Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed Book Review

Bibliography
Willems, Mo. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. Hyperion Books for Children, 2009.

Plot
Wilbur is a naked mole rat who likes clothes. All the other naked mole rats make fun of him and say sarcastic things to him. Wilbur continues to follow his inner taste and opens a store, which causes the other naked mole rats to show him a picture of the oldest naked mole rat, Grandpah. Wilbur still believes that clothes are cooler, so the naked mole rats take the matter to Grandpah himself. Grandpah thought for a long time and decides to make a proclamation. All the naked mole rats gather, and Wilbur decides to go safe and just wear shoes. Grandpah ends up making a big decision, which causes all the naked mole rats to have a great time.

Critical analysis
A lively tale from start to end, readers will enjoy Willem's style as an artist and delightful theme of trying to fit in, and maintain independence at the same time. Wilbur tries to follow the advice of his friends, reminding readers of a time when they went along with the flow. But no matter what he does, he is always rejected on the basis of majority rule. Readers will have no trouble identifying with either the main protagonist or his antagonistic friends; who hasn't gone along with the flow based on the group's opinion? Willems uses both text and simple drawings to evoke large feelings of belonging, frustration, and longing to fit in. A clean style and color choice of illustration helps enunciate the lack of clothing that all naked mole rats have, and make Wilbur stand out in the crowd. The silly, and satisfying ending will leave readers with a lesson that is subtle and firm. Kindness and appreciation for differences is an enduring aspect of being a good friend.

Personal Response
This book made me laugh out loud and cheer at the end. The style of writing offered questions and then promptly answered them through the narrative. Why does Wilbur want to wear clothes? Why don't the other Naked Mole Rats give it a try? What will Grandpah say? What would Wilbur have chosen to wear to the big reveal? All of these were prompted by the connection to the main character and the hope that eventually, all the naked mole rats will realize that ideas that go against the grain may be good ideas. Equally satisfying at the end was the picture which depicted that not all naked mole rats immediately switched to wearing full outfits, but all were having fun. A hilarious adventure from start to finish.

Excerpts of Reviews 
"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."  Kirkus Review

"Straightforward and engaging." Publishers Weekly

"Kids will giggle-and wish their daily dramas had similar endings." School Library Journal

Connections
1.) Investigate mole rats and other mouse animals as part of science.
2.) Have children role play situations where they may be required to accept differences.
3.) Read other books by Mo Willem and see if children can spot similarities in how he writes and illustrates- what is his style? Other books include: Knuffle Bunny, Don't Let The Pidgeon Drive the Bus! and There is a Bird on Your Head!
4.) Use as an intro to a lesson on pros vs. cons and have children create their own list.
5.) Launch a discussion on when to play it safe and follow the crowd, and when to stand out. Have children share their experiences both ways.