Maddie and Mabel - by Kari Allen (Hardcover)

About the Book

Maddie is the big sister. Mabel is the little sister. But who is actually in charge? Mabel, who never stops asking questions? Or Maddie, who can be bossy and demanding? Readers will see that being in charge might not be as important as working together. The first book in this early chapter book series introduces two relatable characters who make mistakes as they learn important life lessons.

Book Synopsis

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Meet Maddie and Mabel, two spunky sisters who navigate their relationship with humor and heart. Maddie is the big sister. Mabel is the little sister. But who is actually in charge? Mabel, who never stops asking questions? Or Maddie, who can be bossy and demanding? Readers will see that being in charge might not be as important as working together. The first book in this early chapter book series introduces two relatable characters who make mistakes as they learn important life lessons.

Friendship between siblings can often be a heart-warming work in progress. Through joyful storytelling and story-sharing, Maddie and Mabel exemplify the best of what these young years can offer us: imagination, joy, play, forgiveness, and family. In a way that's accessible for new readers and enjoyable for anyone who has also made mistakes and made amends with their own sibling, Maddie and Mabel endears, entertains, and delights.

From the Back Cover

Two sisters navigate their relationship with humor and heart.
Meet Maddie and Mabel. Maddie is the big sister. Mabel is the little sister. But who is actually in charge? Mabel, who never stops asking questions? Or Maddie, who can be bossy and demanding? When you are sisters and friends, being in charge might not be as important as working together.
The first book in this early reader series shares the everyday lives of two sisters as they tell stories, put on a play, get into an argument, and learn what it really means to love and help one another. Celebrate sisterhood and friendship as you follow Maddie and Mabel's mistakes and makeups in this sweet and memorable series.
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Review Quotes

These stories capture the small moments in a sibling's life that create the building blocks of a lifelong friendship. Mai-Wyss's illustrations have clean lines and convey a timeless sweetness. [...] A lovely easy reader about the power of family stories and the bond sisters share.
- Starred Review

--Sally James "School Library Journal"

Starred Review

This sister act is hard to beat.

Big sister Maddie and little sister Mabel star in this delightful, cozy, five-chapter early-reader series opener. The siblings enjoy a loving, trusting, and--mostly--cooperative bond. Though adults aren't depicted here, in "The Rabbit," readers learn that Maddie's parents asked her an "important question" before Mabel's birth: Would she rather a baby sister or a pet rabbit? Kids, especially those in tight sibling partnerships themselves, will understand completely when Maddie confesses she chose the rabbit but is happy she got Mabel instead--and giggle when Mabel demonstrates rabbity attributes. In "The Fight," Mabel feels frustrated that Maddie always takes the lead on their activities, but the sibs can't remain foes for long as they run the gamut of emotions and display mutual concern, humility, and forgiveness; a gracious apology is extended, too. Siblings of all stripes will feel reassured and affirmed by this devoted duo's unbreakable kinship. Especially noteworthy about this quiet, endearing offering is how much its economic prose and dialogue reveal about the girls' relationship and distinct personalities. Delicate line drawings lend a gentle atmosphere and perfectly suit the proceedings. Maddie, who has long, straight, blond hair, and Mabel, who has short, wavy, brown hair, present White and are very expressive.

A real charmer; kids will eagerly anticipate reading more about these two. (critical-thinking, writing, and drawing activities) (Early reader. 4-8)

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Maddie and Mabel play, fight, and make up with grace and charm in Kari Allen's positive early reader about resolving conflicts and cherishing one's family.--CAMILLE-YVETTE WELSCH "Foreword Reviews"

Throughout the amiable, episodic text, readers can see each girl's point of view, and the expressive illustrations have their own breezy charm. [...] An inviting, amusing series debut.--Carolyn Phelan "Booklist"

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection--JLG "Junior Library Guild"

About the Author

Kari Allen is an elementary teacher at a local independent school where every day she gets to share stories with kids. She has an MA in the Teaching of Writing and one of her favorite things is to help kids fall in love with words. Kari feels happiest with her toes in the water and a book in her hand. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two book-loving boys.

Tatjana Mai-Wyss has always loved books, so bringing stories to life with her art is the best job she can imagine. She has been lucky enough to illustrate a number of books for children. She practiced for Maddie and Mabel by growing up with a little brother herself, and then having two girls of her own. See more of Tatjana's artwork at tatjanamaiwyss.com.