Naughty Mabel
#1 in Naughty Mabel Series
What’s inside...
A pampered pup takes center stage at her parents' party in this charmingly hilarious picture book from film and Broadway star Nathan Lane and Devlin Elliott! Meet Mabel, the fanciest French bulldog in the Hamptons. She is sassy, classy, and sometimes a bit gassy but especially naughty. Mabel is always getting into trouble with her stylish antics, and when her parents try to leave her out of a party, she takes matters into her own perfectly pedicured paws. As the hilarity unfolds, Mabel and her parents learn that no matter what, they will always be a family, just as they are.
Character compass
Mabel
Discussion points
Why do you think Mabel behaves the way she does?
How would you feel if Mabel was your pet?
What do you think are some reasons Mabel might be feeling naughty?
How do you think the story would change if Mabel decided to behave differently?
What does the story of Mabel teach us about understanding and patience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone when discussing Mabel's behavior to encourage your child to think deeply about her actions and motivations.
Relate Mabel's experiences to your child's own by asking if they’ve ever felt similar emotions, fostering empathy and self-awareness.
Point out specific illustrations in the book that highlight Mabel’s emotions and ask your child to describe what they see.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to think of alternative endings to the story based on different choices Mabel could make.
Reinforce the themes of the book by discussing the importance of understanding and patience with others in our daily lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: Mabel, the pampered French bulldog, learns that her naughty behavior leads to consequences when her actions at a fancy party cause chaos.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their daily interactions, understanding that their choices impact others and can lead to either positive or negative outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of manners
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mabel's lack of manners is evident and leads to trouble, emphasizing the importance of good behavior.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice politeness and good manners in social settings, reflecting on how their behavior affects those around them.
Example Lesson: Value of forgiveness
Explanation: Despite Mabel's mischief, she is ultimately forgiven by her owners, showcasing the power and importance of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children learn about forgiving others for their mistakes, fostering an environment of understanding and compassion in their personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Mabel embraces her unique personality by the end of the story, illustrating the importance of accepting oneself, quirks and all.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate their individuality and encourages them to be confident in who they are.