From the brilliant collaboration between author Ariel Bernstein and illustrator Marc Rosenthal comes Mabel Wants a Friend, a delightful picture book filled with humor, charm, and a valuable lesson about friendship. Published by Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, this 48-page story is perfect for young readers eager for a tale that is both heartwarming and insightful. Don't miss out on my giveaway of this delightful children's book!
Title: Mabel Wants a Friend
Author: Ariel Bernstein
Illustrator: Marc Rosenthal
Publisher: Paula Wiseman Books (imprint of Simon & Schuster)
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Pages: 48 pages
About the book:
From the acclaimed duo Ariel Bernstein and Mark Rosenthal comes a new humorous and earnest story about a young fox who learns that making a new friend takes more than just wanting one.
Meet Mabel. She always gets what she wants. No matter what it takes. Meet Chester. He’s Mabel’s new friend, but…he doesn’t always agree with Mabel’s methods.
After a disagreement, Mabel decides she’s better off alone. But when Mabel starts to miss Chester, she realizes that to get what she wants most of all, she’ll have to learn what it means to be a good friend.
My Review
Meet Mabel, an adorable young fox with a headstrong personality. Mabel always gets what she wants—at least, that's what she believes. When she meets Chester, her new friend, she quickly discovers that not everyone will bend to her will. Chester doesn’t always agree with Mabel's ways, which leads to a rift between the two. Mabel, stubborn as she is, decides she’s better off alone. But as time goes on, she begins to realize that she misses Chester.
The heart of the story lies in Mabel's journey to understanding what friendship truly means. Instead of simply demanding what she wants, Mabel learns that being a good friend requires patience, empathy, and compromise. This makes Mabel Wants a Friend not just a charming story for children but also a wonderful tool for teaching the value of kindness and understanding in friendships.
Illustrations
Marc Rosenthal’s illustrations are nothing short of whimsical. Every page bursts with color and personality, perfectly capturing the lightheartedness of Mabel’s world. The expressive faces of the characters, especially Mabel's, amplify the humor and emotion throughout the story. His ability to bring out both the comedic and earnest sides of the tale is remarkable, adding an extra layer of engagement for young readers.
The playful art style makes the book not only enjoyable to read but also visually captivating. Children will delight in the bright and lively illustrations, which complement Bernstein’s witty storytelling.
Themes and Lessons
At its core, Mabel Wants a Friend delivers a powerful message about friendship. Mabel’s story is a reminder that friendships are about more than just what we want. Relationships take effort, understanding, and, most importantly, a willingness to compromise. These lessons are conveyed in a light-hearted, funny way, making it easy for young readers to grasp without feeling like they are being lectured.
The book subtly addresses issues like conflict resolution, empathy, and emotional growth, all while keeping the tone playful. It’s a perfect pick for parents and educators looking to introduce themes of cooperation and kindness.
What I Loved
There is so much to adore in this book! One of the standout aspects is the humor. Bernstein’s witty dialogue, combined with Mabel’s determined and sometimes stubborn personality, creates plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Children and adults alike will appreciate the cleverness of Mabel’s antics and the relatable way Chester handles their friendship.
The bright and whimsical illustrations by Marc Rosenthal enhance every scene, giving Mabel and Chester life in a way that is both adorable and engaging. The vibrant colors and dynamic expressions kept me glued to the pages, and I’m sure young readers will feel the same.
Another highlight is how effortlessly the book teaches a valuable lesson without being too heavy-handed. The story is earnest but maintains a sense of lighthearted fun, making it the perfect combination for a picture book.
Final Thoughts
Mabel Wants a Friend is a delightful and humorous read that successfully balances an important message with playful storytelling. Ariel Bernstein and Marc Rosenthal have created a winning combination with a story that entertains and educates. Mabel’s journey to understanding the true meaning of friendship is one that young readers will both enjoy and learn from.
Whether you’re looking for a bedtime story or a book to help your child understand the importance of empathy and cooperation, Mabel Wants a Friend is an excellent choice. With its colorful illustrations, charming characters, and heartwarming message, this is a book that will likely become a favorite on your bookshelf.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
About the author & illustrator:
ARIEL BERNSTEIN (she/her/hers) is the author of "I Have a Balloon" and "Where Is My Balloon?", both illustrated by Scott Magoon, as well as "We Love Fishing!" and "You Go First", both illustrated by Marc Rosenthal. "I Have a Balloon" received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, and it was a Junior Library Guild Selection. "Where Is My Balloon?" was a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and "We Love Fishing!" received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. "You Go First" was a Junior Library Guild Selection, named a Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title and received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. Ariel lives in Livingston, New Jersey with her family. Learn more at ArielBernsteinBooks.com.
MARC ROSENTHAL (he/him/his) is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of many books for children, including the "Small Walt" collection by Elizabeth Verdick, "All You Need Is Love" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, "I Must Have Bobo!" by Eileen Rosenthal, "We Love Fishing!" and "Mabel Wants a Friend" by Ariel Bernstein, and "Archie and the Pirates", which he wrote. He lives in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Learn more at Marc-Rosenthal.com.
Giveaway:
One (1) hard copy of the book "Mabel Wants a Friend" by Ariel Bernstein & Illustrated by March Rosenthal. The giveaway ends on October 29, 2024, at midnight EST.
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