Mole's Star

Product Information

When the outer appendages of the star come into slight contact with a potential food source, the nose is quickly shifted so that one or more touches are made with the fovea (the two lower appendages; 11th pair) to explore objects of interest in more detail – especially potential prey. The star movements resembled saccadic eye movements—quick movements of the eyes from one focus point to another—in their speed and time-course. The rapid adapting responses include a Pacinian-like response based on an (on-off) response caused by pressure and mechanical vibrations with maximum sensitivity to stimuli at a frequency of 250 Hz. Electrophysiological experiments using electrodes placed on the cortex during stimulation of the body demonstrated that roughly 52% of the cortex is devoted to the nose.

Star-nosed moles are the only species which live in the moist, muddy soil of wetlands where the less abrasive environment has allowed the delicate star-shaped structure to evolve.Especially the double spread where Mole goes back up to his rock for the first time since taking the stars, at first it seems a black page bar the text, mole and his rock but if you shift the light you can see layering of media to create the shadowy trees and forest surroundings which are more apparent in subsequent pages but it's a beautiful exploration of nighttime landscapes and the use of a limited palette and light. Mole’s Star is a multi-layered story that will present adults and children alike with opportunities for exploring ecological and environmental issues, such as: to whom do the natural assets of the world belong?

For tonight’s bedtime read, T was attracted by the “beautiful star” when he picked out Mole’s Star by Britta Teckentrup. The star-nosed mole ( Condylura cristata) has the body form and anatomical specializations of typical moles but possesses a longer tail and slightly smaller forefeet. it appears that the ability to rapidly detect and consume small prey was the major selective advantage that drove the evolution of the star.It has an enchanting lyrical feel that will calm and relax your child ready for a good night’s sleep.