About "Young Mole"
Young Mole
Young Mole is always finding himself in new adventures. He digs tunnels, meets unexpected friends, and learns important lessons along the way. With guidance from his family, wise elders, and the many creatures he encounters, he discovers that kindness and sharing truly make the underground world brighter. And even when he slips up, Mole recovers, grows, and tries again.
As he gets older, Mole begins solving problems on his own. He listens to good advice, finds creative ways to overcome challenges, and slowly starts exploring life beyond his cozy burrow and familiar tunnels.
Along his journey, Mole discovers the value of teamwork. He learns how to share, take turns, and cooperate whether it’s during a fun game, a tricky puzzle, or brave new explorations. Step by step, Mole faces his fears, tries new things, and finds joy in learning from others.
With a heart full of courage and a spirit full of curiosity, Mole’s journey becomes a warm and exciting tale of love, friendship, growth, and discovery. Each day brings someone new, something surprising, and a chance to learn. And the best part? It’s only just beginning.
Books in the Mole Saga
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
About the Author
C.J. Tripp
Author
C.J. Tripp was born in New York and raised in the Rocky Mountain states. Over the years, he has lived throughout many regions of the United States and has traveled to a total of 40 states.
His international journeys include Canada, Mexico, several countries in Central and South America, Europe, and Eurasia. He has also lived for extended periods in both Argentina and Azerbaijan.
Tripp explains, “I like to think that these diverse travel and life experiences, and the many cultures I’ve encountered, show up in my writing. I try to weave them into my stories alongside the perspectives I’ve gained through a long academic career—four university degrees, from a B.S. to a Ph.D., and forty years of teaching in higher education.”
Beyond academia, Tripp has worked in a wide range of fields, including sales, mental health counseling, public-lands surveying, and small business ownership. He has written for newspapers and magazines and has also published works of fiction.
Tripp is married and has two adult children.
About the Illustrator
Sara A. Hamblin
Illustrator
Sara was born in Azerbaijan and moved to the USA in 2016, where she embraced a new culture and discovered a love for graphic design.
During the day, she works as a software engineer, and in her free time, she enjoys illustrating. Her multicultural background fuels her imagination and has helped her bring mole stories to life in a unique and meaningful way.
Readers Become Writers / Feedback
Do you have feedback, a story, a poem, or creative work inspired by the Mole Saga?
We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and creations! Just send submissions by email. With your permission, we may feature it on our website.
What Readers Are Saying
"A Thoughtful Journey of Growth and Wisdom. Young Mole is a beautifully crafted story that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through Mole's adventures, the book touches on important life lessons, making it both enjoyable and meaningful for readers of all ages. Chapter 9, 'Choices,' particularly stood out to me as a powerful exploration of balance, communication, and fairness."
"This book became my favorite. Sometimes I open it and read the parts I've underlined over and over again, and look at the sweet illustrations. The stories give courage and uplift the soul. I strongly recommend reading this book 😊👍🏻"
"A childhood classic in the making! Young Mole is a sweet story about woodland creatures whose adventures feel surprisingly close to real life. Mole stumbles, learns, and grows in ways kids and parents will recognize. The writing is warm and the illustrations are beautiful, but what I especially liked were the little pauses between chapters where Mole reflects."
"My six-year-old really loves Young Mole! He can't get enough of the bright, fun illustrations. The stories are simple, charming and playful. And even though some lessons are for older kids, they make him curious and we talk a lot about them. One chapter we both loved and lines from it we talked about were especially useful for him. Mole's mother told him, '… whether real or imaginary, I do think we are all responsible for creating our own feelings, whatever they may be.' Mole responded, 'Then only I can make myself feel happy or sad, and no one else can do that for me.'"
"One of my new favorite children's books! Such a cute and fun book to read with my kids! The pictures are adorable and the lessons he learns along the way are so cute and spot on. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with kiddos."
"Such a beautifully written book! One of my favorites! I really loved reading Young Mole with my family. The story is simple and fun for kids, but it carries such beautiful lessons that touched me too. The illustrations bring Mole's world to life. Definitely recommend this one—it's a book we'll come back to again and again."
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is Young Mole suitable for?
+Young Mole is perfect for children ages 8-12, but readers of all ages can enjoy it! The story teaches valuable life lessons through Mole's adventures, making it a wonderful read-aloud book for families and a great independent read for older children.
Where can I purchase Young Mole?
+Young Mole is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle formats. You can find direct purchase links on our website, or search for "Young Mole C.J. Tripp" on Amazon.
What makes this book special for children?
+Young Mole combines engaging storytelling with beautiful illustrations and meaningful life lessons. Each chapter teaches important values like friendship, courage, sharing, and problem-solving through Mole's relatable adventures. The book encourages children to reflect on their own experiences and choices.
When will the next books in the series be available?
+The next books in the Mole Saga series are currently in development. "Just Mole," "Restless Moles," and "Elder Moles" will be coming soon. Follow us for updates on release dates and new adventures with Mole and his friends!
I read a chapter of "Young Mole" and haven't gotten back to it for a long time. What is the the best way to get back to it?
+After one chapter of Mole’s tunnel adventures filled with talking worms, clever snails, and other strange yet brilliant characters you’ll definitely want to discover what happens next. And the best part? The chapters are short and inviting. Remember the tone is gentle and maybe slower-paced so reading a small chunk and not expecting a fast thriller is fine.
Mole is always there, waiting for you on the next page or in the next chapter. The pebble take-away and other games are ready for you to join in, while tricky worms and selfish moles are busy plotting their next move. Along the way, curious ideas pop out for you to ponder and share. So, the best option is clear: pick up the book again and keep enjoying Mole’s exciting adventures. Just don’t let Mole leave you behind because you didn’t finish the journey!
If people are reading fewer books today, how can illustration help spark their curiosity again? Can visuals draw them back into stories in a way that words alone no longer do?
+People say no one reads books anymore, but that's only half true. Sure, it's easier to binge 30 TikToks than read 30 pages, and scrolling feels like the new bedtime story. Attention spans have been traded for algorithms, and patience is harder to find than a bookstore. But here's the hopeful part: stories never actually went out of style. Humans crave them — whether they come in novels, comics, or even illustrations on a screen. If we can repackage that magic in ways that grab attention again, books might just feel fresh instead of forgotten.
Can you walk us through your illustration process, from the first idea to the final piece?
+Before I even start drawing, I imagine the tunnel and all the moles living in it. Funny thing is, now whenever I see a random hole in the ground, I start looking around for real moles. It's become a habit, haha. Then I grab my iPad, sketch the scene loosely, and slowly add details layer by layer. My goal is always to make the illustrations bright, colorful, and full of life. And of course, I want the moles to look as fluffy and adorable as possible, like little characters you'd want to hug.