Stella & Marigold

by Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall (illustrator)

From the creators of the New York Times–bestselling Ivy + Bean comes a fun and funny new series about two small sisters with very big imaginations.Generations of readers have fallen in love with Ivy + Bean, which has sold over 8 million copies and been adapted into a popular Netflix Original Film series. Now, bestselling author Annie Barrows and illustrator Sophie Blackall are back with the first book in a bright new series about a pair of sisters named Stella and Marigold.Stella, who’s seven, is kind, a good storyteller, and ponders big questions like, what do animals think of people? Marigold, at four, tells imaginative stories (her mother calls them “fibs”) and likes to wear her favorite Halloween costume year-round. Stella and Marigold do all the regular things—like going to school, playing, getting sick sometimes, and visiting the zoo—but even the most regular things have a secret side.Sure to delight fans of Ivy and Bean, these adventure tales—animated with full-color illustrations of the sisters’ encounters with magical bathrooms, snow monkeys, dream lions, howling wolves, a lost Vice President, and much more—are filled with vibrant characters, creative storytelling, and a whole lot of laughs.BELOVED CHILDREN’S BOOK Annie Barrows is the author of numerous award-winning and New York Times–bestselling books for children and adults, including The Magic Half, The Best of Iggy Series, and The Truth According to Us. Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator of over 50 books for children, including the 2016 Caldecott Medal winner Finding Winnie and the 2019 Caldecott Medal winner Hello Lighthouse, which she also wrote.CLASSIC / CONTEMPORARY  No one creates universal yet unique characters the way Annie and Sophie do. Their distinctive combination of stories and art centered on family connection, empathy, and understanding appeal to adults, who find them lovely, and kids, who find them relatable (and laugh-out-loud funny!).GREAT FOR NEWLY INDEPENDENT With lots of adventure, a dynamic relationship that captures an enormous range of emotions, and colorful pictures that bring the text to life, this series is perfect for emerging readers.STRONG SIBLING The warm, loving relationship between Stella and Marigold is at the heart of this book. Parents looking for a positive depiction of the ups and downs of sisterhood will love this series.Perfect Independent readers age 6-9 Parents, teachers, and librarians seeking entertaining elementary school chapter books Gift-givers looking for an early readers series for kids who enjoy stories full of humor and heart Readers who love such bestselling book series as Ivy + Bean, Junie B. Jones, Beezus and Ramona, Dory Fantasmagory, and Princess in Black

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Chapter Books, Family, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Humor

108 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Annie grew up in Northern California, and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, with a degree in Medieval History. Unable to find a job in the middle ages, she decided upon a career as an editor, eventually landing at Chronicle Books in San Francisco, where she was in charge of "all the books that nobody in their right mind would publish." After earning an M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Mills College, Annie wrote (as Ann Fiery) a number of books for grown-ups about such diverse subjects as fortune-telling (she can read palms!), urban legends (there are no alligators in the sewer!), and opera (she knows what they're singing about!). In 2003, Annie grew weary of grown-ups, and began to write for kids, which she found to be way more fun.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Stella & Marigold, by Annie Barrows, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Stella & Marigold are close as to little sisters can be, they have the most amazing adventures in real time and their imagination. A really good read, I loved the illustrations.

[Leslie Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this story for my four year old, but honestly I feel like I loved it just as much! Stella and Marigold took me back to being a big sister and having wild adventures with my younger sisters! I loved how close they are and how they showed their love, and what it is like being a big and little sister all through the story! Super Cute!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chapter book about two sisters and their sweet friendship, Stella and Marigold is a new offering from the Ivy and Bean team. In Quick chapters about each sister, this story boasts large vocabulary for a beginning reader and trademark Blackall illustrations of rounded-faced and cheeky children. Each vignette is simple and tells a story only a child would find important and relevant, and it feels like the book is written with a child’s perspective in mind. It is sweet and quirky and I love that Marigold is a bit of a pill sometimes, but something about the dialogue and storytelling feels distant. I feel like, because of who this book is written and illustrated by, I’m almost required to like it when in reality, it left me feeling rather meh. I think this book will do well, I think teachers and librarians will like it and recommend it, but something tells me it won’t have the success of Ivy and Bean. I could be absolutely wrong! I hope children embrace it the way the did Ivy and Bean, as it would be a lovely bridge book between early readers and novels or just to be read to by family members in short installments.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella & Marigold is a sweet children’s chapter book about two sisters, written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. This is my first book by this author, but the cover and title really stood out to me, and I am glad that I read it! This book tells stories of the different adventures these sisters have, and how they help each other. It kind of reminded me of the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary,
I enjoyed the different adventures these sisters had, and the ways they cared for each other. I think this would be a great book for sisters their ages to read together. Thank you to NetGalley, and to the author, illustrator, and publisher of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable! :-) Perfectly readability for 8-9 year olds, with lots of enjoyment for 6-7 year olds as a read aloud, too. :-)

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

An early chapter book that is exactly what it should be for the particular audience age for which it was written. Having extensively played in a similar fashion, although as a loner, I particularly enjoyed the imaginative play between the sisters.

[Jeanine Federline · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A very sweet story. A loved it!

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait to share this sweet series with my library patrons! I’m such a fan of this author/illustrator duo, and this new series does not disappoint. Stella and Marigold are charming, imaginative, and funny. Children and the adults who read with them will love their adventures. Thank you to the publisher for the advanced review copy.

[DaNae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters, Stella is 7 and Marigold 4. If I remember correctly. Both personalities shine out, but it is the dynamic between them that is endearing. This may rise a star when I see the print version. Blackall’s illustration can’t help but elevate. I found the narration on the audio annoying and it took some of my enjoyment away.

I raised it to 5 stars after reading the book myself. Two very authentic young voices with excellent imaginative skills.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable nostalgic-feeling sibling story full of love and imagination.

Big sister Stella promises to take care of and share everything (even secrets) with her newborn sister, and four years later, their love for each other is evident.

With a feel of books from half a century ago, no obvious contemporary references to technology (though a female Vice President features at one point), this could be set at almost any time in the recent past. Each chapter gives us a sweet episode in the girl's lives - a sick day in which one sister makes herself sick to join the other, a trip to the zoo where little Marigold gets lost, telling lies, dealing with the jealousies over a new girl at school.

It's all very realistic and the language of children seems so spot-on, with their imaginings and delight in things like colourful tiles, dressing up, copying animal noises, getting to choose the song at school. It all rings true.

Adult concerns are on the periphery of their world (burst pipes), their world is each other and their imaginations.

This would be read over a few bedtimes and is the perfect snuggle-down material for children with or without siblings, ages 4-8.

With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early chapter book from the writer of the Ivy and Bean series with the same sort of loving family and friends, realistic school and family scenarios, and frequent sketches. Stella and Marigold are sisters who are 3 years apart and show obvious affection for one another-reading with mom while snuggling on the couch, imagining travels to Japan to soak in a hot spring with snow monkeys, and reenacting scenes from books. Mom and Dad are attentive to their children, take them to the zoo, but are far from perfect as Dad’s crankiness over a non-draining rain pipe shows. Chapters are short, illustrations often and sometimes even full page spreads, font is large and easy to read and there is plenty of white space, all traits of an excellent choice for those in grades 1-3ish. Sure to be a hit with the early reading crew in elementary libraries.

Text is free of any profanity, sexual content or violence. While Stella and Marigold’s family appear to be Caucasian, references are made to a variety of ethnic foods and Stella’s best friend Lucy is illustrated as Black. Naming conventions imply that a neighbor may be Hispanic, and others could be AAPI.

Thanks for the print arc, Chronicle Books.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book about 2 sisters and their adventures. Each chapter is another adventure. Large color illustrations go along with the text. I would have loved this book when I was 6 or 7 years old. It’s the same duo (author and illustrator) of the Ivy & Bean series.

[Krista Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a cute beginning to a new series!

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella & Marigold is a wondrous tale of two sisters' delight and support of one another through a close loving friendship. When Stella's new baby sister, Marigold is born, she whispers, "I'm Stella. I'm going to tell you all the secret things I know.......Forever and ever." Thus begins the strong tie of sisterhood between them. Annie Barrows' refreshing story and Sophie Blackall's gorgeous illustrations in Procreate with 6B pencil, gouache, and watercolor brushes, make the story come to life. This is a tale full of imagination, as the sisters entertain one another by creating "setups." A favorite example of this is their make believe mouse house with a mouse king, queen, mouse babies and their cousins, with the accompanied necessary accessories, even a mouse dining room with food! All made with cut paper, tape, spools, strings, and other whatnots. Stella & Marigold fuel their imagination, with made up stories, drawings, and 3 dimensional scenes to accompany them. Growing up in a family with lots of art supplies and an art teacher mother, I completely relate to this exquisite and fully entertaining story, told and illustrated by masterful storytellers. I love this book and can't wait for the sequels!

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read-aloud with 5yo & 3yo girls.

This is a story of two sisters, accompanying by the wonderful illustrations of Sophie Blackall. It’s designed to be a bridge for kids between early readers and chapter books, and I can see how it fills that spot perfectly.

I liked the tender relationship the sisters had, and the understanding and patient way the bigger sister (Stella) interacted with her younger sister (Marigold). That’s one thing the book modeled that I like, but there were unfortunately a handful of other things modeled that I took issue with:
- there was an undercurrent of secrecy between the sisters when it came to their parents
- the parents were portrayed a bit negatively: the dad being overly harsh at one point, and the mother attempting good conversations but then giving up when the daughters responding poorly
- a couple characters were intentionally gender-ambiguous (as will come as no to surprise comforting other works of Barrows/Blackall)

All in all, nothing dramatically concerning; but enough underlying issues that we probably won’t revisit continually.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

By turns conspiratorial, sensitive, and seriocomical, this endearingly irrepressible older/younger sister pair are a delight to tag along with, whether for a young reader or as a parent/child read-aloud. Whether encountering a forbearing plumber on house-call or befuddled lady Vice-President asking directions, little Marigold (age 4) can handle even unlikely occurrences with aplomb; but anytime things get more serious, she can count on levelheaded, empathetic big sis Stella (age 7) to have her back. After all, at Marigold’s birth, Stella promised the little one, “I’m going to tell you all the secret things I know. . .Forever and ever.” In fulfilling that promise, as we see, troubles give way to understanding and control. What an unabashedly fun and loving childhood, (solvable) warts and all! And Sophie Blackall's wondrously appealing illustrations on almost every page are the perfect match to Ms. Barrows' winning prose.

[Munchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming tale of two sisters, years apart but have one of the strongest bonds I've seen from a child's book. It's from the perspective of the children and is portrayed so well. Marigold the youngest is a toddler and has her toddler phase moods. Relatable. Then there's Stella who's seen as both an adventure but an older, mature figure for Marigold. Dad and mom are both relatable. They are loving but they have their cranky parent moments.

The artwork is beautiful, I love the feel and look of the book. It's a chapter book that says ages 6-9 but I feel like this would be good for older kids on that age scale, cause I was not at this type of reading level when I was 6. That's for sure. But I can see this being a lovely read out loud book for parents or teachers to read to kids.

I'd like to see more about Stella and Marigold. Anyone who likes imaginative children doing cute things, while being a very true to growing up book, this is for you. Highly recommend.

[Andrea Mear · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great early chapter book that is enjoyable for both kids and adults! We sat down to start this 100 page book and come back to it tomorrow; however, we read the whole thing in one sitting! This whimsical little book is chock full of humor and imaginative situations. Although it is a chapter book, each chapter is like a little short story. The illustrations are colorful and do a nice job of conveying the characters’ feelings. The bit I loved the most about it is that the parents are not perfect and they sometimes get angry and yell because they don’t understand wha the girls are trying to do through their imaginative play. A great opportunity to point out that sometimes adults only see a mess or hear loud noises and they don’t realize you are two girls stranded in a cottage in the 1800’s while hungry wolves are howling at your door. Thanks Barnes and Noble for putting this book on your summer reading challenge.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

STELLA & MARIGOLD by Annie Barrows invites readers into the imaginative world of a pair of sisters. Everyday situations like going to school and visiting the zoo become fanciful adventures. The relationship between the two sisters, foretold when at their introduction Stella promises Marigold she’ll tell her everything she knows, shines through in the stories. I think my favorite was The Sick Blanket, probably because I remember the “sick blanket” in my own home when I was growing up. With short chapters and Sophie Blackall’s whimsical color illustrations, this will be an engaging read for readers reaching for their first chapter books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.

[Amy Oberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love Barrows' newest series, "Stella & Marigold," but there were a few incidents in this first story that left me feeling perplexed or unsettled. While I absolutely love the relationship between the sisters, as well as their imaginative play, their reluctance to include others was disappointing (i.e. Brooklyn). Marigold's mischievous nature, while endearing, often tests the limits (lying, urging her sister to kick someone, etc.) without experiencing any consequences. The chapter titled "Sprout of the Week" combined a school story with dreams of monkeys and lice--a combination I would not recommend.

I plan to read the recently released second book in the series, hoping it will be an improvement over this debut.

[Carla McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing is, my girls (2.5 and 6) loved this book. To me, much of the book didn't live up to the introduction (which made me cry with its illustration of sisterly love at first sight... because I'm a big ole sap); but it was a fun read.

The chapters read much like my 6 year old tells stories, which I found incredibly charming. Sometimes the sisters don't learn QUITE the lesson that I would like them too, but tbh that feels kind of authentic too.

We have now read several chapters 4-5 times, and my girls insist I use THEIR names in place of the fictional sisters, and I would give it 5 stars just for that.

[Kiara Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has become a fast favorite in our house! Several moments make my children (and sometimes me, too) laugh out loud.

The sibling relationship between Stella and Marigold is the sweetest, funniest, and perhaps one of the truest that I've recently encountered in kid lit. Nobody understands Marigold like Stella and vice versa. I love how Stella is uniquely able, through kid logic, to repeatedly help Marigold find her equilibrium. The way the children see the world, especially Marigold, finding magic in the ordinary, is spot on.

I have to say, I didn't LOVE Ivy and Bean, but, so far, this is great, and we're looking forward to more of this series!

[Marinda (rindasreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this wasn't my favorite early chapter book, I definitely think it will find a readership in early readers. My favorite thing about the story is how Stella and Marigold show by example how to utilize your imagination to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary. The fact that they are sisters and not simply friends adds a depth that I can respect and recommend to others. The illustrations, as I've come to expect from Sophie Blackall, were nothing short of delightful!

3.5 Stars, rounded up.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My family enjoys the antics of Ivy and Bean, so we were very happy to preview the debut of the author's newest series, Stella & Marigold. A beginner chapter book about two sisters, the characters were fun and engaging. The book also has shorter chapters and illustrations throughout, perfect for younger readers. However, this story felt pretty disjointed to me. Besides that, I recommend this series for a fun read aloud that younger kids are bound to enjoy.

Thank you to Chronicle Books for gifting my family with an ARC to review. All opinions are our own.

[Nicole Loos Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED reading Stella & Marigold, written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackwell!

What an absolutely delightful read! These sweet short stories are the perfect length and the subject matter and voice are so captivating and appropriate. It truly feels like we are seeing the world through a childlike lens. I love the relationship between the two sisters. This is a book (and hopefully a series) that is sure to become an instant classic!

When my 7 and 9 year old saw me reading this advance reader's copy, they were quick to offer "help" give their opinion (they LOVED it!).

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the mom of two girls, I am a sucker for sister books -- especially when the older sister has blonde hair and the little sister has brown hair. Annie Barrows has done such a great job creating two realistic characters with BIG imaginations (and the world around them). These stories are hilarious and the whimsical illustrations add such an element of fun to the book. Even though my kids are big now, they enjoyed reminiscing about their own shenanigans and finding parts of themselves in Stella and Marigold.


(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I just read this with my 7 year old. I had pre ordered it back in July when we had devoured the Ivy and Bean series and can I just say this new series is even better. My daughter was laughing so hard at cheeky Marigold and her hilarious Big Sis Stella. I found myself wanting to continue reading it. The characters were 100% relatable and my daughter found a lot of similarities within the characters to herself. We will be on the lookout for the next adventures of Stella and Marigold!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stella & Marigold: a timeless-feeling addition to the chapter-book world. I liked the focus on siblinghood and imagination, and the references to other books in the illustrations. The creators clearly have a keen understanding of the thought processes of young children. The stories avoid obvious resolutions and morals, in a way that is often clever but left a few feeling a bit incomplete or mean-spirited. Interested in reading further books about these characters.

Note there are mentions of throwing up.

[Varsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella & Marigold by Annie Barrows & Sophie Blackall is a sweet story about two sisters. The book contains a series of short chapters, each about a new adventure. With its cute illustrations and the central theme of endearing sisterhood, this book will bring back memories from your childhood.

While reading this book, I was constantly smiling as it reminded me a lot about my childhood and all the imaginative games I used to play with my sister.

This book is perfect for kids as they will find it relatable and for adults who wish to revisit their childhood.