Product Description

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

Customer Reviews (8)

May not hold the attention of youngsters
A fairly random story of Stella and her little friend, Sam, who is very inquisitive and asks a lot of questions.Stella offers him some unique perspectives, from a child's point of view, on the many objects of his curiosity.This book, while somewhat imaginative, may not hold the attention of many young readers as it seems to run on a bit.

DeeDee Fox, author and illustrator, The Ruby Red Slippers

I'm becoming a real fan of the Stella books
They're very sweet, in a way that isn't too adult-geared to appeal to kids.

In this one, Stella and Sam venture (alone! it's a bit free-range, which may thrill or terrify you) into the woods, with Sam asking lots of cautious questions and Stella offering confident - if somewhat inaccurate - answers. But even in their inaccuracies they're good answers.

no show
I ordered this book before Xmas and never received it.I was very disappointed.

Stell, Fairy of the Forest
This is my grandson Sam's favorite of the 'Stella & Sam' series. I can't choose because I love them all. Even though he is 7 years old he still loves to have all these books read to him and I of course totally enjoy it right along with him.

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. ... Read more

Product 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

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

Product 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

Product 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

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

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Customer Reviews (5)

books
I really like the Stella books.They are very worthwhile stories for children, and that red-headed Stella and her brother, Sam, are so cute!!This one made me cry, because my grandson was getting ready to move to Africa.I hope the stars remind him of his grandmother, too.

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

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews (7)

Another winner!
We have two other Stella books and this is an excellent addition to our home library. This Marie-Louise Gay book is, like her other offerings, filled with delightful wintry exploration. The author's watercolor paintings are, as always, wonderful. You and your children won't be disappointed! Both my 5-year old son AND by 3-year old daughter enjoy this book. You really can't top the tender interaction between Stella and Sam; poignant and humorous.

Stell, Queen of the Snow
Another fun read for children and grandmas & grandpas, moms and dads. Stella and Sam are a delight to spend time with on the pages of lovely artwork.

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. ... Read more

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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

Product Description
Stella and her little brother are spending the day at the beach. Stella has been to the seashore before and knows all its secrets, but Sam still has a lot of questions. Does a moonsnail come from the moon? What can you buy with a sand dollar? Stella has answers for them all. The only thing she's not sure about is whether Sam will ever come into the water. Through exquisite watercolors, this book brings to life a perfect summer day and the sweet and funny relationship between an older sister and her baby brother.Amazon.com Review
Marie-Louise Gay's squat, snub-nosed children with their frenzied locks are as familiar to under-fives as the wild things of Maurice Sendak. In Stella, Star of the Sea (which won a Governor General's Award for illustration), the gifted picture-book artist introduces the irresistible duo of Sam and his spirited older sister, Stella. "Stella and Sam were spending a day at the sea shore," Gay begins this playful celebration of summer, adding, "It was Sam's very first time." Stella is an adventurer, eager to dive to the ocean floor, tame sea horses, and dig a hole to China, but her little brother, Sam, is made of more cautious stuff. When Stella, looking out at the sea from the top of a delightfully round sand dune, exclaims, "Isn't it beautiful, Sam?" he observes with a characteristic deadpan, "It's very big... and noisy."

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

Customer Reviews (11)

Adore this book
We have really grown to the love the Stella and Sam books over the years. Stella Star of the Sea is my favorite out of all of them and I have purchased several copies of this book to give to friends. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are brilliant.

Stella Star of the Sea Review
This book is a nice size for holding in young hands and has nice illustrations. It's probably helpful for the child to have a little familiarity with the common sea creatures in the story. My 7 year-old grandson read it to his 4 year old sister.

My three year old LOVES this book.
I was looking for books that didn't promote violence or gender bias.This one is great.Adventurous big sister encourages her little brother to imagine and to jump in the water.My 3-year-old loves this book.

Charming
Stella and her brother Sam are visiting the sea. It's his first time, and he has a lot of questions, like so many children we know.

Now, Stella seems to live in a genre I like to call "Children don't need parents". There are no parents in this book - and if you look closely, the only other people we see (and we don't see many of them, it's a very uncrowded beach) are children as well. (Don't overthink it, it'll only give you a headache and you won't be able to enjoy the book.) So the task of answering Sam's questions falls to her. And so she does answer them, with amazing patience, however fancifully. (I particularly liked reading that starfish are shooting stars that fell in love with the sea.)

The real fun isn't in the Q&A session, which, no matter how cute, is just typical preschooler stuff (and we can all think of our own cuter stories to top it because our own cuties are the bestest, right?), but in the personalities. Without telling us explicitly, without making a big deal of it, we can see the huge difference in Sam's caution and curiosity with Stella's quite literal dive-right-in attitude. It makes them come alive as real-real people, and it's hard to do that in a short picture book.

Apparently there's a whole series of these books. I have every intention of getting more of them.

Great brother-sister story!
This is a colorful, vibrantly illustrated book about a brother and sister and their trip to the beach.Older sister Stella has been to the ocean before, but her younger brother, Sam, never has.Sam is constantly asking Stella "why, what and how."Stella kindly answers all the questions (albeit, creatively and not factually, per say, but it's charming reading "her" answers).

Kids should delight at the vivid illustrations and will probably relate well to a kid who asks a lot of questions.

My only complaints are that: I felt the reason Sam didn't want to initially go in the water wasn't exactly explained.Was he afraid of the water?Did he need his questions answered to be unafraid?Was he too curious about other stuff?And also, I felt sometimes the text didn't match the illustrations - like the text was placed one picture too early or too late.
These are pretty nit-picky things though, and really the book is charming!And I love the brother sister relationship - that is truly special! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

This book will appeal to children age 3 and up
"When Stella Was Very, Very Small" is the latest in the author's series of Stella books, exploring the growing imaginative world view of a little girl. When Stella was very, very small, the world seems immense, magical, and filled with mysterious events and creatures. Words on a page are like ants to her because she cannot understand or read them, but she can hear and understand the stories of trees at night as she is going to bed. so much in Stella's world has changed, or become more understandable as she has grown, but she retains her curiosity and her unique ability to imagine herself and her world differently. She has the lucky chance to be able to teach some of her thoughts and stories to her little brother, Sam, because a part os her still remembers and values the time and experiences "When Stella Was Very, Very Small." Beautiful, delicate water color illustrations lend depth to the fantasy and whimsical elements of "When Stella Was Very, Very Small." This book will appeal to children age 3 and up.

This was a charming look at life from the eyes of a very, very small child!

When Stella was just a little thing, she saw things differently than everyone else.She had beautiful curly red hair and didn't look at all like a turtle, but when she was "very, very small, she thought she was a turtle."She pretended she was a goldfish, but when she crawled around on the floor BOW WOW. . .she was a dog.Now being a dog was the most fun of all. She was such a tiny thing that when she got up on the back of the couch "she could see the whole world" and it was very big.She wasn't able to do a lot of things, but she was pretty good at racing "against her rubber ducks in the enormous Olympic-sized pool" in the bathroom.

Stella was a very good artist and her butterflies looked nice on the wall.She wasn't big enough to read and "words looked like ants running off the pages."When she was out walking in the grass chasing bumble bees and dragonflies, it was just like being in a jungle.The big orange kitty cat looked like "a ferocious man-eating tiger."It was soooo interesting being very, very small, but when she got big things started to look a bit different.Growing up was lots of fun and Stella was starting to see things in a different light!

This was a charming look at life from the eyes of a very, very small child.This is a very imaginative story and it brought a few smiles to my face.The story suddenly flip flops and we see Stella as a "big girl" who looks at life in a new and magical way.I loved the "pretend," the "imagination" and the adventure in this adorable tale.If you have a little one, this is the perfect tale to read when you cuddle up in a chair or rocker!

Imaginative and Magical
This book is absolutely adorable. It is the story of Stella, an adorable little redhead, and her world. It is a beautifully-illustrated tale of how young children view their world. Stella's sandbox was a desert, her backyard was a tropical jungle, her bathtub was an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and her house was very, VERY big. As she grows, her perspective of her world changes and she gets to help her little brother, Sam, experience the world as she did.

This book is so imaginative. The colorful, sketch-like drawings were definitely my favorite part. They remind me of the cute illustrations in Humphrey's Bedtime (Owlet Book), also an adorable children's book.

I haven't read any of the other Stella books (Stella, Princess of the Sky, Stella, Fairy of the Forest, etc.), but I will be sure to check them out after reading this beautiful book about a child's magical adventures. I highly recommend this book!

WOW, I love this book
Maybe because my daughter is "Stella" or just because the artwork is so incredible but either way I love it! ... Read more

Product 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

Customer 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

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White Raven" Selection, International Youth Library, Munich

This is a poetic tale about love and friendship

between two extraordinary characters, Mademoiselle Moon and Mister Sun. Best friends since the dawn of time, they only catch glimpses of each other because of their busy schedules.

But when Mademoiselle Moon loses her job, Mister Sun finds the time to help her.

After all, isn't that what friends are for?

Product Description

Product 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 (2)

Also available as paperback/CD, hardcover/cassette, and paperback/cassette editions
A premier publisher of audio book adaptations of children's picturebooks, Live Oak Media has produced audio editions of an outstanding title by author James Howe and illustrator Marie-Louise Gay. "Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise" continues their adventures as Houndsley worries that he's made Catina sad by admitting he doesn't know when his birthday is -- and had reminded her that she didn't know hers either! He tries to cheer her up with a birthday cake, and because she is his friend as well, Catina has her own surprise for Houndsley! In addition to being available as a hardcover/CD combination, this outstanding and highly recommended title is also available as paperback/CD, hardcover/cassette, and paperback/cassette editions.

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

Product Description
Houndsley loves to canoe. Catina loves to ride bikes. But when Houndsley takes Catina out canoeing, she chatters the whole time, drowning out the sounds Houndsley loves, like the call of birds or the plink and plunk of the paddles. And when Catina wants to go biking, Houndsley balks at going, even though Bert says he wants to come along. What is wrong with Catina? And what is wrong with Houndsley? Luckily, with Bert’s help, they discover that the things you’re afraid of are easier to do with a good friend or two at your side. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

In springtime the only pretty ring time . . .
I first heard about Houndsley and Catina in the best possible way.The way that's even better than librarian recommendations, blog reviews, or advanced reader galleys.A year or so ago I was sitting at my reference desk, minding my own business, when a child that couldn't have been much more than six years of age came up to me."Do you have Houndsley and Catina?"Part of my training is meant to encourage me to avoid the-blank-stare.The-blank-stare is death to any reference question.I covered up my confusion with a perky, "Let's see!" and then desperately started searching the catalog.To my amazement we did indeed have something called "Houndsley and Catina" in the collection.More amazing still, it appeared to be by that James Howe fellow.You know the guy who wrote all those Bunnicula books then turned around and started doing awesome YA novels as well like "Totally Joe"?Now he was doing early readers?I gave the now ecstatic girl one copy, then snatched the other from the shelf and started reading it on the sly.You know how sometimes something brilliant falls through the cracks?Yeah.That was definitely the case here.Within seconds I was enthralled, then depressed.How had I missed this?It was small comfort when the book won the E.B. White Readaloud Award later that year.I still wished I'd known enough to read it and recommend it and review it when it was first available.Now I have that chance again.Houndsley and Catina have continued their small, quiet adventures unabated and the fourth of these "Plink and Plunk" manages to use the easy reader format to cover issues like acceptance and masking your real feelings for the sake of your friends (to the detriment of everyone).Heavy stuff in a nearly weightless little package.

Houndsley has a bit of a difficulty.He would very much like to go canoeing on this simply beautiful day but his friend Bert is unavailable.That leaves Houndsley's best friend, Catina, who is a wonderful person but a jabberjaws when it comes to canoeing.While Houndsley would prefer to just sit and enjoy the "plink" and "plunk" of the canoe oars, Catina insists on talking nonstop, until some bumpy water renders her eerily silent.Later, Houndsley receives a bike from his cousin and at Catina's urging joins her on a bike ride.The trouble?He doesn't know how to ride a two-wheeler.Fortunately Catina and Bert teach Houndsley and Catina confesses that the reason she speaks without cease when she's canoeing is because she's nervous and doesn't know how to swim.Houndsley and Bert (who is apparently good at everything) teach her as well, and in the end the three friends go canoeing at last in sweet and utter silence.

If you are unfamiliar with the format of a Houndsley and Catina book then the first chapter of this title is going to confuse you.Often an early reader contains short little chapters that are self-contained stories."Frog and Toad" books do this a lot.In this book, however, the first chapter ends on a mystery.Houndsley and Catina have just experienced some rough water and her stream of blather has come to an abrupt cease.Why?Chapter Two immediately switches scenes, and if you didn't know that the story was going to solve the mystery later on you might get the feeling that James Howe had the attention span of . . . well . . . of Catina.Instead, parents who are reading this book to their children (or are having the books read to them) can ask what the kids think after that initial chapter.Why do you think Catina got so quiet?Are there clues in the illustrations?Spoiler Alert: yep.

From book one, the pairing of Marie-Louise Gay and James Howe was inspired.I saw both Ms. Gay and Mr. Howe speak at an American Booksellers Association dinner where they accepted their E.B. White Readaloud Award.From the audience where I sat it seemed to me that Ms. Gay was Catina-esque.She had a lovely French-Canadian accent and beautiful flowy clothes.James Howe was quieter and less prone to effusion, but pitch perfect in his choice of words.They are very much a kind of Houndsley and Catina of their own.Howe provides the heart and the simple touching phrasing.Gay brings, on her end, sweet watercolors that capably convey both the tone and the feel of the book in full.

Ms. Gay knows her way around a paintbrush, and if you've seen her work on books like "Please, Louise!e" or "Stella, Princess of the Sky" then you will know what I am talking about.On top of all that is the fact that the clothing choices in this book are inspired.Catina is prone to delicate little fabrics that contain full swirls of color.Even her bike helmet (tangerine with tiny holes at the top for her ears) is decorative.Houndsley, in comparison, is perfectly comfortable working in his garden in an old undershirt and some beat up workpants.They are what they wear, without ever really overdoing it.

I'm so pleased to finally, belatedly, get around to reviewing one of the books in this series.It's a review that is long overdue.Finding good easy readers is a chore for a lot of parents.You want something simple, but meaningful.Quiet, but also fun.Howe and Gay provide with each and every book they do.And this fourth in the series constitutes the perfect spring or summer read.Everything you want in an easy reader.Everything you need in a book. ... Read more

Product Description
Maddie's parents never let her do what she wants. One day she wanted to listen to her music, but her parents had opera screeching through the house full-blast. She figures that if she gets a walkman she can listen to what she wants, when she wants to--but walkmans cost a lot of money.She has a little money, but not enough. Her brother Alexander has plenty of money, so she thinks she might "borrow" some without telling him. When a gang of tough guys threatens her at her family yard sale, however, she learns a lesson about what this sort of borrowing really means. At the same time, she learns how important her family really is to her.is a story that shows how what we think we want can lead us to what we really need. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful, you have to read this book!
I am not being hypocritical in saying that this has to be on of the greatest books of all time. It is one asset that my golden is named Maddie, and another that my family is very musical, but that doesn't matter. I was browsing ()one day. I typed in "Maddie" for fun, andguess what? Something about music caught my eye. I was so happy with myselection when I bought "Maddie Wants Music". ... Read more

Product Description
Things are getting crazy at Maddie's house: her mother has cut her finger, her brother is taking her stuff, her baby sister is starting to wail, her dad is just trying to keep out of it. At school things aren't much better: bully Patrick is trying to take over her gang, and her genius brother Julian has joined her drama class.

When Maddie's mother goes away for a few days' rest, she knows she'll have to do something extreme to get everything back to normal. So she comes up with a radical plan: she'll be as good as she possibly can until her mother comes back. It's almost more than Maddie can bear, but she manages with a little help from her wise grandmother.

Maddie Tries To Be Good is a story about the pressures of everyday life, and how support from others can help us cope. ... Read more