Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Sibling torture and love at its best!
Please, Louise perfectly captures the tense relationship between Louise, about 4ish, and her older brother Jake, maybe 7ish. She follows him around, messes up his stuff, and just generally annoys him. When he tries to ditch her by going outside to read a book, she follows him, of course - but when he looks up from his book, Louise is nowhere to be found. Weirdly, Jake was just wishing that Louise was a dog instead of a girl and lo and behold, a little pup appears out of nowhere! Great ending, and the watercolor, pencil and collage illustrations by Marie-Louise Gay are fabulous, full of energy and detail - note Jake's untied shoelaces! The quality of the printing is terrific, just the right sheen to the page and the contrast between the watercolor and pencil in saturation and light makes the illustrations even more captivating. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Stella, Princess of the Sky
This is a delightful children's book, especially for a child who lives away from their grandmother.

Stella, Princess of the Sky
Another Excellent book by Marie-Louise Gay! The only thing that should be different in her wonderful books is that instead of 2-4 years they should be labeled 2-104 years! ;-)))

Loved it. . .
I bought all the "Stella" books b/c my Daughter's name is E'Stella - regardless of why I initially bought them-- SHE LOVES THEM. . . the pictures are fantastic and it answers a lot of whys for a curious 3 year old.I would highly recommend any of Marie Louise Gay's books.

A simply told magical story
This book is a wonderful story about Sam, Stella's younger brother, who is full of questions about the sun, moon and stars.Stella has simple, heartwarming explanations for Sam.These are illustrated beautifully by the author in dreamy watercolors.The dialogue is well-written and realistic.I think that's why my daughters love Stella and Sam so much -- they've had similar conversations.A book that will be read again and again, Marie Louise-Gay shows us the beauty in the simpler things in life.
... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

What Are you Doing, Sam?
Can't get enough of this adorable brother and sister and their dog Fred. Stella and Sam have become 'my own' Sam's and my favorite book friends to spend time with. This series should be in every household. The creativity of Marie-Louise Gay is remarkable.

Whimsical, fun and sweet, Sam and Stella series are stellar!
Sam is Stella's younger brother and in this book shows a bit of his independance as he goes around the house doing projects and having a very full day indeed.

We think this series of books by Canadian children's book writer Marie-Louise Gay are a wonderful series for parents looking for books about siblings.Most books about having a younger brother or sister portrays the event as negative or stressful for the older child.In this series, Sam and Stella have wonderful adventures together, quiet moments in nature and sweet moments in life around the house.

My son loves the Sam character for his curiosity and timid nature, and he does not have any sisters or siblings, but the books are so fun, we love them for any child or child at heart. Highly recommended. ... 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) --JeffreyCantonBook Description

Customer Reviews (1)

I love this book
A great one for kids and also to give folks ideas of things they can do with collage and scrap booking. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer 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

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 SnelsonBook Description

Customer 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
"Published in beginning-reader format, this gentle story will appeal to children’s compassion as well as their sense of humor." — BOOKLIST

Houndsley is sad. Not because it’s raining or because there are holes in his sweater, but because he doesn’t know when his birthday is. And now Catina is sad, too. But friends are good at cheering each other up, and Houndsley and Catina are the best of friends. So it won’t be long before they each discover, in a most surprising way, how a first-rate friend can brighten even the saddest days. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sweet Illustrations & Kind Message
Houndsley is sad. He doesn't know what date his birthday is on. When he tells Catina, she seems sad, too. She doesn't know, either. In fact, she doesn't know what day to celebrate her birthday, either.

Houndsley didn't mean to make Catina sad, so he decides to make her a surprise. Little does he know that Catina has a plan, too!

Young readers will get a lot out of this book. Birthdays are so important to children that they tend to obsess about it. What about those who don't get to be so excited for their birthdays (for whatever reason)? After reading this short chapter book, kids may be inspired to do something special for others. Even if they aren't, they will still enjoy the sweet illustrations and kind message.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
03/05/2007 ... 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 AlwardBook Description
Stella and her little brother are spending the day at the sea. Stella has been to the sea before and knows all its secrets, but Sam has many questions. "Does a catfish purr? Does a seahorse gallop?" Stella has an answer for them all. The only thing she isn't sure of, and neither is the reader, is whether Sam will ever come into the water.Exquisite watercolors enliven this perfect summer story, while the gently humorous text captures the sometimes fun, sometimes trying relationship between an older sister and her baby brother. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

OUTSTANDING!
I was introduced to the 'Stella' books by a friend, and what a find they are! The pictures are beautiful to look at, and the little details are wonderful - It's so much fun to find Stella and Sam's pet dog and see what he may be up to. Stella is a 'wise' little girl, her logic is creative and it's really just plain fun to read! (...even more fun because our daughter's name is Stella...She loves to hear these books read out loud!)

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 thetruly stellar Stella question after question after question, and sheanswers with pizazz and panache, until Sam can't help but be influenced byher infectious enthusiasm. Their paunchy little-kid stomachs and Stella'sflame-red hair are sooooo cute that the book would be worth the buy evenfor the pictures. Luckily you don't have to compromise - the dialogue makesit difficult to read without laughing aloud and the story flows with afresh 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.Sheis an avid explorer--unafraid to share her waters with fallen stars(starfish) and galloping sea horses.It's worth buying this book just tosee the picture of the two fishing off of the pier.Absolutely Adorable!

This beach adventure is especiallygreat 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

Book Description
Every great romance begins with Yuck, a Love Story. Austin_s life is perfect until Amy moves in next door. He doesn_t understand why a girl has to live beside him, or why girls have to live anywhere for that matter. Despite having no use for Amy, Austin seems to be strangely affected by every comment she makes and everything about her - right down to the bows on her shoes. Yuck, a Love Story will touch the heart of anyone who has survived that earth-shattering first crush, and is written with the wit and wisdom of one who has been to the moon and back. Marie-Louise Gay_s charming illustrations express a youthful innocence that matches the text perfectly. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of Marie-Louise Gay, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 7584 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Family Read-Aloud
Full of humor and escapades that families can relate to, this book is a great read aloud! It prompts your "remember when..." vacation stories and inspires"where shall we go next?" plans. Easy enough that my third grade son could read chapters to us. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Delightfully quirky illustrations, imaginative story line
The delightfully quirky illustrations, the ingeniously imaginative story line, the catchy rhythm of this book all combine to make this an absolute favorite in my house.Our family just loves this book and our children are3, 5, and 7, so don't limit yourself to the baby/preschool set, as thereading level assigned by Amazon would suggest! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Night Sam
My grandson Sam loves to have this series read to him. Beautiful artwork and fun, happy stories of Stella and Sam. Oh yes, Fred the dog too! ... 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

Customer 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

Book Description
Maddie's clothes are old--tattered and torn, ripped and worn. And they're all too small--she feels like a hot dog that's too big for its bun.

Her parents think she's making a fuss over nothing, and send to school in clothes everyone makes fun of: "Christmas tree," they call her, and "flowerpot." Maddie thinks she'll find an ally in her stylish grandmother, but Gran has a new boyfriend and her tastes seem to be changing. So Maddie make radical plans to change her wardrobe, plans that soon get dangerous. Thankfully Gran comes around just in time to save Maddie from herself.

Maddie Wants New Clothes is a humorous story that shows how body image affects even young children, and how they can come to have a healthy sense of self. ... Read more