• Age: 2 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 2 to 5

Another adventure begins in this book in the Stella and Sam series as the pair explores the wonders of the natural world. A vast luminous sky, the sun, the stars and the rising moon form the backdrop for their nocturnal expedition. As they encounter raccoons, fireflies, tree frogs and bats, Sam wonders if the moon can swim, if the sun wears pajamas or if he can catch shooting stars with his butterfly net. Stella, as always, has an answer for every question.

Marie-Louise Gay's whimsical prose and enchanting illustrations capture the joys of young children making their first discoveries of the world around them.

MARIE-LOUISE GAY has achieved international acclaim as an author and illustrator of children’s books. She has won many awards, including two Governor General’s awards, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award, the Vicky Metcalf Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. She has also been nominated for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Marie-Louise’s very popular Stella and Sam series has been translated into more than fifteen languages and is loved by children all over the world. Her recent books include Any Questions? and Short Stories for Little Monsters. She lives in Montreal. marielouisegay.com

Marie-Louise Gay's profile page

• Long-listed, OLA Blue Spruce Award
• Winner, Alvine-Bélisle Award
• Commended, CCBC Our Choice
• Commended, CLA Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award (Honor Book)
• Short-listed, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award
• Long-listed, SYRCA Shining Willow Award
• Short-listed, Governor General's Literary Awards: Illustration

Stella, Princess of the Sky is exactly what a picture book should be - a perfect blend of picture and text that will have both parent and child entranced.

Today's Parent

...the whimsical illustrations are gorgeously animated and colourful, and Stella and Sam's charming stream-of-consciousness chat strikes a buoyant note...Pure delight.

Quill and Quire

Detailed illustrations capture the blues and grays of dusk and night, while the children are portrayed in brighter colors.

Book Links

This is a quiet star of a story that works well either as a group read-aloud or as a bedtime treasure to share one-on-one.

School Library Journal

Gay has once again perfectly captured the distinct wonder of childhood...

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Marie-Louise Gay's watercolor illustrations are accomplished, visually soothing, and convey the endearing ethereality of small children.

Books in Canada

Just like her text, Gay's illustrations are fun as well as poignant.

Resource Links