STELLA & MARIGOLD
Book 1
By: Annie Barrows
Illustrated by: Sophie Blackall
Published: October 1, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction/Chapter Book
Annie Barrows co-authored one of my all-time favorite books, THE GUERNSEY & LITERARY POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. She is also well-known and loved for the children’s chapter book series, IVY & BEAN which she collaborated with illustrator Sophie Blackall. Now the two are back together in a new expected series, STELLA & MARIGOLD, about two sisters, 7-year-old Stella and 4-year-old Marigold.
The story begins with Stella’s parents heading off to the hospital. When they arrive back home, they have a new sister for Stella to love. Stella is so excited to have a baby sister and whispers in her ear:
“I’m Stella. I’m your sister. I’m going to tell you all the secret things I know. I would never tell them to anyone else, but I’ll tell them to you. Forever and ever.”
Stella and Marigold live in what Stella calls a half-house. She believes they are lucky because they live in the bottom half since it only takes six steps to get outside. Marigold disagrees. She wishes they lived in the top half because it would be easier to climb out a window onto the roof and see the moon.
Even though Stella and Marigold disagree on some things, they don’t disagree on their imaginations. Throughout the book, kids will find Stella and Marigold playing and having all kinds of fun acting out the story they are reading with their mom at bedtime or taking a trip to Japan. Kids interested in adding longer books to their reading will find this chapter book a welcome transition. Illustrations are included on every page spread to keep newer chapter book readers engaged.
I love to see the joy between the two sisters and their wild and varied imaginative play intermixed with real life. Stella is a kind and loving older sister while Marigold is silly and playful. I think kids will love this first book in an upcoming new series.
Annie Barrows is a bestselling author of many books for both children and adults. She lives in Northern California. Check out her website, HERE.
Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator whose books are beloved around the world. She lives in New York. Check out her website, HERE.
To purchase a copy of STELLA & MARIGOLD, click HERE.
Other books by Annie Barrows:
More chapter books for kids:
Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Check out my review policy, HERE.
Posted Under Annie Barrows, Book Review, chapter books, Children's books, fiction, imagination, series, sisters, Sophie Blackall