Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Stella Star of the Sea
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 and up
Groundwood (Canada), 1999 ISBN: 978-0888993373
Stella and her little brother Sam are at the seaside and this is Sam's first experience of all that sky, the water, the sand, and the creatures. Naturally the little boy is a little overwhelmed. Not surprisingly he has a lot of questions to ask his sister. Stella, being a bright and imaginative little girl always has an answer for Sam's questions, the kind of answer one would expect from a little girl, and the kind of answer that makes grown-ups smile. When Sam asks "Where do starfish come from?" Stella very rightly explains that "Starfish are shooting stars that fell in love with sea." Sam never seems to run out of questions and Stella, being a good sort, keeps on coming up with answers, and she keeps on asking if Sam will join her in the water. At long last, the timid little boy makes a dash for it and we get to see Stella and Sam floating serenely on their backs in the glorious greeny-blue water.
"Stella, Star of the Sea" is another of Marie-Louise Gay's wonderful Stella books, with illustrations that capture the mood of the seaside and with a gentle humor that readers of all ages can enjoy.
