Cbr17bingo Green
While the title of The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole (as did promotional material) does say slightly spooky, I felt it was spooky and one should drop the slightly! However, it is not necessarily over the top so most ages at least five and up could read and the adult reader will understand the metaphor of friendship and selfishness, plus anger about being taken advantage of.
Cecilia Heikkila’s clever text and illustrations make for loveable characters (even if Mole is a little more than a little selfish, and Fox gets really cranky). The story itself is easy (Mole takes advantage of Fox’s good nature), but it does go deeper. I read via an online reader copy but in August 2025 I will be finding a finished copy. I might not keep it for myself, but I know a good gift when I see one.
And though it is translated (by Polly Lawson) the flow of the text is smooth and does not feel bumpy as it can sometimes be to my reading ears. However, as much as I like the text it is the illustrations that really moved things along for me. The colors fit the scenes, the image details are setting up the adventures and it is all cozy, while giving excitement (and spooky) as well. After all, like I said, Fox gets really cranky and we all know the transformation of a person when their good nature is pushed to its limits. 
Overall, this book is a big plus for me. It might not be for everyone as it does have a classical feeling to it as well as there are a few monsters seen. It can be mature, therefore know your reader. I am assuming it will be in a picture book format, and that might turn off the 7 to 10 reader, but they might be turned off by the size. Which they shouldn’t as the story is better for older readers.