Two starred reviews!
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024

The acclaimed duo Ariel Bernstein and Mark Rosenthal “once again dazzle at demonstrating social-emotional nuance” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) in their 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.

About The Author

Elene Schecter

Ariel Bernstein

Ariel Bernstein 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 New Jersey with her family. Learn more at ArielBernsteinBooks.com.

About The Illustrator

Photo courtesy of the illustrator

Marc Rosenthal

Marc Rosenthal 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.

Why We Love It

“Whether you are a child or an adult, making friends can be hard! This picture book acknowledges that fact while also using humor to gently encourage readers to put in the work to be a good friend. Plus, it’s perfect for readers who are graduating from picture books but aren’t quite ready for early readers.”

—Catherine L., Senior Editor, on Mabel Wants a Friend

Product Details

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (October 1, 2024)
Length: 48 pages
ISBN13: 9781665940412
Ages: 4 - 8

Raves and Reviews

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024

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

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

* "Prior collaborators Bernstein and Rosenthal (You Go First) once again dazzle at demonstrating social-emotional nuance in this savvy, playground-set work."

– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW