Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Cyndi Marko!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Cyndi Marko
Cyndi Marko is the author-illustrator of the award-winning Kung Pow Chicken early chapter book series; the graphic novel chapter books This Little Piggy: An Owner’s Manual and Boo! Hiss!; the middle grade graphic novel series Sloth Sleuth; and her debut picture book, Gilly’s Monster Trap. She currently lives in Edmonton, Canada, with her quiet kids and noisy cats. Learn more at CyndiMarko.com.
About the Book: Mabel Makes (^Up) a Friend: A Graphic Novel
Join Mabel and her made-up elephant companion, Mr. E, as they navigate the joys and challenges of second grade in this charming young graphic novel where imagination and reality blend in an adventure of friendship and discovery!
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.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What inspired you to write this as a graphic novel?
I originally had written this concept down as a picture book idea, but once I started developing it and realized that Mr. Elephant was an imaginary friend, I knew it had to be a graphic novel. The illustration possibilities seemed so fun (for example Mr. Elephant whipping props out of thin air, and his love of dressing up in silly outfits), and I also wanted to be able to explore Mabel’s emotions and reactions more thoroughly than I could have in a picture book.
YABC: Do you have any specific children in your life who inspired elements of this book?
Can I say myself? As the story evolved, I found I put more and more of my own personal childhood experiences and challenges into Mabel’s character. My family also moved many times when I was a kid, making it hard to make or maintain friendships, my parents worked a lot, and my older brothers weren’t close to my age. I often felt isolated. I also shared Mabel’s love of art and reading, often using it as an escape. Putting so much of myself into a character was something I had never really done in a book before and it’s made this story particularly special to me.
YABC: What was the inspiration for the book’s visual style?
The characters (with the exception of Mr. Elephant) are reminiscent of stick figures drawn by children. I wanted the art to feel friendly, fun, and colorful. I often use color to mirror the emotions Mabel is experiencing.
YABC: What aspects of the book do you think parents and children will connect with most?
It’s not stated anywhere in the story, but like me, Mabel is neurodivergent. She often struggles to pay attention. She’s forgetful, messy, clumsy, and a bit of a daydreamer. She is often anxious, sensitive to rejection, and has an overactive brain that keeps her awake at night. She’s also a bit obsessed with a video game, Crash Kittens Racing. A lot of change happening in her life has exacerbated these traits. I think neurodivergent kids will see themselves in Mabel, but most everyone experiences these things to some degree now and then and will be able to relate, and also, I hope, feel compassion.
And for the parents, Mabel’s try really hard but aren’t perfect. They’re so busy and exhausted with work, new twin babies, and getting settled in a new house that they don’t notice Mabel is struggling with isolation until they get a call from her teacher. I think parents will relate to the challenges of having a busy family and how sometimes little things can slip through the cracks.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently working on the artwork for The Elephant In The Room book two, Mabel Is (^Not) A Lightning Bug, coming out next year. Mabel’s parents sign her up for Lightning Bugs (a fictional version of scouts) and Mabel is not at all happy about it, though Mr. Elephant is beyond excited! This book also expands the imaginary world by introducing more imaginary friends. We also see Mabel’s anxiety in response to an event she doesn’t want to go to (Lightning Bugs) compared with one she does (a movie with friends.) Plus more Crash Kittens Racing!
I’m also working on a new chapter book graphic novel hybrid called Ghost Pouncers, about a group of ghost busting cats. You know how sometimes cats seem to be seeing things that aren’t there? Well, it’s ghosts. It’s going to be very funny and a little bit scary! It’s due out in 2027.
YABC: What new release book are you looking forward to in 2025?
Well, it’s not actually out until early 2026, but I can’t wait to read the next book in the Lightfall graphic novel series by Tim Probert. The story gives me Dark Crystal vibes, and the artwork is magnificent.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
Definitely black licorice! I’m gluten intolerant so it’s hard to find true black licorice I can eat, but black jujubes will do. I once bought a five pound bag and it didn’t last nearly as long as it should have.
YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?
My cats. Cats are so weird and their antics make me laugh (and mine inspired me to write Ghost Pouncers.) My mental health is much improved by having fur friends.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
Hooboy. Well, I used to doomscroll a lot, but I have since left most social media as I found it was having a negative effect on my mental health. I’m still on IG and BlueSky, but am not an active poster, and no longer allow myself to scroll, or even want to. So now if I feel the need to procrastinate, I’ll fold laundry and actually put it away instead of letting it sit wrinkled in the laundry basket(s) until I run out of clean clothes. Keeping on top of laundry makes me feel a bit more like I’m succeeding at this adulting thing. I also often go for a walk while listening to a podcast, but let my mind wander if it wants to. This helps alleviate anxiety and allows me to be in a headspace where I can work productively.
I do miss the cat memes though.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?
If I’m working on a new idea, I like to make lots of notes and do some preliminary research. I’ll sometimes let an idea stay a long time in the note stage until I feel a plot is starting to form. At that point I like to do a loose outline (I’ll do a very detailed outline if it’s for a subsequent book in a series and I’m sharing with an editor), and then start writing with pen on paper. There’s something about writing by hand that makes my brain work better. After I’ve got a good flow going (or my hand is cramping) I’ll switch to the computer, and type it out, editing as I go. And once I’ve completed a first draft, I’ll print it out and make edits on paper. I think switching back and forth from paper to computer as I go through each draft accesses different parts of the brain and helps me to see the story differently.
Title: Mabel Makes (^Up) a Friend: A Graphic Novel
Author: Cyndi Marko
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
ISBN-10: 0593752880
ISBN-13: 9780593752883
Genre: Juvenile Graphic Novel
Age Range: 5-8
This sounds hilarious! Love the cover.
This looks adorable!