What do you think?
The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan: A Graphic Novel
Not yet published
Expected 2 Mar 27A new graphic novel from the award-winning and bestselling author of Roller Girl
From Newbery Honor winner Victoria Jamieson comes the first in a hilarious and heartfelt graphic novel series about a quirky nine-year-old, a LOT of stuffed animals, and the timeless, messy magic of growing up.
It’s the last day of school, and Mabel Mulligan has big plans for the summer: She will spend all her time with her beloved, very much alive stuffed animals. She’ll design the most amazing tree house, complete with a zipline and swimming pool. And her parents are letting her move into the attic, which means no more sharing a room with her chaotic three-year-old sister, Pearl.
But when Mabel overhears a secret conversation between her parents, her plans are turned upside-down. Faced with big changes, Mabel must decide: Does growing up mean leaving old friends—and old dreams—behind? It’ll take a summer of stuffies, surprises, sisterhood, and shenanigans to find out.
Victoria Jamieson’s signature depth and sense of humor shine in this irresistible story about growing up, family, and finding your own way.
From Newbery Honor winner Victoria Jamieson comes the first in a hilarious and heartfelt graphic novel series about a quirky nine-year-old, a LOT of stuffed animals, and the timeless, messy magic of growing up.
It’s the last day of school, and Mabel Mulligan has big plans for the summer: She will spend all her time with her beloved, very much alive stuffed animals. She’ll design the most amazing tree house, complete with a zipline and swimming pool. And her parents are letting her move into the attic, which means no more sharing a room with her chaotic three-year-old sister, Pearl.
But when Mabel overhears a secret conversation between her parents, her plans are turned upside-down. Faced with big changes, Mabel must decide: Does growing up mean leaving old friends—and old dreams—behind? It’ll take a summer of stuffies, surprises, sisterhood, and shenanigans to find out.
Victoria Jamieson’s signature depth and sense of humor shine in this irresistible story about growing up, family, and finding your own way.
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Read
August 6, 2026For Mabel Mulligan, the summer before fourth grade has finally arrived. Not only is she free from homework, but she has plenty of time to play with her friends. Mabel doesn’t have many human friends, but she has a lot of stuffed animals, a tree in her yard, and a big imagination. That’s all the friends she needs! On the other hand, her mom isn’t feeling well, she overheard her dad say that Mabel is too old to be spending so much time playing with stuffed animals, and her younger sister Pearl is completely annoying. (Pearl’s favorite toy is a spaghetti strainer named Dennis.)
In Victoria Jamieson’s new graphic novel The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan, an imagination like Mabel’s is both an asset and a liability. While she has fun imaginary adventures and conversations with the stuffed animals like her best friend Badger, and her tree friend Maple, Mabel’s imagination is also the lens through which Jamieson explores childhood anxiety, resilience, and the uncertainties involved in growing up.
The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is a skillful examination of how getting older feels to Jamieson’s readers. The stuffed animals are a kind of Greek chorus who offer support and advice in various voices, including the sardonic teddy bear Snowball. As Mabel experiences a range of big emotions, Jamieson shows how some copies strategies are healthier than others. The story’s rising action culminates in large panels that emphasize the drama as Mabel takes courageous steps in her relationships with both the humans and non-humans in her life. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that everything here wraps up with positive, even inspirational messages.
Reading the ARC meant seeing most of the artwork in black and white, but the front and back covers and sample color pages show how the finished edition's pen, pencil, and watercolor illustrations will enhance the story's emotional warmth.
The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is the first installment in a new series that is sure to appeal to pre-middle school readers, as well as fans of Victoria Jamieson’s other titles for this age group.
Publication Date: October, 2026
Ages 7-10 / Grades 2-5
256 pages
In Victoria Jamieson’s new graphic novel The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan, an imagination like Mabel’s is both an asset and a liability. While she has fun imaginary adventures and conversations with the stuffed animals like her best friend Badger, and her tree friend Maple, Mabel’s imagination is also the lens through which Jamieson explores childhood anxiety, resilience, and the uncertainties involved in growing up.
The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is a skillful examination of how getting older feels to Jamieson’s readers. The stuffed animals are a kind of Greek chorus who offer support and advice in various voices, including the sardonic teddy bear Snowball. As Mabel experiences a range of big emotions, Jamieson shows how some copies strategies are healthier than others. The story’s rising action culminates in large panels that emphasize the drama as Mabel takes courageous steps in her relationships with both the humans and non-humans in her life. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that everything here wraps up with positive, even inspirational messages.
Reading the ARC meant seeing most of the artwork in black and white, but the front and back covers and sample color pages show how the finished edition's pen, pencil, and watercolor illustrations will enhance the story's emotional warmth.
The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is the first installment in a new series that is sure to appeal to pre-middle school readers, as well as fans of Victoria Jamieson’s other titles for this age group.
Publication Date: October, 2026
Ages 7-10 / Grades 2-5
256 pages
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I watched an interview with Jamieson about the upcoming book and was even more excited to read it, but then reading it took it to the next level. It is heartwarming. Endearing. Mabel is a nine year old who loves her stuffed animals. They speak to her, she speaks to them. She loves her treehouse and dislikes her annoying little sister, however things will get more complicated when a new baby brother arrives in December.
Readers know before Mabel that there's going to be a third kid because mom is throwing up in the morning, extra tired, and her dad and mom have said that their summer project will be cleaning out the attic for Mabel's new room and cleaning up mom's art room. Mabel has also overheard her dad talking about Mabel's love for her stuffed animals and how she doesn't play with other kids as much as her stuffies. This conversation as well as a realistic portrayal of a blended family all make this such a rich graphic novel-- technically Mabel's dad is her stepdad which she gets made fun of about and she also feels like maybe she won't be a part of the Mulligan business because she likes wielding a hammer- but rest assured, from Pop Pop (Grandpa) and her dad, that Mabel IS a part of the family business and "having a boy" won't push her out either of doing what she enjoys with her grandpa and dad. There's also snippets about religion and church folded in.
The way that it organically unfolds, doesn't make it feel like Jamieson is trying to cram lessons into the story- it's simply the way life is and several pages and particular panels inspire reflection and moments of quiet appreciation.
A story about coming of age and family.
Readers know before Mabel that there's going to be a third kid because mom is throwing up in the morning, extra tired, and her dad and mom have said that their summer project will be cleaning out the attic for Mabel's new room and cleaning up mom's art room. Mabel has also overheard her dad talking about Mabel's love for her stuffed animals and how she doesn't play with other kids as much as her stuffies. This conversation as well as a realistic portrayal of a blended family all make this such a rich graphic novel-- technically Mabel's dad is her stepdad which she gets made fun of about and she also feels like maybe she won't be a part of the Mulligan business because she likes wielding a hammer- but rest assured, from Pop Pop (Grandpa) and her dad, that Mabel IS a part of the family business and "having a boy" won't push her out either of doing what she enjoys with her grandpa and dad. There's also snippets about religion and church folded in.
The way that it organically unfolds, doesn't make it feel like Jamieson is trying to cram lessons into the story- it's simply the way life is and several pages and particular panels inspire reflection and moments of quiet appreciation.
A story about coming of age and family.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nine-year-old Mabel is having a summer full of changes. She just finished 3rd grade and is looking forward to a summer spent with her stuffed animal best friends and in her favorite tree. However, she notices her mom is getting sick a lot and overhears her parents talking about hospitals and bills. Then, her parents tell her they are converting the attic into a bedroom for her way sooner than they had originally planned. She also overhears her dad telling her mom that he wishes she would get outside and play sports with kids her age rather than spending all of her time with her stuffed animals. Top all of that off with having to help take care of her younger sister Pearl who is driving her crazy. This summer is just not turning out the way she had hoped.
The author does a great job of describing the struggles of kids who are going through changes and trying to figure out how to adapt. Tough issues for kids, like having a step-parent, anticipating a new baby arriving, transitioning from being a little kid to a big kid, religion, friendship, and other themes are part of the story. Mabel's conflicting feelings are presented mostly through her own thoughts along with dialogue with her stuffed animals. Pearl is depicted as the perfect "bratty" younger sibling while also having her moments where Mabel appreciates her. The parents are presented as flawed but honest and loving.
I think many young readers will relate to Mabel and her struggles and will really enjoy the art.
The author does a great job of describing the struggles of kids who are going through changes and trying to figure out how to adapt. Tough issues for kids, like having a step-parent, anticipating a new baby arriving, transitioning from being a little kid to a big kid, religion, friendship, and other themes are part of the story. Mabel's conflicting feelings are presented mostly through her own thoughts along with dialogue with her stuffed animals. Pearl is depicted as the perfect "bratty" younger sibling while also having her moments where Mabel appreciates her. The parents are presented as flawed but honest and loving.
I think many young readers will relate to Mabel and her struggles and will really enjoy the art.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mabel hates sports, and that seems like all kids her age are interested in. She would rather hang out with her stuffed animals. Think Calvin and Hobbs, but not quite as crazy. She has a baby sister she shares a bedroom with, and wants to build a tree house in the maple tree outside her window.
She overhears her father saying that he wishes she had more friends and played sports, and stopped playing with her stuffed animals. This hurts her feelings. And when she learns she is going to have a baby brother, she feels as though she is being replaced with a boy that can eventually take over the family construction business.
Very likable nine-year-old. She feels all the feelings. And we feel them along with her. Her stuffed animals are wise, and give her good advice. Her sister is a terror, but in a weirdly likable way.
This book is for all the oldest sisters who have to deal with parents who think they should grow up before they are ready to. And for those who aren’t ready to give up their stuffed friends, to fit in.
Enjoyable. As an adult, they dropped all the hints that her mother was pregnant, but for a kid reading it, they would be as clueless as Mabel.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 6th of October 2026.
She overhears her father saying that he wishes she had more friends and played sports, and stopped playing with her stuffed animals. This hurts her feelings. And when she learns she is going to have a baby brother, she feels as though she is being replaced with a boy that can eventually take over the family construction business.
Very likable nine-year-old. She feels all the feelings. And we feel them along with her. Her stuffed animals are wise, and give her good advice. Her sister is a terror, but in a weirdly likable way.
This book is for all the oldest sisters who have to deal with parents who think they should grow up before they are ready to. And for those who aren’t ready to give up their stuffed friends, to fit in.
Enjoyable. As an adult, they dropped all the hints that her mother was pregnant, but for a kid reading it, they would be as clueless as Mabel.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 6th of October 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this with my daughter, who is going into 4th grade this year. So, this review is taking her POV into consideration. First off, she loved it. She's recommended it to other people with great enthusiasm since reading it. The scenarios featured in this book (playing with stuffies, annoying little siblings, trouble fitting in with friends, eavesdropping on parents conversations, not liking change, and worrying about things and trying to combat them yourself) are all very relatable for a kid that age. The nod to faith in times of trouble was great too.
The illustrations felt nostalgic, like the simpler illustrations I read growing up in the 80s/90s. And while I felt the book could have moved quicker and been a little shorter, my daughter was captivated throughout and never felt it dragging. The level of imagination Mabel had encouraged my daughter to use hers as well.
It's a fantastic coming of age story that shows there's no right or wrong way to grow up.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 4 stars from me 5 stars from my daughter
Pub day: October 6
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group, Dial Books, and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
The illustrations felt nostalgic, like the simpler illustrations I read growing up in the 80s/90s. And while I felt the book could have moved quicker and been a little shorter, my daughter was captivated throughout and never felt it dragging. The level of imagination Mabel had encouraged my daughter to use hers as well.
It's a fantastic coming of age story that shows there's no right or wrong way to grow up.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 4 stars from me 5 stars from my daughter
Pub day: October 6
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group, Dial Books, and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely LOVED this book! It is the most engaging and enjoyable graphic novel I've ever read. The storyline is written like a chapter book, with well-developed characters and complex themes. I could imagine myself as Mabel, experiencing all of the emotions associated with growing up, going through so much change, and living with a younger sibling. The book is reminiscent of Judy Blume's "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" and Beverly Cleary's "Ramona and Beezus". Mabel's little sister, Pearl, perfectly embodied an unintentionally humorous, adorable, and slightly unhinged 3 year old that is sure to annoy even the best big sister. The interactions that Mabel has with her parents and Pop Pop throughout the book feel authentic, and I was happy to read the repairs they made to their relationships in the end. I appreciated the inclusivity throughout the book, as well as the theme of resisting gender stereotypes. The icing on the cake was the incredibly intricate and beautiful illustrations. I highly recommend this book and will be impatiently waiting for the next in the series!
July 3, 2026
Read a free ARC on NetGalley.
Very cute story about Mabel Mulligan, a nine year old girl who is experiencing lots of changes during the summer before she starts 4th grade. Her mom is having a new baby, her dad thinks she should stop playing with her stuffies and make human friends, and her little sister Pearl is an adorable menace. She is also getting her own room in the attic which is the family’s summer project. Her stuffies, Badger and Snowball, try their best to help her adjust to all of the changes.
The story is relatable, the characters are well developed and the illustrations are great. It seems to be the start of a new graphic novel series so I’m excited to read the next one.
This exchange stuck with me:
Mabel: “If no one can tell me how to grow up, how do I know if I’m doing it right?”
Mom: “I guess a good rule of thumb is…be nice to people and do things that make you happy.”
Very cute story about Mabel Mulligan, a nine year old girl who is experiencing lots of changes during the summer before she starts 4th grade. Her mom is having a new baby, her dad thinks she should stop playing with her stuffies and make human friends, and her little sister Pearl is an adorable menace. She is also getting her own room in the attic which is the family’s summer project. Her stuffies, Badger and Snowball, try their best to help her adjust to all of the changes.
The story is relatable, the characters are well developed and the illustrations are great. It seems to be the start of a new graphic novel series so I’m excited to read the next one.
This exchange stuck with me:
Mabel: “If no one can tell me how to grow up, how do I know if I’m doing it right?”
Mom: “I guess a good rule of thumb is…be nice to people and do things that make you happy.”
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to Edelweiss for the arc. Mabel has just finished third grade and is looking forward to the big summer project that her family tackles every year. Their house is old, and her Dad and Grandpa are builders, so there is always something. She hopes it's a treehouse this year! But, it turns out to be cleaning out the attic and her mother's art studio. Her parents plan to move her into a bedroom in the creepy old attic--and where is her mother going to paint? Something is definitely up. To make matters worse, her dad is pressuring her to leave her stuffed animals behind and make "real" friends. But Mabel prefers the company of her stuffies. Does that make her weird? Absolutely adorable, with laugh-out-loud moments.
June 10, 2026
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 4 stars from me 5 stars from my daughter
Pub day: October 6
This was a read aloud with my 9 year old daughter and it was an really wonderful graphic novel. Most of the illustrations were a win except for the scary baby doll, my daughter couldn’t even look at it, I had to read the parts with scary baby on the pages.
As for the story we both loved all the subjects the author tackles, like what growing up means, getting to choose your own religious path and beliefs, and how important it is to talk about your feelings. It did end a little abruptly which my daughter ranted about. lol Clearly we’ll be reading the next in the series!
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group, Dial Books, and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 stars from me 5 stars from my daughter
Pub day: October 6
This was a read aloud with my 9 year old daughter and it was an really wonderful graphic novel. Most of the illustrations were a win except for the scary baby doll, my daughter couldn’t even look at it, I had to read the parts with scary baby on the pages.
As for the story we both loved all the subjects the author tackles, like what growing up means, getting to choose your own religious path and beliefs, and how important it is to talk about your feelings. It did end a little abruptly which my daughter ranted about. lol Clearly we’ll be reading the next in the series!
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group, Dial Books, and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mabel does not like change, and although her parents are working very hard to minimize the harshness of change for her, it is coming full steam ahead. Mabel is nervous and much prefers her stuffed animals (who the reader is asked to see as much alive as she does) in lieu of real people for friends. She is alerted to the changes ahead when she overhears a conversation between her parents sharing their concerns about her and said mysterious future changes. This throws Mabel into a world of anxiety as she misinterprets she of the conversation.
Lovely middle to upper elementary title. I'm very excited to introduce this one to my elementary students. Lots of picture support make this a great book for new chapter book readers.
Lovely middle to upper elementary title. I'm very excited to introduce this one to my elementary students. Lots of picture support make this a great book for new chapter book readers.
Read
August 10, 2026I loved this charming story even though I read the ARC which meant the pictures were in black and white. The best part is that my 9 year old granddaughter was visiting and she loved it as well. Mabel is the oldest of two sisters and she's feeling quite put out about several things this summer - her much younger sister is driving her crazy, her mom is tired, and even throwing up, all the time, her parents have announced that she's getting a brand new bedroom up in the attic, and worst of all, Mable prefers playing with her imaginary friends (stuffed animals) over the real kids in the neighborhood and her father thinks that needs to change. Highly recommend for the tweens in your life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My daughter and I both enjoyed The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan. She especially loved Mabel's imagination and all of the adventures with her stuffed animals. I appreciated how the story handled growing up and unexpected family changes in a way that felt honest and age appropriate. The illustrations were charming, and the mix of humor and heartfelt moments kept us both engaged. This was a sweet graphic novel that we'd happily recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So excited to see a new Victoria Jamieson graphic novel and Mabel could not be more adorable! Mabel's struggles are typical of a 9 year old but then add in Pearl, her toddler sister, and suddenly her struggles are amplified. Lots of laughs but also sweet relationships (Pop Pop!). I can't wait to see the full color finished copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.0 ⭐ - I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The parents frustrated me so much and the MC's sister was so annoying for most of the book! I liked the MC a lot and how she handled things. I’m interested in what’s going to happen to her next!
The parents frustrated me so much and the MC's sister was so annoying for most of the book! I liked the MC a lot and how she handled things. I’m interested in what’s going to happen to her next!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5
Review of advance copy
Charming and funny, with lots of sibling drama in the tradition of the Ramona books and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Victoria Jamieson is excellent at what she does.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was a really sweet story that had a lot of heart. On the surface it looks like a simple story but it is more complex.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The illustrations of the little sister are my favorite!!
September 14, 2026
Loved this story of growing up, and how realistic it is, as well as how funny it was. Great story about feelings of growing up, new babies, siblings, and feelings. Perfect for ages 9-10
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got an Arc copy from netgalley. Cute story of a family of four. The feelings of a 9 year old girl is fun and imaginative. Definitely recommend for 7-10 year olds.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nine-year-old Mabel is having a summer full of changes. She just finished 3rd grade and is looking forward to a summer spent with her stuffed animal best friends and in her favorite tree. However, she notices her mom is getting sick a lot and overhears her parents talking about hospitals and bills. Then, her parents tell her they are converting the attic into a bedroom for her way sooner than they had originally planned. She also overhears her dad telling her mom that he wishes she would get outside and play sports with kids her age rather than spending all of her time with her stuffed animals. Top all of that off with having to help take care of her younger sister Pearl who is driving her crazy. This summer is just not turning out the way she had hoped.
The author does a great job of describing the struggles of kids who are going through changes and trying to figure out how to adapt. Tough issues for kids, like having a stepparent, anticipating a new baby arriving, transitioning from being a little kid to a big kid, religion, friendship, and other themes are part of the story. Mabel's conflicting feelings are presented mostly through her own thoughts along with dialogue with her stuffed animals. Pearl is depicted as the perfect "bratty" younger sibling while also having her moments where Mabel appreciates her. The parents are presented as flawed but honest and loving.
I think many young readers will relate to Mabel and her struggles and will really enjoy the art.
The author does a great job of describing the struggles of kids who are going through changes and trying to figure out how to adapt. Tough issues for kids, like having a stepparent, anticipating a new baby arriving, transitioning from being a little kid to a big kid, religion, friendship, and other themes are part of the story. Mabel's conflicting feelings are presented mostly through her own thoughts along with dialogue with her stuffed animals. Pearl is depicted as the perfect "bratty" younger sibling while also having her moments where Mabel appreciates her. The parents are presented as flawed but honest and loving.
I think many young readers will relate to Mabel and her struggles and will really enjoy the art.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
As someone who grew up attached to stuffed animals (and still may have a few tucked away 😉), The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan by Victoria Jamieson felt like a story made just for me, and I absolutely loved it! Mabel is the kind of character you can't help but adore. She is imaginative, funny, tenderhearted, and completely herself. Her elaborate plans and wonderfully big imagination make her instantly endearing, but it’s the way Jamieson captures the complicated feelings that come with growing up that makes this story truly special.
This is such a heartfelt look at family, change, sisterhood, friendship, and the realization that growing up doesn't necessarily mean giving up the things you love. I especially loved the way Mabel's relationship with her little sister unfolds. Their interactions are frustrating but incredibly sweet in the way only sibling relationships can be.
Jamieson's humor keeps the story light, while the emotional moments have just the right amount of depth. The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is a wonderful reminder that there's room to grow without leaving your imagination, your childhood joys, or the people you love behind.
This is such a heartfelt look at family, change, sisterhood, friendship, and the realization that growing up doesn't necessarily mean giving up the things you love. I especially loved the way Mabel's relationship with her little sister unfolds. Their interactions are frustrating but incredibly sweet in the way only sibling relationships can be.
Jamieson's humor keeps the story light, while the emotional moments have just the right amount of depth. The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is a wonderful reminder that there's room to grow without leaving your imagination, your childhood joys, or the people you love behind.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews