New Books Network Melissa Stoller, "Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart" (Gnome Road, 2025)
Jan 17, 2026
In this engaging conversation, children's book author Melissa Stoller shares insights about her latest work, "Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart." Stoller explores the theme of friendship through letters, addressing how two inseparable friends navigate changes after a move. She discusses the creative journey behind the book, including her collaboration with illustrator Anita Bagdi and the unique challenges of writing for young audiences. Stoller also reflects on her background as a lawyer and her approach to finding inspiration for her stories.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
How Hazel And Mabel Came To Life
- Melissa Stoller describes Hazel and Mabel as two friends who write letters while apart and struggle to reconnect when they reunite.
- Anita Bagdi's illustrations (hot air balloon, owl post, hearts) brought the story's emotional beats vividly to life.
Market Gap: After The Move
- Sandra Sutter at Gnome Road liked that the story explores what happens to a friendship after a move, not just the move itself.
- That market gap distinguished Hazel and Mabel from other moving stories in editorial eyes.
Relinquish Control To Collaborators
- Give up control to the publisher and illustrator and trust the collaborative process.
- Melissa says relinquishing control usually yields results far better than the author's original vision.
