Stella, Fairy of the Forest by Marie-Louise Gay

From the Publisher

In their third adventure, Stella and her little brother cross a field and a creek before spending the day in the forest. Butterflies, snakes, rocks, and sheep provide fuel for Sam's curious-little-brother questions and Stella's big-sister answers as they explore the outdoor world. Gay's watercolors bring the forest alive as the two journey toward their very own fort where Sam resolves to stay forever. Marie-Louise Gay is a multiple-time winner of Canada's Governor General's Literary Award, Canada's Mr. Christie's Book Award, and others. "Gay's illustrations, done primarily in watercolors with a touch of paper collage, are bright and have a whimsical touch." — School Library Journal

Publishers Weekly

The fiery redheaded star of Stella, Star of the Sea and Stella, Queen of the Snow, returns to lead her little brother Sam on an adventurous romp through the woods in Stella, Fairy of the Forest by Marie-Louise Gay. Turns out, he's not as timid as he seems. (Mar.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

Stella, a spirited redhead, and her younger brother, Sam, go on a brief trip into the woods to look for fairies. On their way they see many creatures—sheep, turtles and rabbits—but they make even more engaging discoveries about each other as they exchange perspectives about all they encounter. At first Sam asks Stella for her views in order to make sense of everything he sees but then adds opinions of his own. Although his more assertive older sister takes the lead, Sam often gets the last word. The playful illustrations, teeming with animals and insects, compliment the lively interchange between Stella and Sam. The pictures seem to be drawn with a light hand to give the characters and their surroundings a sense of whimsy suitable for a youthful foray into the forest. The constant activity of the children depicted in the images conveys the roving and inquisitive character of the story. Mary-Louise Gay's illustrations and narrative combine to make an engaging read. 2002, Groundwood Books/Douglas and McIntyre, $15.95. Ages 6 mo. to 4. Reviewer: Rihoko Ueno AGES: 0 1 2 3 4

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-Once again, irrepressible Stella guides her timid and trusting younger brother on a journey through the natural world. While her quick imagination results in immediate joy in her surroundings, Sam's careful questioning and simple reluctance lead him slowly to join in his sister's appreciation of forest magic. Stella always has the answer in natural sibling chatter as little brother tries mightily to keep up with her and understand her unique explanations. Sam asks, "Do butterflies eat butter?" With Stella's reply that "Yellow butterflies do," Sam simply concludes "blue butterflies eat pieces of sky." The author's flowing pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork offers rich interpretation of the children's journey and provides a variety of perspectives and details. The book perfectly depicts the independence and innocence of its characters, and the fluidity of the art matches the young heroine's joie de vivre. Expressions achieved with minimal pen strokes give personality to even the tiniest forest creatures, but readers' eyes are always drawn to the free-spirited Stella and her flowing red hair. A visual treasure for reading aloud.-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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