storytelling and Sally Anne Garland’s cozy art, it delivers a comforting message about friendship, gratitude, and finding joy even when things don’t go as planned.

It’s a beautiful addition to any family or classroom library—perfect for fall, yes, but really timeless in its message.

Giveaway: Your Chance to Join the Feast
I’m giving one reader the chance to win a copy of Little Mole Gives Thanks! To enter, share in the comments one person you’re grateful for and why. I’ll draw a winner during the first week in November and send the book your way.

Extend the Story: Activities, Adventures, and Author Links
If you’d like to keep exploring Little Mole’s world beyond the pages, the links below will lead you to a few delightful extras. You’ll find activities that pair perfectly with the story. These are external links, so they’ll take you outside this site—but each one offers a fresh way to keep the spirit of gratitude and creativity growing.

Author Glenys Nellist: You can find the entire Little Mole series here, and learn about Glenys and her other books designed to help little ones shine.
Little Mole's Activity Pack from Beaming Books: Plan your own feast. Invitation and recipes included!
Illustrator Sally Anne Garland: Check out not only Sally's illustrations, but also some of her books.
​30+ Super Cute Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids: Kids will be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re building skills in math, science, problem-solving, and motor control.
Fun Thanksgiving STEM Activities for Kids (I'm the Chef Too): You have to check this page out. (I have fallen in love with "I'm the Chef Too".) Their hands-on activities include making homemade butter, creating turkey transporters, building a teepee, and experimenting to learn about how leaves change color. And so much more!

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