MABEL WANTS A FRIEND

Mabel learns about making and keeping friends.

Following You Go First (2023), Bernstein and Rosenthal have once more created a world of winsome, sportily dressed, anthropomorphic young animals whose all-too-human behaviors will be immediately recognizable. Mabel, an egocentric fox in a pink frock, gets to the front of the long line for the ice cream vendor by tricking the others: “Mabel always [gets] what she [wants],” we’re told. Obtaining privacy is a breeze for Mabel (who has no friends), and she finds a way to rationalize disappointments. (“I don’t want it anymore,” she tells herself when another child is enjoying a playground ride she’s initially interested in.) When she inadvertently helps an adorable, red-sneakered rabbit named Chester, she discovers the advantages of friendship. It’s easier to play catch when you’ve got a pal, and at last she can use the seesaw. Unfortunately, her selfish instincts overcome her better side until Chester becomes frustrated. Gently humorous art shows Mabel trying—unsuccessfully—to convince herself that she’s better off alone. Mabel practices being patient, helpful, and kind, all of which pay off in unexpected ways. This simply told, funny, and charmingly illustrated tale delivers sound lessons in friendship, without ever verging on preachy or sentimental—no mean feat. Bernstein and Rosenthal demonstrate a keen understanding of the way children see the world, in both their desire to have their own way and their strong capacity for generosity.

Sharp insights on honing social skills, wrapped up in an immensely appealing package.