Mabel Makes (Up) a Friend: A Graphic Novel

Join Mabel and her made-up elephant companion, Mr. E, as they navigate second grade in the first book of this charming graphic novel series for early readers!

This heartwarming tale follows Mabel, a creative second grader who finds herself being followed by an imaginary elephant.

As Mabel navigates the challenges of feeling left out and adjusting to a new class at school without her best friends, she encounters an unexpected companion—Mr. Elephant, or "Mr. E," who quickly becomes her secret confidant, joining her in handling the ups and downs of everyday life.

Young readers will be captivated by the vibrant illustrations that bring Mabel's inner world to life, complete with an elephant that's a champion at hide-and-seek and has a passion for peanut butter.

This graphic novel is an ode to the magic of childhood and the importance of friendship—both real and imagined. With a mix of fiction and nonfiction elements, readers will learn alongside Mabel about plant biology, the value of creativity, and the beauty of accepting oneself, quirks and all.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs