MABEL AND THE MOUNTAIN

A roly-poly fly accomplishes a very large goal.

Mabel, a tiny speck who looks like a pea with wings, has an ambitious list of “BIG PLANS.” On this list are three important aspirations: “1. Climb a MOUNTAIN; 2. Host a dinner party; 3. Make friends with a shark.” Mabel’s skeptical friends scoff and tell her it can’t be done; after all, “flies do not climb. They fly!” But that just makes Mabel even more determined. Rendered in large black letters against a cheery yellow backdrop, the message shines bright: “LISTEN TO THOSE WHO SAY YOU CAN.” Mabel also pipes up with a confident “I can do it!” Then, after scaling less daunting climbs (a large nose, a wobbly plate of Jell-O), Mabel finds a worthy challenge—a tall, looming mountain. It’s a thorny journey; Mabel has doubts. She considers changing her goal to “Climb a TREE,” but she perseveres. In this original take on The Little Engine That Could, Mabel reaches the top! Featuring a protagonist who brims with grit and determination, Hillyard’s tale is affirming. Humor balances out all possible platitudes, and Mabel, the rotund little hero with a tiny rucksack and hat, is a delight. Readers can’t help but cheer her on.

Small but mighty.