Book Description

In this sweetly humorous book, Stella and her brother, Sam, explore the wonders of the natural world. A vast luminous sky, the sun, the stars, and the rising moon form the backdrop for their nocturnal expedition. As they encounter raccoons, fireflies, tree frogs, and bats, Sam wonders if the moon can swim, if the sun wears pajamas, or if he can catch shooting stars with his butterfly net. Stella, as always, has an answer for every question. Marie-Louise Gay's whimsical prose and enchanting illustrations capture the joys of young children making their first discoveries of the world around them. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Marie-Louise Gay's squat, snub-nosed children with their frenzied locksare as familiar to under-fives as the wild things of Maurice Sendak. InStella, Star of the Sea (which won a Governor General's Award forillustration), the gifted picture-book artist introduces the irresistible duo ofSam and his spirited older sister, Stella. "Stella and Sam were spending a dayat the sea shore," Gay begins this playful celebration of summer, adding, "Itwas Sam's very first time." Stella is an adventurer, eager to dive to the oceanfloor, tame sea horses, and dig a hole to China, but her little brother, Sam, ismade of more cautious stuff. When Stella, looking out at the sea from the top ofa delightfully round sand dune, exclaims, "Isn't it beautiful, Sam?" he observeswith a characteristic deadpan, "It's very big... and noisy."

Gay humorously contrasts the children's impressions of the sea in pictures anddialogue that capture Sam's experience of its frightening enormity, as well asStella's joy in its secret treasures. To fend off the prospect of a swim, Samkeeps asking Stella anxious questions like "Does a sea horse gallop?" Stella'sreplies are as authoritative as they are imaginative: "'Yes!' cried Stella. 'Andyou can ride a sea horse bareback.'" Gay's whimsical watercolors show Stellaswimming alongside tropical fish and holding onto the back of a child-sized pinksea horse, while Sam hangs behind, a tiny speck in a water ring on the distantshore. Ultimately, of course, Stella's irrepressible enthusiasm wins over Sam'ssober hesitancy, and in the final image of this charming picture book the two ofthem float happily in a luminous blue green sea. (Baby to age 4)--Lisa Alward ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great illustrations!
This is one of my favorites! The artwork is gorgeous and little brother Sam's inquisitive nature is funny. Stella's answers are also quite creative. My daughters really enjoy this one.

FRESH, FUN, & ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE
I just discovered Stella and Sam this weekend and they are now officially my favorite children's characters ever! The brother and sister relationship has never been explored with such sweet simplicity. A worried Sam asks the truly stellar Stella question after question after question, and she answers with pizazz and panache, until Sam can't help but be influenced by her infectious enthusiasm. Their paunchy little-kid stomachs and Stella's flame-red hair are sooooo cute that the book would be worth the buy even for the pictures. Luckily you don't have to compromise - the dialogue makes it difficult to read without laughing aloud and the story flows with a fresh feeling that is completely enjoyable.

Adorable, funny book!
Stella aquaints her little brother, Sam, to "The Sea"--a world to which she is an expert and which adults do not seem to inhabit. He is testing the waters, obviously timid about his first ocean adventure. She is an avid explorer--unafraid to share her waters with fallen stars (starfish) and galloping sea horses. It's worth buying this book just to see the picture of the two fishing off of the pier. Absolutely Adorable!

This beach adventure is especially great for 3-4 yr. olds.
The illistrations are beautiful. The story with all of sams questions and stellas imagination are right out of a preschoolers mouth. Fun summer reading. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

How to Take Your Grandmother to the Museum
One of my first grade students brought this book into school one day. I read it and decided I had to have it. Lois Wyse wrote a humorous story perfect for a Grandparents' Day Celebration or just for casual reading for children of all ages.

A great book
A cute and heart worming story about a girl and her Grandmother. I love this book with all my heart. The book was fantastic! ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's Sam's first snowstorm and he has a lot of questions. "Is thesnow cold? Can you eat a snowflake? Where does a snowman sleep? How manysnowflakes are there in a snowball?" His big sister, Stella, has the answer toevery question because she is very knowledgeable on the subject, being Queen ofthe Snow. "Polar bears eat snowflakes for breakfast," Stella informs Sam.

"With milk?" asks Sam.

"Yes," says Stella. "And sugar."

The two venture out into the white wonderland, exploring the tastes and texturesof snowflakes and snowballs, the thrill of sledding ("I think I'll walk down,"says Sam), and the magic of snow angels. Worldly Stella instructs her cautiouslittle brother in all the ways of winter in the way only a big sister can.

Readers will be gratified at the return of Stella, Star of the Sea'sadorable, true-to-life siblings. Popular award-winning author-illustratorMarie-Louise Gay has created another breathtakingly cute picture book aboutconfident, carrot-top Stella and her earnest but uncertain little brother. Gay'swatercolors of blackbirds on denuded tree branches, a brown pup wading throughbelly-deep snow, and the beaming siblings flailing their limbs to make snowangels are simply perfect. And her kid-dialogue is perfection squared. (Ages 3to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Pleasant Memories
This is a wonderful book to read with your children. My daughter, age 2 3/4 loves this book, even though she has never seen snow. It evokes happy memories of snowy days from my childhood. The watercolor pictures are beautiful with just enough playful detail to keep interesting when reading again and again. This book is well written and well illustrated. Stella is fun, with lots of energy, like Olivia (Ian Falconer).

we love you, stella
stella, with her red hair and similar fiesty personality, is the PERFECT guide for both summer and winter fun. both my boys love her wacky, child-like and TRUE explanations of seahorses, snowbanks and fun to be had, either in a bathing suit or snowsuit. the illustrations are lovely, the text is true and the attraction for all is evident. this book should not be missed.

Queen is Right!!
Stella certainly is the Queen of her Domain, which is the world inhabited by her brother and herself. With her flaming red hair (a visual highlight of the book), she rules the roost when Sam sees snow for the first time. Stella's explanations to Sam of how the world functions are occasionally accurate but more often creative, alternative, and imaginary. They provide for some great laughs for children old enough to know the truth (bears don't really eat snowflakes for breakfast, do they. . . ?). Their anonymous and silent dog follows their adventures through building a snowman, building a snow fort for a snowball fight, sledding, and making snow angels. The dialogue is very child-like, without being childish and condescending. It gives kids a voice to which they can probably relate, whether it's the supremely confident Stella or the more cautious Sam.

The book's watercolors are very cool! Gay captures the orange-red of Stella's hair, the "safe" green of Sam's snowsuit, and the traditional brown of their dog. She captures amazing detail without being overwhelming: leaves and birds on the tree branches, the other kids in the snowball fight, the trip up and then down the hill on the sleds, and the making of snow angels (the final picture of the dog is priceless!!). The complexity of the pictures matches the level of the dialogue---somewhere between the intense complexity of a Grame Base, for example, and the beautiful simplicity of Eric Carle. Gay is right on the money.

Bottom line: This is a great book for kids and their parents! Parents will enjoy reading of Stella's parallel universe, and kids who are old enough to do so will enjoy correcting her errors. It's a fun day with Stella and Sam. It's almost worth getting the book for two pictures: Sam standing on a pile of snow, with his pot belly, firmly-secured hat, and green snow suit; and the dog doing the snow angel at the end. If you don't love Stella's hair and attitude, then you need to adjust your sense of humor.

Wonderful
I love this book. The first time I read Stella, Star of the Sea I fell in love with Stella and Sam. I was so excited to see this new book. I am going to read it to my class as soon as possible. It is an excellent book. (Stella's pointed nose and round belly make the book a must buy!)

The cutest ever!
Meet Stella and Sam, sister and brother pair extrordainaire! Stella is older and wiser, with an imagination as firey and exuberant as her curly flame-red hair. Sam is younger, and a bit on the worried side. His favorite question is "WHY" and he asks it a LOT. His constant questions are prompted by watching his first snowstorm, which both intrigues and intimidates him. Stella introduces Sam to the magic of winter as she patiently answers his question and steals our hearts as she calms his fears. You'll both sympathize with Sam's dilemma (to go out and play or stay inside and watch?) and giggle at Stella's energy, imagination, and explainations ("the water is frozen like a giant silver popsicle"). The pictures are priceless and the dialogue is diverting. Definitely one of the newest, best books in children's literature. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Stella has as much moxie as Eloise and as much confidence (andred hair) as Pippi, but herspirit of adventure, overactive imagination, and older-sister omnisciencecatapult her into a league of her own. We met the inquisitive, impulsive Stellaand her less reckless little brother, Sam, in Stella, Star of the Sea and inStella, Queen of theSnow, but are newly delighted with Stella, Sam, and their faithful dog'sthoroughly charming foray into the forest.

Stella has seen hundreds of fairies. Sam think he sees one, too, tiny andbeautiful, but it is only a butterfly, Stella tells him. "'Do butterflies eatbutter?'" asked Sam. 'Yellow butterflies do,' said Stella." As much as Stellaseems to know, however, Sam knows a few things, too. That blue butterflies musteat pieces of blue sky, for instance. And that despite her insistence to thecontrary, the "rock" in the stream was moving.

Marie-Louise Gay's friendly, engaging watercolors crawl with tiny snails andother woodland creatures that readers might miss the first time through.Stella, Fairy of the Forest will warm the hearts of children and adultsalike, especially those who believe that a walk in the woods is an at leastpotentially magical adventure. (Ages 3 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Cute
Stella and her little brother Sam go to play in the forest. Sam has a lot of fears, but Stella, who is a know-it-all, dismisses them by reassuring Sam that bears sleep during the day, and snakes are too small to swallow people. The story is cute, but not always accurate. It has about 600 words.

Loved the first one, but this one doesn't hold a candle.
I loved Stella Star of the Sea. The illustrations with that flaming red hair and subtly comic dog, Sam's conservative and inquisitive nature. Stella Queen of the Snow was okay, but didn't have the same uniqueness. The dialogue seemed a bit forced and not as charming as the first. I am sadly disappointed with Stella Fairy of the Forest. It doesn't have any of the wonderful qualities of the Star of the Sea.

Let's Find Fairies......
Stella's back, with her self-assured manner and flaming red hair, and she's ready to take her little brother, Sam, on a forest adventure in search of fairies. And as they walk through the meadow filled with wild flowers and sheep, and cross the stream on stepping stones, Sam is filled with questions and thoughtful comments about the world around them, and as always Stella has all the answers. "Do butterflies eat butter?" asked Sam. "Yellow butterflies do," said Stella. "Then I guess blue butterflies eat pieces of sky," said Sam. And so it goes as they enter the forest filled with "big old trees." "Are they older than Grandma?" asked Sam. "Almost," said Stella. "They must be at least a hundred years old." "Is that why their skin is so wrinkled?" asked Sam. "That's not skin," said Stella. "That's bark." "Grandma's bark is much softer," said Sam. "Especially on her cheeks." The adventure continues as they watch and discuss forest animals, snakes, and the origin and growth of rocks, build a forest house out of ferns and branches, and watch for fairies..... No one captures the essence of small children, out for a day of imaginative fun and adventure quite like Marie-Louise Gay. Her gentle text is entertaining and engaging, and her ear for sibling dialogue and chatter is unrivaled. It's easy to believe that you're tagging along with Stella and Sam, and listening in on their conversations. Ms Gay's bright and expressive illustrations are captivating, and filled with joy, whimsy, and marvelous detail. Together word and art offer a feast for both the ears and eyes. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Stella Fairy Of The Forest is a wonderful new addition to Ms Gay's Stella series. Read them all and enjoy!

You and your preschooler will love this book!
Marie-Louis Gay's books about Sam and Stella are marvelous. This, their third adventure, begins when Sam asks Stella about fairies. Stella knows just where to find some. She leads Sam through meadows, across a stream and into a magical forest.
This story is truly lovely especially in its treatment of the siblings' relationship. Ms. Gay's illustrations have a special quality particularly her depictions of the delightful red-head, Stella. Don't miss it! ... Read more

Book Description

Stella’s little brother Sam is back in this charming picture book. Sam asks his big sister whether or not she is sleeping. "Yes," answers Stella. "Aren’t you?" But Sam can’t sleep: he misses his beloved and faithful dog, Fred. Where could he be? Sam knows that Fred is afraid of many things: the dark, the monster that lives in the closet, and the giant toad that lurks downstairs. Luckily, Stella is there to reassure Sam as they search everywhere. Gay’s delicate watercolors, full of whimsy and humor, bring Stella and Sam’s world to life. ... Read more

Book Description

Stella's little brother Sam stars in this delightful new picture book by Marie-Louise Gay. When Stella offers to help Sam get dressed, he protests that he can do it by himself. Naturally, Sam takes a roundabout route to donning his duds and, as usual, Stella thinks she knows best. But this time, Sam has the last laugh. Vibrant and humorous, the author's stories and pictures explore the endearing, intimate scenes of early childhood. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A sure favorite
This is a fun story to read to little ones...my two (ages 4 & 2) giggle over Sam's antics every time. Very much written in a story line my children can relate to. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Another delightful Stella and Sam, slice of life story ...
I couldn't wait to read the newest book in the series. This story is simple in text, yet so very well portrays the older and younger sibblings interaction. Marie-Louise Gay understands children and their thought processes. The little dog is great fun to watch and the tiny things in the illustrations like sea shells on the top of dresser, little striped socks here and there, the handmade art work that decorates their walls ..., read the book over and over again and you will discover something new each time. It's a feel good book and it deserves a place on your bookshelf along side the first Stella books. Thank you, Marie-Louise Gay for the smiles. ... Read more

Book Description

"It has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. It is a joyful, heart-thrilling story in which children can easily recognize their emotions. They see their own doubt, insecurity, fear, and courage in every one of the little pigs and in the big bad wolf himself, which makes the story an empowering tale about growing up and acquiring intelligence and cleverness." - Marie-Louise Gay ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The 3 Little Pigs
This is the classic story-version where the first two pigs areeaten by the wolf. What makes this version so very special are thewonderful light-hearted illustrations. I am a kinder teacher and this version can't help but to engage my students. Trust me, your kids will love it!

3 pigs
the book taught me a lot of morals. The book was very interesting and it was easy to read with a lot of good messages. I know that i wont ever mess with another wolf with so much breath again. Why are pigs so mean? He just wanted a place to stay and a warm meal... ... Read more

Amazon.com

A little boy lives all alone on a mysterious island--or so he says. He'salone, sure, if you can ignore the wolf, two cats, three ants, and the swoopingbat that share the island with him. In the playful hands of award-winning authorand illustrator Marie-Louise Gay (Stella, Star of the Sea), youngreaders will discover a fabulously fantastic world of make-believe and magiclurking just behind the story that her young narrator tells. Does nothing happenon the island, as our young friend keeps insisting? What are we to make then ofthat fire-breathing dragon circling the island, those blue and white flying fishswooping over the water, or the big gray elephants parachuting off the sides ofthat erupting volcano? Gay's simple text and evocative watercolour illustrationsneatly play off one another, creating a rich visual drama that young readerswill find endlessly fascinating. Gay's pictures include scraps of newspaper,Japanese paper, and an imaginative flair that is sure to entice young readersback for another visit to this enchanting island. (Ages 3 to 6) --JeffreyCanton ... Read more

Book Description

Estela y su hermanito van a pasar un día al mar. Estela ya fue una vez y conoce todos los secretos del mar, pero es la primera vez que Sam va y tiene muchas preguntas. Estela sabe todas las respuestas, lo único que no sabe es si Sam finalmente decidirá meterse al agua... ... Read more

Book Description

Didi"s in a hurry to take her father to the best place on earth—to the Brooklyn Promenade! Will she see dogs out for a walk? Will she hear a trumpet tune? One thing"s for sure, there are plenty of surprises in store for Didi and Daddy as they spin, swirl, and twirl down the dizzy, busy, perfect Promenade.Here is a book that captures not only the sights and sounds of one of New York"s main attractions but also the playful relationship between a spirited little girl and her dad. Marilyn Singer"s bouncy, rhythmic text is paired with Marie-Louise Gay"s vibrant illustrations, making this an ideal choice for preschoolers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Winner for Dads AND Didis!
Mary-Louise Gay's illustrations are a perfect complement to Marilyn Singer's text in this book that captures a father/daughter excursion along the Esplanade in Brooklyn, New York to a T.

What will Didi see today? What will she hear today? Who will she greet today? They dance, they jump, they swish and slide...do everything but go slow...because Didi can't! She is a toddler after all!

This is an excellent book for reading out loud or sharing one on one...it will inspire you and your Didi to take a promenade of your own no matter where you live!

Great fun for bouncy ones
My daughter loves to have this book read to her. When Didi says "No" and races ahead of her daddy, my daughter shouts along. Great rhythm to the text, and the illustrations are gratifying to adults as well as children. Lots of familiar things to point out, including, tragically, the north and south towers of the WTC. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great book!
This story of a young boy who finds music in his imagination is wonderful. I read it to my students and they loved it! It has humor and is beautifully illustrated. ... Read more

Book Description

"The trouble with Ivy was, she wouldn't eat her vegetables."What develops next in this classic battle of child vs. veggies is something no one could have imagined.Inside Ivy's pockets those veggies begin to sing:

In your pants
we all turned rotten.
All the green things
you've forgotten.

We've gone bad
and we'll get worse.
We'll follow you
just like a curse. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

When Vegetables Go Bad
Touches uponimaginations of all young children.My children love to read this story time after time.The illustrations are special and are a great accompaniment to the story! ... Read more

Book Description

Caramba is a fat, furry, striped cat with a big problem. "Every single cat in the world can fly," he sighs, "except me!"Caramba would love to swoop and glide between the clouds, to feel the wind whistling through his fur. He tries to soar into the sky over and over again but always lands flat on his face, until finally he sadly accepts that he is earthbound. "Don't be such a scaredy-cat," cry his cousins. "All cats are meant to fly!" They grab his paws and whisk him up into the sky for an impromptu flying lesson that ends with a big splash… and a surprising discovery in this beautifully illustrated story with a special message of self-acceptance. ... Read more