HAZEL AND MABEL

True friendships last forever, although they may take some work.

Hazel, a bespectacled brown bear clad in overalls, and Mabel, a raccoon sporting a long red dress, are the best of pals. Granted, neither is perfect; sometimes Mabel eats the last of the gumdrops, and Hazel tends to snore during slumber parties. Still, they know that their friendship will go the distance—a belief that’s put to the test when Mabel moves away. Although they stay connected through letters, they find themselves growing apart. When Mabel comes for a visit, neither can decide on a shared activity, and they realize they’ve grown apart. Just as it looks as though their friendship is no longer on firm ground, they remember the good times and reconnect as they pen a story about past experiences, “writing with full hearts.” Told gently, with a conversational tone, Stoller’s relatable narrative depicts youngsters who remain close despite changes in friendship dynamics. Bagdi’s sunny digital illustrations employ a mix of double-page spreads and spot art as they convey the ups and downs of friendship; Hazel and Mabel smile as they float paper boats down a stream, gaze sadly after they’re separated, and initially look downcast as they encounter roadblocks during their much-anticipated reunion.

This loving tribute to friendship—and storytelling—has all the “write” stuff.