Mabel and the Mountain: A Story About Believing in Yourself

A small, ambitious fly stars in this bighearted story about making and accomplishing life’s big plans. When charcoal-colored Mabel aspires to climb a mountain, host a dinner party, and befriend a shark, the other flies are discouraging. Ignoring these detractors, the plucky protagonist sets out to first find a mountain, and though the journey sometimes feels overwhelming (huddled alone in a tent, the insect considers changing plans), Mabel persists, thinking happy thoughts and coming up with a theme song. In a montage, Hillyard’s approachable, rough-hewn artwork blends colors and brushstrokes as Mabel pushes on through rain, snow, and fog. The eventual rainbow-filled summiting feels glorious, with the fly’s mental fortitude proving motivational not only to the other flies, but to readers as well. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)