Marie-Louise Gay

   Born in Quebec City, Marie-Louise Gay studied graphic design at L’institut des arts graphiques in Montreal, animation at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts School and, later on, illustration at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. She has worked as an editorial illustrator, an art director and a production manager for a children’s book publisher. Marie-Louise has written three puppet plays for which she created the sets, puppets and costumes. She has also designed clothes for children and created sets for an animated film at the National Film Board.

   But for the last twenty-five years, Marie-Louise Gay has been writing and illustrating books for children. Although she didn’t begin drawing until she was sixteen, she is now one of Canada’s leading illustrators. She has taught illustration at the Université du Québec à Montréal, and she continues to do readings and give workshops and talks in schools and libraries and at conferences across Canada, Europe, Mexico and the United States. She has won numerous awards for her work, including two Governor General Awards, and has been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award as well as the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

   Marie-Louise Gay has written and/or illustrated over sixty books for children, including board books, picture books and chapter books. Stella, Star of the Sea, the first book in Marie-Louise Gay’s wildly popular Stella series, was published ten years ago. She has since written and illustrated three more Stella books and three books about Sam. They have been translated into fifteen languages, have received rave reviews and are loved by children all over the world. Her new book, When Stella Was Very, Very Small is her most endearing yet.

   Marie-Louise lives with her family in Montreal, Quebec.

   Groundwood Books are available at bookstores and through all major wholesalers.

Contributor: Groundwood Books

Reviews

The 3 Little Pigs
Marie-Louise Gay
   This is a delightful, traditional retelling of the Three Little Pigs. The story works well for parents and teachers wanting an unadulterated version of the tale suitably written for children 4-8 years old. All the delightful “huffing and puffing” is included in the story, making it a great read-along experience. In the story, the three little pigs are sent out to make their way in the world. The first pig builds his house of straw. The big bad wolf blows it down and eats the pig. The second pig builds his house of wood. Again the wolf blows it down and eats the pig. The third pig builds his house of bricks. When the wolf fails to blow it down, he tries to trick the pig into leaving the house, first going to a turnip field to pick some turnips, then to “Merry Garden” to pick apples and finally by going to the town fair. The pig outsmarts the wolf in all three instances. Finally the wolf is so angered that he tries to climb down the pig’s chimney. The pig puts a kettle of water on to boil over the fire, and the wolf ends up as the pig’s supper. While the tale is familiar and there are many good versions of this story on the market, the colourful pen and ink illustrations by Marie-Louise Gay engage the reader, both in understanding what is happening as well as predicting what will happen next. A wonderful example of this is the illustration of the second pig building his house. Nails are falling out of his tool sack as he climbs a wobbly ladder up the side of his very crooked house. All the illustrations show energy with leaves floating, pigs running and the scraggy wolf puckering up his lips and letting loose with his huffs and puffs. Even pre-readers will enjoy telling this story. Highly Recommended. Rating: **** /4. Preschool-grade 3. 2004 (orig. 1994), Groundwood, 32 pp., pbk., $6.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara Taylor (CM Magazine, March 18, 2005 (Vol. XI, No. 14)).
ISBN: 0888992114
ISBN: 088899639X
ISBN: 9780888992116
ISBN: 9780888996398

Caramba!
Marie-Louise Gay
   Caramba may look like other cats but Caramba is different. Unlike other cats in the world, Caramba cannot fly. It is not that he has not tried. He has tried and failed, falling off a rock and then a chair in practice. He is teased by other cats until two cousins, Bijou and Bug, lift him into the air and show him how wonderful the world is from the air. When they let him go, over the ocean, they think he can fly. But Caramba lands in the ocean “like a stone.” The unexpected fall into the ocean, though, shows Caramba what he can do--swim as if he were flying. When the other cats say cats can’t swim, he replies “Well, I can.” Droll illustrations in watercolor, blending imagination and realism, are delightful in this encouraging but predictable tale of the individual who marches to the beat of a different drummer. The award-winning author/illustrator of the well-known Good Morning, Sam and Good Night, Sam has also been nominated for the Hans Christian Anderson Award. 2005, Groundwood, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 0888996675
ISBN: 9780888996671

The Christmas Orange
Don Gillmor
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
   The Christmas Orange is a story about a boy named Anton Stingley. Anton’s birthday fall on December 25th and her feels that he deserves double the amount of presents because of this. He goes to visit Santa Claus with a list sixteen pages long. On Christmas morning there is only one thing under his tree--an orange. Anton decides to sue Santa Claus and takes him to court. But Santa Claus--alias Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Pere Noel--had a surprise up the sleeve of his old, blue suit. There are large bright colourful illustrations by Marie-Louise Gay on each page. This is a long picture book but it does hold your attention. There are many ways to use this book across the curriculum--find the origins of Santa Claus’s different names; hold a court session in your classroom. Learn the vocabulary of a trial, such as lawyer, judge, court, trial, client, Your Honor, sue, broken promise, adjourned, guilty, innocent, witness box, breach of promise, protest and reporters; compare this trial to a real life trial; hold a debate about whether or not Anton should have received all of his presents; talk about what it is like to be greedy--need versus want; talk about different charities; make a collage of all the different toys he asked for; categorize the toys--outside, inside, loud, quiet, small, large, etc.; make a gift for someone you know. There are also many opportunities for Creative Writing such as: If you could have anything you wanted what would it be? Do you think court hearings should be broadcast on television. Why or why not? What is the most interesting gift you ever received? Have you ever done a kind act that no one knew about? How did it make you feel? Did you ever make a gift for someone instead of buying one? How did it make you feel? Thematic links include: Christmas; Court; Toys; Charity Work. Resource Links Rating: E (Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!), Grade 1-6. 1998, Stoddart Kids, Hdbk, $18.95. Ages 6 to 11. Reviewer: Sandra Shin (Resource Links, December 1998 (Vol. 4, No. 2)).
ISBN: 0773731008
ISBN: 9780773731004

Didi and Daddy on the Promenade
Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
   The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a well-known walkway in New York that overlooks the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and Brooklyn Bridge and offers a wonderful view of the Manhattan skyline. This delightful picture book describes the adventures of one very active toddler named Didi and her father as they jump, twirl and gallop through this unique esplanade. Throughout their wild romp, they experience all kinds of interesting things--they see trucks and boats, they meet dogs of all shapes and sizes, they listen and dance to the sounds of local musicians and they spend time with friends in the playground. Unfortunately, their visit to the Promenade is cut short by unexpected stormy weather, so the giggling pair decides to run through the rain and splash through the puddles, laughing all the way home. Expressive watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the excitement of this amazing experience and enhance the lively text. This charming book offers a great introduction to city life and takes a close-up look at the special relationship between fathers and daughters. It’s a wonderful feel-good book for busy kids and their parents. 2001, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 4 to 7, $14.00. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Our Choice, 2002; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Canada

ISBN: 0618046402
ISBN: 9780618046409

Dreams Are More Real Than Bathtubs
Susan Musgrave
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
   The little girl is pretty wild and independent. She does not want to go to sleep because she has bad dreams. One such bad dream involves a hot dog eating her head off. Another bad dream was about her mom being a witch. Sometimes her mom lets her leave her lamp on if she is afraid of the dark. Life gets even more complicated when she starts first grade and gets bullied. At lunchtime she meets a friend, and all is well again. Very whimsical illustrations add to the silliness of this story about real fears. 1998, Orca Book Publishers, Ages 2 to 6, $17.95. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children’s Literature).

• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada, 1999 Second Prize Canada

ISBN: 1551431076
ISBN: 9781551431079

The Fabulous Song
Don Gillmor
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
   A fabulously irreverent spoof on parents who do their best to mold their baby into a musical genius and are thwarted at every turn--until the last one. Named for the great pianist/composer Frederic Chopin, Baby Pipkin looks “like a turnip left too long on the windowsill” and successfully massacres lessons on the piano, clarinet, oboe, violin and a succession of other instruments. His only talent seems to be making them sound like “two cats fighting” or “a frog trying to spit” or “an argument between four snakes.” His one happy experience with music is watching the conductor of the youth orchestra as his sister plays her piano solo. The wonderful magic of making others make music materializes at the next family gathering when Frederic, to quiet the chaos of each musical member trying to play his own favorite song simultaneously, grabs a wooden spoon and brings order and beauty as an extemporaneous, fabulous song emerges from the startled family members. A rollicking story sure to be a favorite with any child taking music lessons. 1998 (orig. 1996), Kane/Miller Book Publishers, Ages 3 to 8, $12.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak (Children’s Literature).

• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Mr. Christie’s Book Awards, 1996 Winner Canada
  • Governor General’s Literary Awards, 1996 Finalist Children’s Literature (Illustration) Canada

ISBN: 0916291804
ISBN: 9780916291808

Good Morning Sam
Marie-Louise Gay
   Sam is getting up and has decided that he is old enough to get dressed by himself. Luckily for him he has the most understanding of sisters because he encounters some unforeseen problems. First his head seems to have grown in the night when he tries to take off his pajama top. Stella helps him pull it off. Then someone turns off the lights when he tries to put on his sweater. Stella helps him pull his sweater over his eyes so he can see again. Back and forth the two children carry on a conversation as Sam attempts this mammoth task. “Did you look in the closet?” asked Stella. /”Help!” cried Sam. “I can’t get out.” Who would have thought getting dressed could be so complicated. There are so many things to remember, so many items of clothing to put on. With great sensitivity and gentle humor Marie-Louise Gay portrays the loving relationship between a brother and sister, the elder helping the younger and yet, at the end of it all, the younger having the last laugh. With detailed and soft, multimedia, watercolor illustrations and great understanding of childhood, Marie-Louise Gay has created yet another charming Stella and Sam book, which will delight devotees of her previous three books. Readers may want to look for her other Sam and Stella books: Stella Fairy of the Forest, Stella: Queen of the Snow and Stella: Star of the Sea. 2003, Groundwood, Ages 3 to 5, $14.95. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Our Choice, 2004; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Starred Selection; Canada

ISBN: 0888995288
ISBN: 9780888995285

Good Night Sam
Marie-Louise Gay
   It is night-time and a soft bluish light suffuses the room. Sam is having trouble going to sleep and he asks his sister “are you sleeping?” In her typical big sister sort of way Stella answers “Yes,” and then “aren’t you?” Thus begins another of Marie-Louise Gay’s wonderful books, filled with delightful tongue-in-cheek humor. Sam cannot sleep because Fred is not there to sleep with him. He and the reluctant Stella discuss all the possible places where Fred could be and where Sam could find him. There is a problem, however. Sam informs Stella that Fred would never go to any of the places she suggests because they would scare him. It is quite obvious that these are places that make Sam afraid and not in fact, the illusive Fred. In the beautiful soft colors of a moonlit night, Gay’s watercolor and pencil illustrations create the perfect backdrop for Sam and Stella’s search for Fred. There is no doubt that this wonderful author and illustrator understands how children think, sympathizing with their fears and at the same time seeing the humor in their ways. If one looks carefully at the pictures, one soon realizes that Fred may not be that far away after all. 2003, Groundwood, Ages 4 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Capitol Choices, 2004; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
  • Children’s Literature Choice List, 2004; Children’s Literature; United States
  • Our Choice, 2004; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Starred Selection; Canada
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2003; Cahners; United States
• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award, 2004 Shortlist Picture Book Canada

ISBN: 9780888995308
ISBN: 088899530X

Houndsley and Catina
James Howe
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
   Another book with a surprising but satisfying ending is Houndsley and Catina. Shy Houndsley’s brash best friend, Catina, declares her life’s ambition: to be a famous writer. But as Houndsley well knows, after plowing through seventy-four chapters, Catina’s writing borders on boring. How can he tell her? Meanwhile, Houndsley, who loves to create amazing meals for his friends, enters a cooking contest--only to get so nervous that he fails miserably. In the third and last chapter of this early reader, the friends discuss their hopes, fears and experiences, as friends do. The pup concludes that he enjoys cooking but doesn’t have to be best or famous, and the kitty acknowledges that she does not enjoy writing and should focus on an activity she likes. Both are quick to recognize a special talent in the other, though: the talent for friendship. The conclusion? Being friends is much better than being famous. Author James Howe, best known for Bunnicula, gives beginning readers an animal tale both funny and wise--and certainly much better written than Catina’s slip-sloppy samples. Illustrator Marie-Louise Gay’s whimsical pictures capture the personalities of both protagonists. 2006, Candlewick, Ages 4 to 8, $14.99. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Best Children’s Books, 2006; Kirkus; United States
  • Capitol Choices, 2007; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
  • Children’s Book Sense Picks, Summer 2007; American Booksellers Association; United States
  • Children’s Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Notable Children’s Books, 2007; ALSC American Library Association; United States
• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • E.B. White Read Aloud Book Award, 2007 Winner Picture Book United States
  • State and Provincial Reading Lists:
  • Beehive Award, 2009; Nominee; Children’s Fiction Books; Utah
  • Prairie Bud Award, 2008-2009; Nominee; Grades K-3; South Dakota

ISBN: 0763624047
ISBN: 9780763624040

On My Island
Marie-Louise Gay
   It is extremely difficult to capture the abstract in a picture book for young children, but this author-illustrator has done a masterful job. Although young children may not grasp the concept at first reading, they will be captivated by the quirky illustrations as well as by the idea of a boy living alone on an island with a wolf, two cats, three ants and a swooping bat. The island is his mind and he suffers from a self-imposed ennui. As amazing acts take place around him, the boy still insists, “On my island, nothing ever happens.” This is an exceptional story to read aloud to children and then discuss with them. They will be taken in by it and perhaps come to understand the deeper meaning, which speaks to people of all ages. Boredom is often a state of mind and, at times, is a lack of appreciation for the everyday magic occurring in our lives--magic we have come to take for granted. 2000 (orig. 1999), Groundwood, Ages 4 to 8, 16.95. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 088899396X
ISBN: 9780888993960

On the Road Again!: More Travels with My Family
Marie-Louise Gay and David Homel
   Told from a child’s point of view and in the first person by Max’s big brother, Charlie, On the Road Again! tells the story of his family’s year long sojourn in Celeriac, a small village in southern France. While Charlie and his little brother Max are, at first, reluctant to leave Canada (“the trip was going to be like Asterix, but without the jokes. Or like a year-long history class without recess”), the boys quickly adapt to life in the tiny village. They make friends with the local children, are eager participants in the Nativity pageant at Midnight Mass and play on the soccer team. Each short chapter is a charming snapshot of the everyday life and characters in rural France. Picture the fat dog Linda who sleeps in the middle as the street and acts as a living speed bump or Roger-Roger who makes it his daily job to direct the almost non-existent traffic. Some of the experiences the family encounters during their year include a version of the running of the bulls, an annual flood from the mountain streams, mushroom hunting and the spring migration of sheep. While a comic thread runs through the novel, many facts about culture and geography are peppered profusely in the narrative that both parents and young readers will find amusing and edifying. On the Road Again! is a delightful follow up to Travels with My Family (2006) by the husband and wife team of Marie-Louise Gay and David Homel. Marie-Louise Gay is best known for her “Stella and Sam” series of picture books. Homel is an award-winning screenwriter, novelist and translator. The collaboration features black and white illustrations in Gay’s inimitable style. Move over Peter Mayle. This is A Year in Provence for the junior armchair traveler. Recommended. Rating: *** /4. Grades 2-5. 2008, Groundwood, 141 pp., hardcover, $15.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Jane Bridle (CM Magazine, May 2, 2008 (Vol. XIV, No. 18)).

• Best Books:
  • Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2009; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Canada

ISBN: 9780888998460
ISBN: 0888998465

Please, Louise
Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
   Brothers do not always appreciate little sisters, but Jake seems to have good reason to be irritated with his little sister Louise. Louise never leaves Jake alone; no matter whether he is studying, working on his stamp collection, or trying to read, Louise is always there dancing, singing, and making a mess of his room. No logic appeals to Louise. Jake threatens to run away and change his looks (reminiscent of Runaway Bunny) but none of this has any impact on the energetic and stubborn Louise. Finally, Jake pleads with her to be quiet so that he can read a book under the tree in the yard. Louise promises to be quiet, but when she is too quiet, Jake realizes that she has disappeared. When a little dog suddenly appears, Jake is worried that he has somehow wished his sister into a puppy. When he makes another wish for her not to be a dog, he opens his eyes to find Louise skateboarding by with their new neighbor Billy. It is finally Louise’s turn to tell Jake to “Go Away!” Jake does, but only after the two part with a more cordial “See you later!” The illustrations of Jake and Louise in particular effectively highlight their individual personalities and provide a soft pastel palate within which to consider brother-sister relations. This would be a nice book to give to an older brother with younger siblings as a subtle reminder that no matter how irritating they are, we really do not want to be without our brothers and sisters. This is a charming addition to any elementary library. 2007, Groundwood, Ages 4 to 8, $17.95. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2008; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Starred Selection; Canada
  • First and Best, 2007; Toronto Public Library; Canada
• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, 2008 Winner Canada
  • TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, 2008 Finalist Canada
  • State and Provincial Reading Lists:
  • Blue Spruce Award, 2008; Nominee; Grades K-3; Ontario, Canada
  • Shining Willow Award, 2008; Nominee; Young Reader; Saskatchewan

ISBN: 9780888997968
ISBN: 0888997965

Rumpelstiltskin
Mary-Louise Gay
   This is the familiar Brothers Grimm story of the young girl who, because of a boastful father, finds herself imprisoned by a greedy king and threatened with death unless she can achieve what her father claims she can do. When she is thrice “rescued” by a little man who will spin her straw into gold, she must each time give him something, his ultimate demand being “the first child you have after you are queen.” A year later, as queen, the girl must honour that agreement if she is unable to discover the little man’s name. Readers who know Gay’s previous work will immediately recognize her familiar cartoon-like illustration style though this time the illustrations do not appear to be as “busy” nor do they seem to include as many “extra” details as has been the case in some of her earlier titles. Using graphite and coloured pencils on vellum, Gay maintains her horizontal format with most of each illustration staying within a rectangle, but with parts overflowing, sometimes on to the facing page. Given the grimness of the original tale, Gay’s text and illustrations soften the story for the intended audience. For example, the little man is comical, almost jester-like, in appearance, and it is only the cobwebs in his hat, plus the creatures trailing behind him, that hint of his true sinister nature. With no text, the final illustration of the queen playfully tossing her smiling child into the air, brings the story to a warm conclusion. This version of Rumpelstiltskin is a most worthy addition to the picture book/traditional tale section of libraries serving early years students. Rumpelstiltskin has been nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award in the Children’s Literature - Illustration category. Highly recommended. Rating: **** /4. Preschool - grade 2. 1997, Groundwood, 32pp., hardcover, $15.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Dave Jenkinson (CM Magazine, November 28, 1997 (Vol. IV, No. 7)).

• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Governor General’s Literary Awards, 1997 Finalist Children’s Literature (Illustration) Canada

ISBN: 0888992793
ISBN: 9780888992796

Stella: Fairy of the Forest
Marie-Louise Gay
   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, Ages 6 mo to 4, $15.95. Reviewer: Rihoko Ueno (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Great Books for Children, 2003; Canadian Toy Testing Council; Canada
  • Our Choice, 2003; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Canada
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, June 2002; Cahners; United States
  • School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Governor General’s Literary Awards, 2002 Finalist Children’s Literature (Illustration) Canada
  • Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award, 2003 Short List Picture Books Canada
• State and Provincial Reading Lists:
  • Blue Spruce Award, 2003; Nominee; Ontario, Canada

ISBN: 9780888994486
ISBN: 0888994486

Stella: Princess of the Sky
Marie-Louise Gay
   Sam wonders about everything--from the color of the sky to whether or not the moon swims or fireflies burn. Fortunately, his big sister Stella is there to give him all the answers. In this whimsical and gently illustrated story, Sam and Stella explore the night sky, with Sam asking all the questions so his big sister can answer. Visited by bats, raccoons, owls, and fireflies, the tale inspires a sense of wonder in the beauty of the stars and in the nocturnal creatures around us. Gay’s watercolor illustrations are charming, filled with soft colors and unexpected details, such as several adorable little bunnies that lurk on many of the pages. The pictures’ details flow out of the frames, drawing the reader into the story. This book seems ideally suited for bedtime reading given its night-time theme, but it could also be great for classroom use, particularly as a way of addressing childish fears such as burning fireflies and scary bats. Either way, this amusing story’s poetic language is clearly designed to be read-aloud. 2004, Groundwood, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Our Choice, 2005; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Canada
• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Medal, 2005 Shortlist Canada
  • Governor General’s Literary Awards, 2004 Finalist Children’s Literature Illustration English Canada
  • Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, 2005 Finalist Picture Book Canada
• State and Provincial Reading Lists:
  • Blue Spruce Award, 2006; Nominee; Grades K-3; Ontario, Canada
  • Shining Willow Award, 2005; Nominee; Saskatchewan, Canada

ISBN: 9780888996015
ISBN: 0888996012

Stella: Queen of the Snow
Marie-Louise Gay
   Stella’s little brother Sam has never seen snow. Going out together into a snowfall, they make a giant snowman, go skating, and build a fort. Stella does, that is. Sam is too busy asking zillions of questions. Where do snowmen sleep, where does snow go in the summer, and how many snowflakes are there in a snowball? These are pretty smart questions! But there is an underlying feeling that little Sam is kind of anxious. While there are so many ways to have fun in the snow, the first time out in it can be overwhelming for small children, and this book mirrors both the glee and the enormity of it all with sensitivity. Apparently Stella’s answers calm him down. At the end of the day, Sam assures his sister that he can hear the snow angels sing, bringing the book to a satisfying close. The author’s illustrations are simple and colorful, and the text has a pleasing cadence, making it a good read-aloud. It is easy to understand why this Canadian author is so popular. 2000, Groundwood, Ages 2 to 5, $15.95. Reviewer: Nancy Partridge (Children’s Literature).

• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, 2001 Winner Canada
  • Tiny TORGI Award, 2001 Winner Print Braille Canada

ISBN: 0888994044
ISBN: 9780888994042

Stella: Star of the Sea
Marie-Louise Gay
   Stella and her little brother Sam are spending a day at the beach. She cavorts in the water and urges her brother to join in. He is full of trepidation and asks a score of questions. Is the water cold? Do sea horses neigh? Stella provides answers, although they are rarely accurate. It does not seem to matter. Finally reassured Sam joins his big sister and together they splash and play in the water. The interesting illustrations are primarily watercolor and they transport readers to the beach and perfectly depict the brash Stella and the cautious Sam. 1999, Groundwood, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
  • Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1999; Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books; United States
• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor List, 2000 Honour Book Translation International
  • Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award, 2000 Winner Picture Book Canada

ISBN: 9780888993373
ISBN: 0888993374

Travels with My Family
David Homel
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
   The award-winning author and illustrator of the Stella and Sam picture books, Marie-Louise Gay, has once again been inspired by her two sons. This book is a collection of travel stories, written with her partner, author David Homel. In Travels, a big brother tells of his vacations with his little brother, his artist mother, and his bumbling father. Mom and Dad choose eccentric, faraway destinations, away from tourist traps and close to adventure. They travel from Maine to Florida to California to British Columbia and many other destinations in between. The family escapes storms, alligators, and fireworks just in the nick of time, with our narrator saving the day again and again. Gay’s black-and-white illustrations live up to her reputation for sketchy, whimsical designs. The stories are filled with lively prose, a hint of danger, and silly, imaginative adventures. The descriptions of the obscure vacation destinations might even encourage curious readers to research a bit and find out what these places are really like. In the classroom a teacher might make a fun assignment out of doing just that. 2006, Groundwood, Ages 6 to 9, $15.95. Reviewer: Ilene S. Goldman (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780888996886
ISBN: 0888996888

What Are You Doing, Sam?
Marie-Louise Gay
   In yet another charming book about siblings Stella and Sam, it is the younger Sam and his dog Fred who have the starring roles. As always, Stella provides him with audaciously inventive answers to his inquisitive questions along with unqualified sisterly love. In this story, Sam is less dependent on Stella for guidance as he quietly romps with Fred around the house on a rainy day. Stella’s role as stand-in parent is more pronounced here as she keeps tabs on Sam and repeatedly finds him resourcefully engaged and in control. He firmly rejects any offers of assistance. For instance, he chooses not to have Stella read to him but instead attempts to teach Fred to read, and he asserts he doesn’t need Stella’s help to make peanut butter and banana pancakes because Fred is helping him. That this “help” takes the form of Fred’s being on the kitchen counter with his snout in the mixing bowl will amuse little readers. Gay’s inimitable style of watercolour washes over whimsical drawings creates just the right tone to appeal to young children. Her uncluttered illustrations depict rooms with a messy, lived-in appearance, and she includes small details that enhance the pictures without overwhelming them. Her story is just as kid-friendly, as most children would love to have Sam’s unfettered freedom to explore and create. The chaos he leaves behind is any parent’s nightmare but, of course, Stella is as blissfully unaware of the mess as he is, and she is serenely supportive of his new-found independence. I turned the final page without realizing the story was finished as the question and answer format ends a little abruptly, but that quibble aside, this a comical celebration of imaginative play. Recommended both for fans and those new to the Stella and Sam stories. Highly Recommended. Rating: *** ½ /4. Preschool-grade 3. 2006, Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 32 pp., cloth, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Alison Mews (CM Magazine, September 1, 2006 (Vol. XIII, No. 1)).

• Best Books:
  • Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2007; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Our Choice, 2007; Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Starred Selection; Canada
• Awards, Honors, Prizes:
  • Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Medal, 2007 Shortlist Canada

ISBN: 9780888997340
ISBN: 0888997345

When Stella Was Very, Very Small
Marie-Louise Gay
   Stella reminisces about the days when she was very, very young and small. When she was a baby, she thought that she was a turtle and a goldfish. Stella recalls some of the things that she could and could not do. Her memories glide across how she could not tie her shoelaces although she could hear the stories told by the trees. Stella could not open the doors but she found wondrous adventures in her imaginary world in the setting of her backyard. Readers are drawn into Stella’s perspective of being small. The illustrations capture the moments and prepare for the turning point where we find Stella is a little older but able to do much more on her own. For instance, words on a page no longer look like crawling ants. She continues to explore her world yet at a new level. The readers are introduced to Sam, her little brother, with whom she shares her love of exploration. This book is one of the creative adventures of Stella. 2009, Groundwood, Ages 3 to 7, $16.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children’s Literature).

• Best Books:
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 2009; Cahners; United States

ISBN: 9780888999061
ISBN: 0888999062

Updated 09/28/09

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