Mabel and Me – Best of Friends

The ‘Me’ in this delightfully different exploration of friendship is the small mouse narrator. As he and Mabel ‘stroll down a strolly street’ together, they explore the ‘hugely harrowing and diabolically difficult question’ posed by the little girl – what makes a ‘bestest, bestest’ friend? Their deliberations are interrupted when first a French photographer and then a Spanish prima ballerina make derogatory references to ‘your strange little creature thing’ and ‘scrawny, hairy rodent legs’ respectively. Though clearly aimed at him, said narrator resents these offensive remarks, which he thinks are aimed at Mabel, and defends her virtues vigorously, urging her to forget all about them. Such is his strong sense of self-belief that he cannot accept it when Mabel suggests that the comments referred to him; but then, this particular friendship is unshakeable.

There is much to enjoy in this, not least the memorable expositions and wonderfully expressive countenances of the duo and all those they encounter on their summertime perambulation. Indeed the illustrations are packed with witty details. Definitely a touch of the comic capers.