NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo. 2009. NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9781423114376

Plot summary

            Wilbur is an independent minded outsider in his colony of naked mole rats due to his enjoyment of wearing clothes. Though his fellow naked mole rats do not understand and try to convince him otherwise, Wilbur goes even further by selling clothes. The bewildered and outraged citizens seek the guidance of the wise Grand-pah in persuading Wilbur to understand he is wrong. Much to their surprise, Grand-pah shares Wilbur’s sentiment of “why not?” which leads to the acceptance of clothing among the colony.

Critical Analysis

            This tongue-in-cheek tale, though simply told and illustrated, conveys a strong message of its okay to be different. Wilbur, the main character whose clothes fetish has bucked the naked mole rat way of life, shows both strength and innocence in his determination to be himself. The unusual animal of the naked mole rat makes for an interesting society full of tradition and sameness which is a perfect backdrop for the conflict. The culture of the mole rats is communicated through their traditions and rules of society, which could easily represent any number of cultures in reality. Though fantasy in character, the situation and series of issues is very logical, being applicable to children of any age, from resolving problems through debate and seeking authority to the themes of tolerance, acceptance, and independence.

Though the themes and deeper meanings are clear, it is not preachy, the author using a stylistic mix of humor, sarcasm, and seriousness. The voice of the author is easily heard through the clever use of punctuation and short sentences, building suspense.

The simple, comic-strip type drawn characters with solid pink colors draw the reader through the story with their size and placement on the page, lending to the action and progression of the story. There is little to no setting on the pages, typically only indicated by a line or a few dots. Though an occasional important element, such as the clothes stand or portrait of Grand-pah will be more detailed. The true wonder and entertainment to this book are the facial expressions and gestures of the mole rats, from varied depictions of utter disgust to their unique dance moves. The assortment of clothing worn by Wilbur also receives special detail. Though the real humor of the book will likely be overlooked by younger children, the older ones, and even adults, will appreciate it.   

Review Excerpts

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 23))
Willems tackles the old it's-OK-to-be-different genre with his customary chutzpah and subversive charm …Willems eschews a black-and-white encouragement to stand out from the crowd, offering instead a story that makes a case for different opinions to operate side by side… 2009, Hyperion, 40p, $16.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 4 to 8. © 2008 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Christine Markley (Library Media Connection, June 2009)
… Young readers will be drawn to the illustrations and the giggle-inducing word naked. Teachers will use this book to discuss individuality and acceptance of differences. Make room for Wilbur; both the naked and the clothed mole rats will be a definite hit in any collection. Recommended. 2009, Hyperion Books for Children/Disney Publishing Worldwide, 40pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 5 to 10.

Daniel Kraus (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 6))
…Willems’ art follows the simple style of his Elephant and Piggie books, and is dominated in color by (no surprise) naked-mole-rat pink. An ongoing horizontal line lends continuity to most of the pages, occasionally curving to add simple architecture to the scenes. But mostly it is Wilbur’s guileless observations that will have young readers feeling good about individual expression. Preschool-Grade 2

Awards and Recognitions:

Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2009 ; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Children's Catalog Supplement to Nineteenth Edition, 2009 ; H. W. Wilson Company
Choices, 2010 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, November 3, 2008 ; Cahners

Connections

Baker, Roberta. 2002. NO ORDINARY OLIVE. Ill. by Debbie Tilley. Boston: Little, Brown.

Andreae, Giles. 2001. GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE. Ill. by Guy Parker-Rees. New York: Orchard Books.

Spinelli, Jerry. 2001. STARGIRL. Thorndike: Thorndike Press.