#18 - Moon Rope by Lois Ehlert

Summary: Moon Rope is a Peruvian tale which explains why Mole avoids other creatures, preferring his solitary tunnel.  Fox persuades poor Mole to climb up to the moon with him. "There are big worms up there," said Fox. "Huge. How could Mole not listen to his growling stomach? He'd go. Mole and Fox braid a long rope out of grass. 

With the help of the birds, they hitch the rope to the tip of a crescent moon. Fox climbs up quickly, paw over paw. Mole nervously keeps glancing back to the earth. When his claws slip he falls with a resounding ploomph! The animals jeer and taunt him. Upset and embarrassed, Mole runs away and digs a deep tunnel. 

Suggested Activity:  Wiggle Worm Relay 

1. Form relay lines. 
2. Everyone in each line puts their left hand between their legs and the person behind grabs that hand with their right hand.
3. Then they run at a given signal to the other end of the playing area and back. 
4. The first team to return 'intact' wins!

Curriculum Area: Gross Motor Skills (demonstrates basic locomotor skills, shows balance while moving) 

Appropriate Age Group: 4 and up