Today's read is the third in a chapter book series for those readers, who are sure of their words but need a little more practice before heading on into lower middle grade novels. I haven't read the first two in the series, and I'm doubting that will be an issue, but we'll see. This comes from the same author/illustrator as the much loved Ivy & Bean series, and this new series is garnering great reviews and attention as well. It circles around a pair of sisters and their daily adventures...which I'm betting aren't exactly boring or ordinary. But let's find out!
PAST AND PRESENTS
Stella & Marigold, Book 3
by Annie Barrows
Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Chronicle Books
Chapter Book
124 pages
ages 6 to 9
COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!
The next adventure in the fun and funny early chapter book series about two small sisters with very big imaginations―from the beloved creators of the New York Times bestselling Ivy + Bean, Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall.
There is the whole world, and in it, there’s a city, and in that city, there’s a house, and in that house lives a pair of sisters named Stella and Marigold. But the house is very old, so they are not the only children who have ever lived in it. One surprising day, they discover that there was another girl, maybe named Ziamara, who not only lived in their house, but wrote on the wall and left secret presents for Stella and Marigold. Inspired by this hero from the past, Stella and Marigold make great plans for the future.
With lots of adventure, a dynamic relationship, and colorful pictures, this series is perfect for emerging readers. This unlikely duo will have readers LOL-ing!
There is the whole world, and in it, there’s a city, and in that city, there’s a house, and in that house lives a pair of sisters named Stella and Marigold. But the house is very old, so they are not the only children who have ever lived in it. One surprising day, they discover that there was another girl, maybe named Ziamara, who not only lived in their house, but wrote on the wall and left secret presents for Stella and Marigold. Inspired by this hero from the past, Stella and Marigold make great plans for the future.
With lots of adventure, a dynamic relationship, and colorful pictures, this series is perfect for emerging readers. This unlikely duo will have readers LOL-ing!
And more buzz...
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED: Stella & Marigold, a USA Today and National Indie bestseller, shined with critics, receiving four starred reviews! Kirkus Reviews raved, “All the heart. None of the pablum. Sisterhood at its finest and freshest.”
STRONG RELATIONSHIP: This series positively depicts the ups and downs of sisterhood and will also resonate with any fan of general friendship duos.
WONDERFUL GIFT: Sophie Blackall's full-color illustrations are both gorgeous and hilarious, making this book a gift joyfully given and very happily received.
Perfect for:
Independent readers age 6-9
Parents, teachers, and librarians seeking entertaining elementary school chapter books
Gift-givers looking for an early readers series for kids who enjoy stories full of humor and heart
Readers who love such bestselling book series as Ivy + Bean, Junie B. Jones, Beezus and Ramona, Dory Fantasmagory, and Princess in Black
MY TIDBITS
Sibling goodness mixes with spunky personalities to create one enjoyable adventure after the other.
Stella and Marigold discover a sketch and writing on the wall behind the couch. Since they didn't do that...that isn't allowed..., they begin to fantasize about the creator. With a little imagination, they decide it's a girl from Colorado who can fly. And that sets off all sorts of ideas for the rest of the book.
This is the third book in the series but can easily be picked up as a stand alone. It consists of ten chapters, or rather, ten short adventures, which are around ten pages or so each. Stella and Marigold are up to all sorts of things as their fantasy leads them from one idea to the next. Everything stays founded in a realistic setting and appropriate for their ages. But these two are always up to something. From bears to portals in time, they let their imaginations take flight. The result is always wholesome, and the pair's energy and joy for life is addicting.
There's tons of sibling goodness in these pages as the two always work together and offer support. Even the relationships with other students and people around them carry a positive atmosphere. The adventures feed from the sisters' imaginations and are ones that are similar to things many readers have done themselves. For example, building a tent in the living room or burying things for people to discover in the future. It's a familiar, warming fun the entire way through.
Each story has just the right length for a story-time read or as a bedtime read. These also work especially well for beginning readers, who are sure of their words, to pick up on their own. The font and spacing make for easy reading. The illustrations add to the personality and fun, but also work nicely to help beginning readers follow the scenes.
It's a lovely set of adventures and I'm looking forward to seeing what these sisters will be up to next.
And here they are...
Annie Barrows is the New York Times bestselling author of many books for both children and adults, including the beloved Ivy + Bean series, which can also be seen on Netflix; The Best of Iggy series; the young adult novel Nothing; and the adult bestselling novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. She lives in Northern California.
Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator whose books are beloved around the world. Her previous books include If You Come to Earth, Ruby's Wish, and the Ivy + Bean series, as well as Hello Lighthouse and Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear, both of which were awarded the Caldecott Medal. She lives in New York.
Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator whose books are beloved around the world. Her previous books include If You Come to Earth, Ruby's Wish, and the Ivy + Bean series, as well as Hello Lighthouse and Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear, both of which were awarded the Caldecott Medal. She lives in New York.
