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Naughty Mabel #1
Naughty Mabel
A pampered pup takes center stage at her parents' party in this charmingly hilarious picture book from film and Broadway star Nathan Lane (of The Lion King and The Producers fame) and Devlin Elliott!
Meet Mabel, the fanciest French bulldog the Hamptons have ever seen. Mabel is many things: sassy, classy (and sometimes a bit gassy!), but especially...naughty! Mabel's always getting herself into trouble and with style like hers, can you really blame her? When Naughty Mabel's parents throw a party and try to leave her out of the fun, of course she must take matters into her own perfectly pedicured paws. As the hilarity ensues, Mabel and her parents learn that through thick and thin, naughty or nice, they will always be a family, just as they are.
Meet Mabel, the fanciest French bulldog the Hamptons have ever seen. Mabel is many things: sassy, classy (and sometimes a bit gassy!), but especially...naughty! Mabel's always getting herself into trouble and with style like hers, can you really blame her? When Naughty Mabel's parents throw a party and try to leave her out of the fun, of course she must take matters into her own perfectly pedicured paws. As the hilarity ensues, Mabel and her parents learn that through thick and thin, naughty or nice, they will always be a family, just as they are.
46 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2015
3 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 23, 2015
I'm sorry but Nathan Lane is brilliantly funny as an actor than a writer, particularly a children's picture book author. I found Naughty Mabel to be a vanity project and I have yet to find a celeb picture book that has any substance or quality. Naughty Mabel is no different.
From the first page, the book tries to appeal to children with witty banter, cute pet scenarios and gross-out humor. None of which are well executed. In addition, there is no point to the story other than a badly behaved dog who spends the majority of the book being spoiled and having her owners accepting the negative behavior. So basically the moral of this story is that children who misbehave will get rewarded for their efforts.
Danielle Steele, Betheny Frankel, and even Jim Carrey have all published children's books. All of them aren't worth the dime the pages are printed on. Nathan Lane is now added to the list.
Once again, Naughty Mabel is a terrible book, both in the writing and illustrations and I'd skip it and go with the classics.
From the first page, the book tries to appeal to children with witty banter, cute pet scenarios and gross-out humor. None of which are well executed. In addition, there is no point to the story other than a badly behaved dog who spends the majority of the book being spoiled and having her owners accepting the negative behavior. So basically the moral of this story is that children who misbehave will get rewarded for their efforts.
Danielle Steele, Betheny Frankel, and even Jim Carrey have all published children's books. All of them aren't worth the dime the pages are printed on. Nathan Lane is now added to the list.
Once again, Naughty Mabel is a terrible book, both in the writing and illustrations and I'd skip it and go with the classics.
November 20, 2015
My granddaughter picked this up in a bookstore and asked me to read it to her. Thank goodness we didn't buy it! Some of the humor went right over her 5-year-old head. I don't think humor in children's books should be directed at adults ("five is the new three"). I was not crazy about the cartoonish illustrations either. Just not a very good book for children.
November 7, 2018
Mabel is very naughty and she made my youngest granddaughter (8yo) laugh. It was read several times and taken home to share with her sister. I think it will become a favorite.
I thought the illustrations were well done. Some of them were so busy that words were not needed as the child could follow the race across the page when Mabel was acting up.
In the end, the love for Mabel makes a child who isn't always well-behaved know that he/she's loved anyways, just like Mabel. For that alone, and the smile on my granddaughter's face, it seems like the kind of book needed in every household with little ones who love a book (and parents) with a sense of humor.
I thought the illustrations were well done. Some of them were so busy that words were not needed as the child could follow the race across the page when Mabel was acting up.
In the end, the love for Mabel makes a child who isn't always well-behaved know that he/she's loved anyways, just like Mabel. For that alone, and the smile on my granddaughter's face, it seems like the kind of book needed in every household with little ones who love a book (and parents) with a sense of humor.
November 27, 2019
A poorly-behaved French Bulldog who lives a life of privilege in the Hamptons narrates the story of her various (mis)adventures in this picture-book from celebrated actor Nathan Hale and producer Devlin Elliott. Mabel is the much-loved canine companion of her human parents, who pretty much let her do anything she likes, patiently picking up after her messes. Their one effort at discipline - excluding her from a swanky party they throw one evening - ends poorly, as Mabel emerges and causes catastrophe, destroying the house and driving all the guests away. Fortunately, Mabel's parents love her, no matter what...
I'm always a little bit wary of celebrity-authored picture-books, as they so frequently prove to be mediocre, a testament to the fact that what is driving their publication isn't the quality of the story (or, often times, the writing) but the fame of the author. That said, I actually found Naughty Mabel fairly engaging, in terms of story-telling and structure. I also thought that illustrator Dan Krall's artwork matched the zany, madcap humor of Mabel's doings. Unfortunately, although I didn't think this one was terrible, as a picture-book, I'm not terribly fond of the "naughty animal/child who always gets away with it" theme that seems so popular these days, especially when there don't seem to be any consequences at all, for the bad behavior depicted. Animals (and children) can be quite naughty, but it's poor ethical thinking (whether in fiction or real life) that maintains that there won't be any negative results. Compare Mabel's story to Nick Bruel's Bad Kitty books, where the eponymous feline behaves very badly indeed, and, despite never really being reformed, does suffer consequences as a result. Bruel's stories seem both more realistic, and more honest, than that penned by Lane and Elliott. I suppose this one will find an appreciative audience with parents and children who enjoy stories about misbehaving, but I think there are better options out there, that also fit that bill.
I'm always a little bit wary of celebrity-authored picture-books, as they so frequently prove to be mediocre, a testament to the fact that what is driving their publication isn't the quality of the story (or, often times, the writing) but the fame of the author. That said, I actually found Naughty Mabel fairly engaging, in terms of story-telling and structure. I also thought that illustrator Dan Krall's artwork matched the zany, madcap humor of Mabel's doings. Unfortunately, although I didn't think this one was terrible, as a picture-book, I'm not terribly fond of the "naughty animal/child who always gets away with it" theme that seems so popular these days, especially when there don't seem to be any consequences at all, for the bad behavior depicted. Animals (and children) can be quite naughty, but it's poor ethical thinking (whether in fiction or real life) that maintains that there won't be any negative results. Compare Mabel's story to Nick Bruel's Bad Kitty books, where the eponymous feline behaves very badly indeed, and, despite never really being reformed, does suffer consequences as a result. Bruel's stories seem both more realistic, and more honest, than that penned by Lane and Elliott. I suppose this one will find an appreciative audience with parents and children who enjoy stories about misbehaving, but I think there are better options out there, that also fit that bill.
April 26, 2017
I read this book to my daughter tonight and she loved it! I thought it was so cute! Some of the humor made me laugh! I read it to her in an southern accent and she ate it up! Great book!
August 15, 2018
This is adorable. I liked it so much more than I thought. Mabel is very accurate for a dog. It made me think of my dog, albeit my dog is 80 pounds. Really cute story.
January 2, 2016
It was almost perfect. Great voice, great illustrations, but there's a twist that wasn't characteristic of the Mabel we came to love. Hope there are more books featuring Naughty Mabel.
December 4, 2015
A fun story that has a wonderful message at the end! You can almost hear Nathan Lane's voice in Mabel's narrative, which makes it all the better!
January 14, 2016
Mabel is the sassiest, gassiest French Bulldog you ever did see! The story and pictures will keep tots entertained and waiting to see what trouble Mabel finds next.
June 27, 2017
After reading Naughty Mabel Sees It All, I had to have the first book in this hilarious series for my nephew and I.
Nathan Lane is still comedy gold. This series features a rather cheeky "frenchie" who is quite naughty, but also extremely lovable. Between her parents (her humans, actually) doting on her, to wanting to rip their hair out, and Mabel's unabashed naughtiness...my nephew and I have never laughed so hard over books in awhile.
Nathan Lane is still comedy gold. This series features a rather cheeky "frenchie" who is quite naughty, but also extremely lovable. Between her parents (her humans, actually) doting on her, to wanting to rip their hair out, and Mabel's unabashed naughtiness...my nephew and I have never laughed so hard over books in awhile.
November 28, 2018
I wanted to read this kid’s book because...Nathan Lane. It’s cute. Nice illustrations.
June 12, 2015
Mabel is a pampered French Bulldog channeling Eloise. Try reading the text aloud in (author) Nathan Lane's voice! (Is there an audiobook in the works? There is certainly a second book in the pipeline!) Retro illustrations and endpaper are reminiscent of the 1960s and MAD magazine. Dog lovers will recognize these behaviors and enjoy a chuckle.
December 19, 2015
Caught an interview on NPR with Nathan Lane and then saw a signed copy of this picture book... It was like my dog was sending me a message from beyond the grave. Buy! Buy! Buy! Read! Read! Read! So, I did. "I am not naughty. I am VERY naughty."
August 15, 2016
The entire premise of this book (spoiled socialite dog living in the Hamptons) is pretty obnoxious, but the poop and fart jokes put it over the top for me. Giving it a second star because the illustrations are fantastic. Won't be reading this one to my daughter once she becomes old enough to follow the story though.
January 17, 2017
Ah Mabel you are a gem! I can see why kids like this story as well as the great illustrations.
reading as many kids books as I can in hopes I'll get my "creativity mojo" going as I have always wanted to write a kids book.
reading as many kids books as I can in hopes I'll get my "creativity mojo" going as I have always wanted to write a kids book.
November 28, 2015
What an awesome kid's book! I love Lane and this book really captures his goofy charm and who doesn't love their socially inept and troublemaker pet? LOVE IT!
June 14, 2016
Finally a picture book starring a French Bulldog <3
October 11, 2016
While I enjoy Nathan Lane as an actor, I still completely dislike books written by actors and/or other celebrities and this book is no exception.
November 23, 2016
Not all of the humor is really anything young children will understand.
October 12, 2023
The overall theme of this children's book is shallow and rude. There were a few cute things and the illustrations were amazing, but overall this book is a bit pretentious, and uses over-the-top "fancy" vocabulary and themes that my six year old has no concept of. I love books with vocabulary that challenges my six year old to learn and ask questions, but every single page pretty much needed to be translated and explained. The book was also full of jokes that the target age range typically won't have any concept of, such as "a lady shouldn't reveal her age, but I'm five. I know I don't look it. After all, five is the new three," and also the whole thing about French people not bathing... I get the jokes they are making, my child doesn't, and trying to explain them to her bored her. Not to mention... the page where Mabel talks about how much she enjoys linking herself and then says, "Do you mind, darlings? This is private." Yeah... that page made me really uncomfortable reading it to my six year old.
I absolutely LOVE Nathan Lane and I was very excited when my kid brought this book home, but I was so disappointed when w3 actually read it. It uses themes, humor, and vocabulary that the target audience just doesn't understand, and the lessons of "I'm so bad because I follow my own rules and i can because im so flawless" and facing no consequences are not really the type of things I want my kid to learn.
I absolutely LOVE Nathan Lane and I was very excited when my kid brought this book home, but I was so disappointed when w3 actually read it. It uses themes, humor, and vocabulary that the target audience just doesn't understand, and the lessons of "I'm so bad because I follow my own rules and i can because im so flawless" and facing no consequences are not really the type of things I want my kid to learn.
January 25, 2018
Naughty Mable is a story about a spoiled dog that lives with her "parents" in the Hamptons. Mabels "parents" call her a lot of names but most of the time they call her "naughty." Mabel understands this title and she enjoys it and you might even say embarrasses it. Mabel tells us one of her stories of how she ruined one of her parent's parties. At the end of the book, we are shown how loving and forgiving Mables parents are.
I would use this book to show to students unconditional love and teach on how we should share it with others. I would love to use this book to discuss being naughty and try and justify to my students me still caring for them even through discipline.
This book would be great in a Kindergarten-2nd-grade class.
The Illustrations in this book were well done and could have told the whole story without the words
I would use this book to show to students unconditional love and teach on how we should share it with others. I would love to use this book to discuss being naughty and try and justify to my students me still caring for them even through discipline.
This book would be great in a Kindergarten-2nd-grade class.
The Illustrations in this book were well done and could have told the whole story without the words
July 17, 2019
Mainly we liked it because we have a friend named Mabel. I also liked it because it's one of those books that can just as easily be about a young child as about a dog, and there's a lovely reassurance at the end that her parents love her always (even when she's naughty).
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
September 9, 2017
Not a children's book.
Between the vocabulary and the grown-up humor, this book went over the heads of my 8,6, and 5 year olds. They just didn't get the humor: they didn't know enough about French to find the humor in a naughty "Frenchy". On top of all that, when Mabel passed gas and cleared out her "Parents" party, they didn't understand why that made the parents happy - and I didn't get that either.
It was a fun read aloud, but unmemorable.
Between the vocabulary and the grown-up humor, this book went over the heads of my 8,6, and 5 year olds. They just didn't get the humor: they didn't know enough about French to find the humor in a naughty "Frenchy". On top of all that, when Mabel passed gas and cleared out her "Parents" party, they didn't understand why that made the parents happy - and I didn't get that either.
It was a fun read aloud, but unmemorable.
Read
October 13, 2017Lane, N., & Elliott, D. (2015). Naughty Mabel. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Mabel is a very naughty dog, not very lady like and always causes trouble. She is living in a pretty large place and treated very well. Despite all the trouble she may cause, she is still very much loved by her humans.
What if Mabel was a very nice dog and very lady like? How would the story be different? How would it be the same?
Mabel is a very naughty dog, not very lady like and always causes trouble. She is living in a pretty large place and treated very well. Despite all the trouble she may cause, she is still very much loved by her humans.
What if Mabel was a very nice dog and very lady like? How would the story be different? How would it be the same?
January 9, 2018
I got this book from my great-aunt for my third birthday. I really like it because Mabel causes lots of trouble. I like the colorful illustrations, too. My mom, on the other hand, doesn't particularly love how Mabel is called "naughty" throughout the story and feels proud of her behavior. The moral of the story is even if you're naughty, your parents will love you.
February 3, 2019
I really liked this book, my only problem with it is that it kind of gives off the impression that it's okay to be naughty. I would have preferred if Mabel had a consequence followed by the whole "we will always love you" thing. Otherwise it's a really cute book, has wonderful pictures. The author clearly has a great sense of humor. I personally I'm not a fan of the bathroom humor either, but I do know the little boys love it. Though I do not understand why LOL so I suppose I can't fault it.
October 17, 2022
I was prepared to dislike this because I find most children’s books written by famous people to be very disappointing. This was a surprise. Humor for adults and the children they are reading to. And even if the Hamptons is a place most of us will never be able to visit, we can have an amusing adventure with a spoiled dog who does.
April 4, 2024
Nathan Lane (the actor) and Devin Elliott wrote this picture book about “the fanciest French bulldog the Hamptons has ever seen.” Naughty Mabel is indeed very naughty, and we see all the trouble she causes with her naughtiness. If you’ve seen Nathan Lane in movies, on Broadway, or on TV, you can “hear” his “voice” in all the words of this story. LOL
November 19, 2017
Mabel is a very spoiled french bulldog from the Hamptons. She is also very naughty, always getting into some sort of trouble. When her parents lock her away one night while they trow a party, Mabel decides to come out and show them what a life of the party she really is.
This book was very sweet and funny and I enjoyed reading it. I also really liked the illustrations. I think that this is a book that younger children would really enjoy reading.
This book was very sweet and funny and I enjoyed reading it. I also really liked the illustrations. I think that this is a book that younger children would really enjoy reading.
July 31, 2017
A very wacky bit of fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews