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Eclair Goes to Stella's
AWARD-WINNING and BEST-SELLING AUTHOR. Early Reader, Chapter Book Series for 5-10-year old girls. Eclair Goes to Stella's is funny, sad, heart warming, and genuine all at once!" Renee Gray-Wilburn, co-author of Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ (Pix-N-Pens, 2012). "Michelle's story is well-written and engaging. She does a wonderful job of developing the characters and deals with difficult issues in a kid-friendly way. Readers will be quickly drawn into this story and want to keep reading. There are so many dimensions to this story--it is filled with humor, action, and emotion--a great read!" --Award-winning children's book author, Crystal Bowman. When Eclair's mother leaves home, Eclair and her little sister must go live on a farm with Stella, their eccentric grandma. "More and more, grandparents today are assuming the role of part-time or even full-time caregivers for their grandkids. In Eclair Goes to Stella's, we see how one grandmother bravely and creatively steps into this role to help her family through a difficult situation. I'm certain that children everywhere will be able to relate to the range of emotions that little Eclair faces as she struggles to adjust to her new living arrangements then begins to welcome the love and care her grandmother offers." Renee Gray-Wilburn, co-author of Grandparenting Through Obstacles: Overcoming Family Challenges to Reach Your Grandchildren for Christ (Pix-N-Pens, 2012). There is a growing trend in America-grandparents raising grandchildren. According to the AARP's Grandfacts, "Across the United States, almost 7.8 million children are living in homes where grandparents or other relatives are the householders, with more than 5.8 million children living in grandparents' homes and nearly 2 million children living in other relatives' homes. These families are often called grandfamilies."
- GenresChildrens
80 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2014
About the author
M. Weidenbenner
11 books791 followersMichelle Weidenbenner is the founder of Moms Letting Go Without Giving Up and the All-Mighty Mom Tribe – private support groups for moms of addicted loved ones. There are more than 2000 moms in the groups.
She’s a passionate podcaster who wants to stop the stigma of substance use disorder and help moms of addicted loved ones find hope, courage, and support so they can identify their superpower and help change the addiction landscape.
She has been a guest on the following podcasts: Magnificent Midlife, The Addiction Podcast – Point of No Return, Unapologetically BOLD: I’m not sorry for …, Everyday Leaders and Write the Book Inside You. Recently, she appeared on the blog, Forward From 50, by Greg Gerber.
She’s an Amazon #1 Best-Selling and Award-Winning author and speaker. Her new book, Unhackable Moms of Addicted Loved Ones, Closing the Gap between Havoc and Hope released in June 2022.
It’s a 30-day program for moms who want to heal.
This book is cobranded with Kary Oberbrunner’s NYT’s and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Unhackable.
As the mother of a recovering addict, Michelle spends most of her time advocating for and coaching moms of addicted loved ones. Find her free guidebook at MomsLettingGo.com
When she’s not helping moms, she’s playing pickleball.
She’s a passionate podcaster who wants to stop the stigma of substance use disorder and help moms of addicted loved ones find hope, courage, and support so they can identify their superpower and help change the addiction landscape.
She has been a guest on the following podcasts: Magnificent Midlife, The Addiction Podcast – Point of No Return, Unapologetically BOLD: I’m not sorry for …, Everyday Leaders and Write the Book Inside You. Recently, she appeared on the blog, Forward From 50, by Greg Gerber.
She’s an Amazon #1 Best-Selling and Award-Winning author and speaker. Her new book, Unhackable Moms of Addicted Loved Ones, Closing the Gap between Havoc and Hope released in June 2022.
It’s a 30-day program for moms who want to heal.
This book is cobranded with Kary Oberbrunner’s NYT’s and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Unhackable.
As the mother of a recovering addict, Michelle spends most of her time advocating for and coaching moms of addicted loved ones. Find her free guidebook at MomsLettingGo.com
When she’s not helping moms, she’s playing pickleball.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 10, 2014
Emily Claire is a vibrant seven year told who just wants things to stay the same. As would any seven year old. If it isn't broke don't fix it right? Well, unfortunately her mom is in need of some "personal time". She hasn't been as happy as Emily is use to seeing her. While mommy is away daddy has to work so Emily and her younger sister have to go stay with their paternal grandmother Stella.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love children and I personally know many who would enjoy this story. The spelling of the words she tried to pronounce were hilarious and cute. The theme is very relatable. I remember visiting family members I didn't know very well and thinking the worst of them before thinking the best. Making them earn my trust verses earning theirs. Children are just small immature adults. lol
Overall this was a good book and I am not ashamed to say I want to know what happens next!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love children and I personally know many who would enjoy this story. The spelling of the words she tried to pronounce were hilarious and cute. The theme is very relatable. I remember visiting family members I didn't know very well and thinking the worst of them before thinking the best. Making them earn my trust verses earning theirs. Children are just small immature adults. lol
Overall this was a good book and I am not ashamed to say I want to know what happens next!
September 25, 2014
These are not just my thoughts this time! I welcome my daughter Bridgett to our review team. She 9 years old and loves to read. It doesn't take her long to finish a book of this size(49 pages) and this one went fast as well. She loved it! First, as soon as the horse appeared she was in love. We live on a farm and have horses and Bridgett has one horse that is special to her. She was so happy that Eclair was going to have a horse of her own. Though when Lightning(what Eclair names the horse) colics it made her cry because we lost my favorite horse to colic last year. Bridgett was ecstatic that the sweet horse lived! Of course, this book does have some twists and turns just more suited for children. Eclair does not want to live with her grandmother(who wants to be called Stella) because her mom has to go away and her dad travels for work. She doesn't want to stay with strange Stella who she thinks might not like animals but rather KILLS them! Find out what happens to make her trust Stella and the fun they have on the farm!
August 21, 2014
Éclair Goes to Stella by Michelle Weidenbenner is the story of Emily who starts a new adventure (a new life) after her mother leaves. Her father was in charge but he sent her packing to go live with her grandmother.
At this point in the story, Emily is not a happy camper. Wants her mom back. The answer was that she was sick. One day, a change came about. Her story will amaze you since it was written to marvel any young readers as well as their parents. Meggie and Emily are with grandma (it took a long drive to get there) So what changed? A horse! A pink barn! And there are scenes full of actions enough and surely to entertain anyone. Pink is very much the trend in this story.
Deer hunting and love of animals with all the explanation needed to appease hysteria! The story will make young readers believe just about anything can happen even in the worst situations.
Will make a great gift for young readers (put it in their Christmas socks) 2014 !
Adriana LG
At this point in the story, Emily is not a happy camper. Wants her mom back. The answer was that she was sick. One day, a change came about. Her story will amaze you since it was written to marvel any young readers as well as their parents. Meggie and Emily are with grandma (it took a long drive to get there) So what changed? A horse! A pink barn! And there are scenes full of actions enough and surely to entertain anyone. Pink is very much the trend in this story.
Deer hunting and love of animals with all the explanation needed to appease hysteria! The story will make young readers believe just about anything can happen even in the worst situations.
Will make a great gift for young readers (put it in their Christmas socks) 2014 !
Adriana LG
August 26, 2014
What a lovely little story this is. Perfect for a young girl to read, or perhaps even a younger girl to have read to her. This book takes a very bad situation and makes it all better--very much better. This is a 5 star if ever I read one!
Eclair's Mom gets sick and has to go away for a while leaving Eclair and Megan (the little sister) at home with their Dad. The two girls don't really understand what is happening. Their Dad was out of work and needed to be out looking for a job so he sent his daughters to his Mom's ranch. Eclair was not very happy about this to say the least. She was even more unhappy once they reached the ranch and came to conclusions that were not quite right.--until---she realized that things were a lot better then she thought.Eclair Goes to Stella's
Eclair's Mom gets sick and has to go away for a while leaving Eclair and Megan (the little sister) at home with their Dad. The two girls don't really understand what is happening. Their Dad was out of work and needed to be out looking for a job so he sent his daughters to his Mom's ranch. Eclair was not very happy about this to say the least. She was even more unhappy once they reached the ranch and came to conclusions that were not quite right.--until---she realized that things were a lot better then she thought.Eclair Goes to Stella's
May 18, 2019
I've had this e-book in my Kobo account for a while. I don't even remember when I got it! I've been going back through the kids' books in my TBR pile and trying to get through them. Now I can cross Éclair Goes to Stella's off the list. I can't really say it was an enjoyable experience, though.
To begin with, the voice is all wrong. The story is told in the first person by seven-year-old Éclair... who sounds like she's seventeen. She does not have a child's voice. Everything from the idioms she uses to the word choices just screams that there's an adult author putting the words in her mouth. It's extremely distracting. (There are points in the story where the author was obviously trying to make Éclair sound like a kid, but that's the problem: those attempts are obvious. There's a point in the book where she suddenly starts using the phrase "did a", as in "did a frown" and "did a gasp". That only shows up for a page or so, however, and then it disappears.) Éclair also keeps using the term "ink-er-gerbil", which I'm guessing is supposed to be "incorrigible". I don't know if the intended audience would understand that at all. (At times, the book almost seems like it's written for adults. Éclair's constant references to "this place with Indians" or the place that "sounded like Indians" are annoying and bordering on offensive. She even wonders if all the cowboys and Indians live there. Where? Indiana. I know she's seven, but I think most seven-year-olds could grasp the idea that Indiana is the name of a state... and not a description of its inhabitants. I almost felt like this was the author trying to make a point about how stupid kids can be... and that's not exactly a sentiment that's going to appeal to the target audience.)
Meggie, Éclair's two-year-old sister, and her grandmother (variously referred to as Grandma and Stella... which is confusing) are both a little "off". At some points, Meggie can only babble like a baby... but then she can talk with a speech impediment... and then she's understanding everything going on around her like she's much older. Stella is... well, she's supposed to be an eccentric grandmother, but unfortunately, she comes across as someone who's never been around kids at all. She keeps trying to be Éclair's friend and ignoring her rudeness or misbehaviour (even after the kid eats almost half of a sugar cream pie right before bed). And there's a weird scene where Meggie puts her dirty hands on Stella's goopy face mask and then wipes them on her shirt... and Stella shrieks so loudly she freaks out the horse and makes Meggie cry. Yeah, Grandma, kids can get messy. (How did she end up as a grandmother if she doesn't know this?)
Éclair and her sister are at Stella's because their mother is undergoing treatment for some sort of mental illness. I'm not impressed by the way this is handled, either. Éclair overhears her father talking about her mother, and he actually says, "She's not right." Way to stigmatize mental illness, Dad.
A good chunk of the end of this book is taken up with pages from the next book, so I was actually kind of surprised when I hit the end... because it felt like there should've been more to the story. The plot just comes to a screeching halt. Éclair meets a horse and rides it (which is questionable, really, considering he has sores all over his body), and the story just ends.
I'm just not that impressed with this. Even the illustrations don't really do anything other than break up the text. I think the best thing I can say about reading this is that it knocked one more book off my TBR pile.
To begin with, the voice is all wrong. The story is told in the first person by seven-year-old Éclair... who sounds like she's seventeen. She does not have a child's voice. Everything from the idioms she uses to the word choices just screams that there's an adult author putting the words in her mouth. It's extremely distracting. (There are points in the story where the author was obviously trying to make Éclair sound like a kid, but that's the problem: those attempts are obvious. There's a point in the book where she suddenly starts using the phrase "did a", as in "did a frown" and "did a gasp". That only shows up for a page or so, however, and then it disappears.) Éclair also keeps using the term "ink-er-gerbil", which I'm guessing is supposed to be "incorrigible". I don't know if the intended audience would understand that at all. (At times, the book almost seems like it's written for adults. Éclair's constant references to "this place with Indians" or the place that "sounded like Indians" are annoying and bordering on offensive. She even wonders if all the cowboys and Indians live there. Where? Indiana. I know she's seven, but I think most seven-year-olds could grasp the idea that Indiana is the name of a state... and not a description of its inhabitants. I almost felt like this was the author trying to make a point about how stupid kids can be... and that's not exactly a sentiment that's going to appeal to the target audience.)
Meggie, Éclair's two-year-old sister, and her grandmother (variously referred to as Grandma and Stella... which is confusing) are both a little "off". At some points, Meggie can only babble like a baby... but then she can talk with a speech impediment... and then she's understanding everything going on around her like she's much older. Stella is... well, she's supposed to be an eccentric grandmother, but unfortunately, she comes across as someone who's never been around kids at all. She keeps trying to be Éclair's friend and ignoring her rudeness or misbehaviour (even after the kid eats almost half of a sugar cream pie right before bed). And there's a weird scene where Meggie puts her dirty hands on Stella's goopy face mask and then wipes them on her shirt... and Stella shrieks so loudly she freaks out the horse and makes Meggie cry. Yeah, Grandma, kids can get messy. (How did she end up as a grandmother if she doesn't know this?)
Éclair and her sister are at Stella's because their mother is undergoing treatment for some sort of mental illness. I'm not impressed by the way this is handled, either. Éclair overhears her father talking about her mother, and he actually says, "She's not right." Way to stigmatize mental illness, Dad.
A good chunk of the end of this book is taken up with pages from the next book, so I was actually kind of surprised when I hit the end... because it felt like there should've been more to the story. The plot just comes to a screeching halt. Éclair meets a horse and rides it (which is questionable, really, considering he has sores all over his body), and the story just ends.
I'm just not that impressed with this. Even the illustrations don't really do anything other than break up the text. I think the best thing I can say about reading this is that it knocked one more book off my TBR pile.
August 14, 2014
Great book for kids just starting to read, very easy to understand and written from the perspective of a very young girl :) "Ink-Er-Igible" just made me laugh and laugh! Eclair and her sister Meggie have to go stay with their Grandma Stella who has lots of animals. At first Eclair thinks it is a great thing, then she begins to believe her grandma is injuring her animals - but is she right? The book is a fascinating look at family ties, animal safety and love. The illustrations are beautifully done - all of them are black and white, no color but they are extremely well-drawn and in-depth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I hope you will go pick up a copy for your little one and give it a read! Well worth it :)
***I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review***
***I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review***
August 24, 2014
As an adult, it took me about a half hour to finish this. It was what I would consider an almost easy read.
Amazon recommends the book for 1st through 3rd grade or ages 5 to 9. I don’t know that my 1st grader would have been able to read it quite yet, but my 2nd grader (age 7) would have read it and I would say up to 4th grade, maybe even 5th grade would still enjoy it.
It was a super cute book. You get a look inside Eclair’s thoughts about her grandmother who does not want to be called grandma because it makes her old and she is not old.
Eclair gets to name a rescued horse and a baby alpaca – great for little girls who love animals!
If you have a little girl who enjoys reading, this book would be great for them! And the best part is that this is just book one. There are other Eclair books coming that I am sure will be just as cute as this one!
Amazon recommends the book for 1st through 3rd grade or ages 5 to 9. I don’t know that my 1st grader would have been able to read it quite yet, but my 2nd grader (age 7) would have read it and I would say up to 4th grade, maybe even 5th grade would still enjoy it.
It was a super cute book. You get a look inside Eclair’s thoughts about her grandmother who does not want to be called grandma because it makes her old and she is not old.
Eclair gets to name a rescued horse and a baby alpaca – great for little girls who love animals!
If you have a little girl who enjoys reading, this book would be great for them! And the best part is that this is just book one. There are other Eclair books coming that I am sure will be just as cute as this one!
September 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone with children. It is a good story about a girl that is going through a rough patch. She is confused and upset. Her whole life has been turned upside down and she is worried about a lot of things.
When she and her little sister are sent to stay with a grandmother they don't really know, she is afraid and doesn't want to stay. She thinks her grandmother is mean and wants to go back home. Soon she finds out things aren't always as bad as they seem.
This book teaches a good lesson to children about handling big changes in their lives, as well as not always assuming the worse of someone.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a positive review.
When she and her little sister are sent to stay with a grandmother they don't really know, she is afraid and doesn't want to stay. She thinks her grandmother is mean and wants to go back home. Soon she finds out things aren't always as bad as they seem.
This book teaches a good lesson to children about handling big changes in their lives, as well as not always assuming the worse of someone.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a positive review.
August 12, 2014
Eclair Goes To Stella’s was a great story which my seven year old daughter loved. When Eclair’s mother gets sick and has to go away it leads to her dad taking Eclair and her sister to their grandmothers house. Their grandmother doesn’t like that name though and prefers to be called Stella.
Eclair doesn’t like Stella, she doesn’t want her dad to leave and she thinks Stella is harming her animals.
How things change in a day when Stella is given a pony and meets all the animals and changes her mind completely about Stella.
It was quick and easy read for my daughter, I read it the first time and she read it the second on her own. My daughter want’s to see what happens with Eclair next so it obviously gripped her.
Eclair doesn’t like Stella, she doesn’t want her dad to leave and she thinks Stella is harming her animals.
How things change in a day when Stella is given a pony and meets all the animals and changes her mind completely about Stella.
It was quick and easy read for my daughter, I read it the first time and she read it the second on her own. My daughter want’s to see what happens with Eclair next so it obviously gripped her.
August 21, 2014
When Emily Clair, learns that she and Meggie, her two-year-old sister, have to move to Indiana to live with their grandma, she is not happy at all. Her dad explains to Éclair (that’s what he calls her), that her mom had to leave because she was sick, and that his job involved traveling. Until he could find another job, this was the only solution.
When Éclair meets Stella, as grandma likes to be called, she immediately dislikes her. Éclair thinks Stella smells and that she mistreats her farm animals. As she slowly gets to know Stella, Éclair finds out how wrong she is.
This story as told by Éclair shows the innocence of a seven-year-old's thoughts and fears, and takes you back to a time in your own life when everything unknown was scary, but wonderful at the same time.
When Éclair meets Stella, as grandma likes to be called, she immediately dislikes her. Éclair thinks Stella smells and that she mistreats her farm animals. As she slowly gets to know Stella, Éclair finds out how wrong she is.
This story as told by Éclair shows the innocence of a seven-year-old's thoughts and fears, and takes you back to a time in your own life when everything unknown was scary, but wonderful at the same time.
September 1, 2014
Eclair goes to Stella's
Eclair and her sister has to go live with their grandma in Indiana, their mom is sick and their dad has to work. Her grandma lives on a farm which is different for Eclair. This is a book for 5 to 10 year old girls but some boys may like it also since about farm life. I would recommend it more for 7 to 10 years old due the length of the book. This book has some funny moments to it. Loved the rooster and the horse. This is a series, and this is a good start to the series. I receive this book by the author for a honest review.
Eclair and her sister has to go live with their grandma in Indiana, their mom is sick and their dad has to work. Her grandma lives on a farm which is different for Eclair. This is a book for 5 to 10 year old girls but some boys may like it also since about farm life. I would recommend it more for 7 to 10 years old due the length of the book. This book has some funny moments to it. Loved the rooster and the horse. This is a series, and this is a good start to the series. I receive this book by the author for a honest review.
September 3, 2014
This book is a story that I am glad I was able to read WITH my daughter. As a few of the situations are ones that my daughter wouldn't understand on her own (and some of the vocabulary was above her 1st grade reading level for now), we were able to enjoy this book.
Don't pass up this book - really this is more of a 4.5 - teetering on both sides. For those who face issues like sibling rivalry or looking for jobs, there are topics that are touched upon that are great conversation starters.
Don't pass up this book - really this is more of a 4.5 - teetering on both sides. For those who face issues like sibling rivalry or looking for jobs, there are topics that are touched upon that are great conversation starters.
September 18, 2014
What a delightful chapter book! Very well written and a relevant story, making it great reading for a fifth/sixth grader.
September 26, 2014
HoaP would like to thank Beck Valley Books for allowing us to review Eclair Goes to Stella's. This review was first posted on Heart of a Philanthropist Blog in exchange for an ecopy.
Emily Clair is a 7 year old little girl and the narrator of EClair Goes to Stella's. She has a baby sister Meggie, and a best friend. Clair's daddy loves her very much. His pet name for her is EClair. I love that. It is obvious that EClair and her daddy are very close. He has to leave for work and will be gone for a while. Eclair's mom is very sick and will be in the hospital far away from home for a long time. Because there is no other option, EClair and her baby sister will have to go stay at Grandma's house. EClair is very unhappy about the situation. She doesn't even know her grandma very well. She wants to stay at home with her daddy and be close to her friends, but she has no choice.
On the way EClair tries to figure how to get out of staying at Grandma's. She tries to sweet talk her dad into taking her with him. It doesn't work. When they get to Grandma's house, EClair hides in the car, but she is found and has to stay. EClair is even more fearful when she gets to grandma's and hears her tell one of the animals on the farm that she will cut his head off and have him for dinner. Grandma is only teasing but EClair doesn't know that.
It doesn't take long for EClair to begin to warm up to Grandma who tells EClair to call her Stella because she is too young to be called Grandma. This also converts her from a scary Grandma she didn't know to an older friend named Stella. Stella's special dessert really attracts EClair's attention. In fact, she sneaks into the kitchen after dinner and eats almost the entire thing. Rather than scold anyone, Stella decides to have something else for dessert the next day. EClair is drawn to a horse that is recovering, and Stella lets EClair have it for her own. This draws them even closer. In the end, EClair realizes that maybe Stella isn't so bad.
There are a lot of unanswered questions. Once Daddy leaves Stella's house we don't hear from him again. From the writing I deduced that Mom has cancer, but I am not sure. Stella and EClair are becoming friends, but there is no closure to the book. That is because the author Michelle Weidenbenner left the book open ended for a series.
I do like that there are no bad words and nothing that I would worry about my child reading in this book. I recommend it for ages 7-10 but a younger child who is going through similar situations will relate to the story. Children can read the book alone or with a parent. EClair Goes to Stella's leaves a lot of room for discussion.
HoaP received EClair Goes to Stella's ebook in exchange for an honest review. If you would like HoaP to review a book or product for you, please contact us at philanthropicHR@yahoo.com. Thank you for your support and God Bless!
Emily Clair is a 7 year old little girl and the narrator of EClair Goes to Stella's. She has a baby sister Meggie, and a best friend. Clair's daddy loves her very much. His pet name for her is EClair. I love that. It is obvious that EClair and her daddy are very close. He has to leave for work and will be gone for a while. Eclair's mom is very sick and will be in the hospital far away from home for a long time. Because there is no other option, EClair and her baby sister will have to go stay at Grandma's house. EClair is very unhappy about the situation. She doesn't even know her grandma very well. She wants to stay at home with her daddy and be close to her friends, but she has no choice.
On the way EClair tries to figure how to get out of staying at Grandma's. She tries to sweet talk her dad into taking her with him. It doesn't work. When they get to Grandma's house, EClair hides in the car, but she is found and has to stay. EClair is even more fearful when she gets to grandma's and hears her tell one of the animals on the farm that she will cut his head off and have him for dinner. Grandma is only teasing but EClair doesn't know that.
It doesn't take long for EClair to begin to warm up to Grandma who tells EClair to call her Stella because she is too young to be called Grandma. This also converts her from a scary Grandma she didn't know to an older friend named Stella. Stella's special dessert really attracts EClair's attention. In fact, she sneaks into the kitchen after dinner and eats almost the entire thing. Rather than scold anyone, Stella decides to have something else for dessert the next day. EClair is drawn to a horse that is recovering, and Stella lets EClair have it for her own. This draws them even closer. In the end, EClair realizes that maybe Stella isn't so bad.
There are a lot of unanswered questions. Once Daddy leaves Stella's house we don't hear from him again. From the writing I deduced that Mom has cancer, but I am not sure. Stella and EClair are becoming friends, but there is no closure to the book. That is because the author Michelle Weidenbenner left the book open ended for a series.
I do like that there are no bad words and nothing that I would worry about my child reading in this book. I recommend it for ages 7-10 but a younger child who is going through similar situations will relate to the story. Children can read the book alone or with a parent. EClair Goes to Stella's leaves a lot of room for discussion.
HoaP received EClair Goes to Stella's ebook in exchange for an honest review. If you would like HoaP to review a book or product for you, please contact us at philanthropicHR@yahoo.com. Thank you for your support and God Bless!
September 16, 2014
What a delightful book!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of "Eclair Goes To Stella's" as a member of Beck Valley Book Tours. All opinions are strictly my own.
My Thoughts:
This book is delightful! My 7 year old daughter and I read it together and we both loved it. Eclair (Emily Clair) is your typical 7 year old girl. She has her life that she is accustomed to with her mom, dad, sister and best friend. She doesn't like change but that is what she gets! When her mom gets sick and has to go to a hospital far away and her dad has to travel to seek employment, Eclair and her sister go to live with her grandmother. A purplish redhead who doesn't want to be called grandma.
Eclair sees her horse that is covered in sores and looks like it has been starved nearly to death. She hears Stella, her grandmother, threaten to chop its head off and eat it and she sees all these deer heads hanging in the living room. She automatically assumes that Stella is evil and that she kills and eats her animals. She doesn't want to stay. She tries to hide in her dads car before he can leave.
But she does stay. And she learns that things aren't always how they initially appear. Farms aren't necessarily "stinky". Quirky grandparents aren't necessarily mean. And change isn't always bad.
I think that Michelle Weidenbenner did an excellent job with this story. It can be read fairly quickly and it isn't your typical childrens novel and that is great! The storyline is different than what we usually find in the kids section. It invokes a wide array of emotions and shows us that while some change is bad, like Eclair and Meggie's mom getting sick, some change can also be good. Eclair and Meggie meet a grandmother they didn't really know, experience life on a farm and make new "friends". Eclair also learns to look out for her little sister.
If you're looking for a book to read with your child, check out Eclair Goes to Stella's by Michelle Weidenbenner. It's a great story and we can't wait to read more!
Our Daughters Thoughts:
"I loved it mama!" I thought some of the parts were really sad. When Eclair's mama has to go away because she is sick. And when Eclair sees the horse that has all those sores. And when her dad leaves to go find work. There are some sad parts, and some scary parts like when Stella says she's going to kill the rooster and eat it, but if you keep reading the book, it is really good. I like how they describe Eclair and Stella and Meggie. I like how the horse goes to Eclair and she names it and I like how the story ends. Did her mom get better? We don't know yet but I like how Eclair starts to see Stella as her grandma.
There you have it. Reviewed by a 7 year old!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of "Eclair Goes To Stella's" as a member of Beck Valley Book Tours. All opinions are strictly my own.
My Thoughts:
This book is delightful! My 7 year old daughter and I read it together and we both loved it. Eclair (Emily Clair) is your typical 7 year old girl. She has her life that she is accustomed to with her mom, dad, sister and best friend. She doesn't like change but that is what she gets! When her mom gets sick and has to go to a hospital far away and her dad has to travel to seek employment, Eclair and her sister go to live with her grandmother. A purplish redhead who doesn't want to be called grandma.
Eclair sees her horse that is covered in sores and looks like it has been starved nearly to death. She hears Stella, her grandmother, threaten to chop its head off and eat it and she sees all these deer heads hanging in the living room. She automatically assumes that Stella is evil and that she kills and eats her animals. She doesn't want to stay. She tries to hide in her dads car before he can leave.
But she does stay. And she learns that things aren't always how they initially appear. Farms aren't necessarily "stinky". Quirky grandparents aren't necessarily mean. And change isn't always bad.
I think that Michelle Weidenbenner did an excellent job with this story. It can be read fairly quickly and it isn't your typical childrens novel and that is great! The storyline is different than what we usually find in the kids section. It invokes a wide array of emotions and shows us that while some change is bad, like Eclair and Meggie's mom getting sick, some change can also be good. Eclair and Meggie meet a grandmother they didn't really know, experience life on a farm and make new "friends". Eclair also learns to look out for her little sister.
If you're looking for a book to read with your child, check out Eclair Goes to Stella's by Michelle Weidenbenner. It's a great story and we can't wait to read more!
Our Daughters Thoughts:
"I loved it mama!" I thought some of the parts were really sad. When Eclair's mama has to go away because she is sick. And when Eclair sees the horse that has all those sores. And when her dad leaves to go find work. There are some sad parts, and some scary parts like when Stella says she's going to kill the rooster and eat it, but if you keep reading the book, it is really good. I like how they describe Eclair and Stella and Meggie. I like how the horse goes to Eclair and she names it and I like how the story ends. Did her mom get better? We don't know yet but I like how Eclair starts to see Stella as her grandma.
There you have it. Reviewed by a 7 year old!
September 17, 2014
Eclair is a cute lovable seven year old who you cannot fail to smile and laugh along with at some of the things she thinks or says and even misunderstands, just like a typical seven year old. She will also make you feel a little sad too but not for long as you soon start smiling again.
Eclair and her sister Meggie face a tough time as their mom has to go away because she is poorly so they have to go and live with her Grandma Stella for a while, until her dad can find another job. It's the important issues Eclair worries about like leaving behind her BFF (best friend forever) which is her first thought!
Yet with two simple words, horse and farm, as dad tells her about Grandma Stella's farm Magical Meadows, things just seem that little bit brighter. Stella has to be brave for now and learn to trust her Grandma and get used to her new surroundings living on the farm, you can feel her insecurities and sadness but her happiness shines through. Animals make the greatest friends and two lost souls, Eclair and rescued horse Lightning, help each other through their new adventure in life together.
I like how the author has also included a few little animal facts within the story itself that children can pick up without even thinking about it and the sketches in each small chapter are so much fun. The author treats you to a glimpse of the next book too, it looks like Lightning gets a new friend and maybe one for Eclair too.
A fun easy to read book that I really enjoyed , maybe that's because I'm a big kid at heart.
Eclair and her sister Meggie face a tough time as their mom has to go away because she is poorly so they have to go and live with her Grandma Stella for a while, until her dad can find another job. It's the important issues Eclair worries about like leaving behind her BFF (best friend forever) which is her first thought!
Yet with two simple words, horse and farm, as dad tells her about Grandma Stella's farm Magical Meadows, things just seem that little bit brighter. Stella has to be brave for now and learn to trust her Grandma and get used to her new surroundings living on the farm, you can feel her insecurities and sadness but her happiness shines through. Animals make the greatest friends and two lost souls, Eclair and rescued horse Lightning, help each other through their new adventure in life together.
I like how the author has also included a few little animal facts within the story itself that children can pick up without even thinking about it and the sketches in each small chapter are so much fun. The author treats you to a glimpse of the next book too, it looks like Lightning gets a new friend and maybe one for Eclair too.
A fun easy to read book that I really enjoyed , maybe that's because I'm a big kid at heart.
August 23, 2014
This book is short and sweet – and funny!
Claire (called Eclair) and her baby sister, Meggie, have to roadtrip from Florida to Indiana to live with their grandma. The first meeting is absolutely hilarious! Claire takes everything literally and is quite an insightful kid. The chapters about the first day being at Stella’s cracked me up!
Claire’s voice is clear and distinct, and spot-on for a child her age.
"I really wanted to go to Abby’s house that Saturday. She had invited a new girl, Beth, who’d just moved to our block. I needed to meet her because I didn’t want her getting any ideas about taking my place as Abby’s BFF."
The story is very representative of our current culture, and speaking from a teacher’s perspective, very true about our kids. A lot of kids now are raised by another family member – a grandparent or aunt/uncle, and that’s what happens in this book. It also brings up the white elephant of mental illness in our society, and Claire shares a few comments about living with a parent who suffers from depression, which explains their visit to stay with (grandma) Stella.
Claire (called Eclair) and her baby sister, Meggie, have to roadtrip from Florida to Indiana to live with their grandma. The first meeting is absolutely hilarious! Claire takes everything literally and is quite an insightful kid. The chapters about the first day being at Stella’s cracked me up!
Claire’s voice is clear and distinct, and spot-on for a child her age.
"I really wanted to go to Abby’s house that Saturday. She had invited a new girl, Beth, who’d just moved to our block. I needed to meet her because I didn’t want her getting any ideas about taking my place as Abby’s BFF."
The story is very representative of our current culture, and speaking from a teacher’s perspective, very true about our kids. A lot of kids now are raised by another family member – a grandparent or aunt/uncle, and that’s what happens in this book. It also brings up the white elephant of mental illness in our society, and Claire shares a few comments about living with a parent who suffers from depression, which explains their visit to stay with (grandma) Stella.
September 22, 2014
Great book for my daughter! I read this book with my 9 year old daughter. She loved the character of Eclair. She really identified with her and thought she was funny. She felt so bad for Eclair and her sister after their Mom left and then their Dad left, too. She did not understand why their Mom left and I had to explain to her what sometimes can happen to people.
She was also very scared like Eclair, that Eclair would have to stay with some woman that she had never met even though they were related. The fact that Stella had colored hair and was not what Eclair had envisioned of an 'older lady' was exactly how my daughter felt, as well. But just like Eclair, my daughter started to like Stella rather quickly, too. She also really enjoyed the fact that Stella had a horse and even got to name it.
My daughter laughed at the parts where Eclairs little sister would do something 'icky', like needing a diaper changed. We giggle, we were sad, we were happy and we really, really, enjoyed the book. I cannot wait to read more of Eclair's adventures with her. If you have a young kid, I bet they would love to read this book with you! I highly recommend it.
She was also very scared like Eclair, that Eclair would have to stay with some woman that she had never met even though they were related. The fact that Stella had colored hair and was not what Eclair had envisioned of an 'older lady' was exactly how my daughter felt, as well. But just like Eclair, my daughter started to like Stella rather quickly, too. She also really enjoyed the fact that Stella had a horse and even got to name it.
My daughter laughed at the parts where Eclairs little sister would do something 'icky', like needing a diaper changed. We giggle, we were sad, we were happy and we really, really, enjoyed the book. I cannot wait to read more of Eclair's adventures with her. If you have a young kid, I bet they would love to read this book with you! I highly recommend it.
September 18, 2014
ESCLAIR GOES TO STELLA'S by MICHELLE WEIDENBENNER is an interesting Children's book/Chapter Books/Horses/Animals. "Esclair" #1, and what a beginning. Age Level: 5 - 9 | Grade Level: K - 3.
I loved this cute, funny story of horses, children and their delights. What an impressive tale. An excellent tale of young readers, of all ages, but especially ages 5-9. From Pre-K to the 3rd grade are sure to delight in the vivid pictures, the true to life issues. A great moral for youngsters, you judge a book by its covers, or judge characters by first impressions but to give people the benefit of the doubt. A cute tale. Does have a few minor flow issues, but otherwise moves freely and evenly. Young readers are sure to enjoy as well as parents, and grand parents. A pleasure to read!
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: N/A
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
I loved this cute, funny story of horses, children and their delights. What an impressive tale. An excellent tale of young readers, of all ages, but especially ages 5-9. From Pre-K to the 3rd grade are sure to delight in the vivid pictures, the true to life issues. A great moral for youngsters, you judge a book by its covers, or judge characters by first impressions but to give people the benefit of the doubt. A cute tale. Does have a few minor flow issues, but otherwise moves freely and evenly. Young readers are sure to enjoy as well as parents, and grand parents. A pleasure to read!
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: N/A
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
September 1, 2014
I didn't know how this book was going to pan out when I first started reading. I was concerned and confused when I read that Clair and Meggie's mom was going away because she was "sick"...at first I thought it was going to be too heavy of a topic for the recommended age group to grasp, but it can be true life! I felt that the book was very real in that Eclair was telling the story how a true young girl would tell a story. From the mention of the stinky diaper, to what was going through her head when she saw the trophy deer heads in Stella's house. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to learning mores about Eclair and Meggie's adventures on Stella's farm. I hope that the author does touch on the main reason for the little girls going away to their grandma's and how they cope - it could turn out to be a healing book for children that may be going through the same situation.
August 26, 2014
I really enjoyed Eclair. She was just such the typical 7 year old thrown into a new situation. I think the author did such a great job getting into Eclair’s head to show how she felt about losing her mom, being away from her dad, getting to know Stella (her grandmother), and learning about life on a farm. You forget what it’s like to be a child in a new place and feeling scared or overwhelmed. It was really interesting to see what Eclair was experiencing and to understand how she was pushing limits and acting out really just to find her place.
Since this is the first book in the series, I’m excited to see what happens next with Eclair. I know that Zoe & Ana will enjoy Eclair Goes to Stella’s.
Since this is the first book in the series, I’m excited to see what happens next with Eclair. I know that Zoe & Ana will enjoy Eclair Goes to Stella’s.
September 26, 2014
This is a great, easy, read for girls. The story is fast paced and doesn't have any "boring" spots at all. I'm 38 and it kept met intrigued. I have a feeling the story of Éclair is just beginning and we're going to learn a lot more about her and her journey!
This book is just an introduction of sorts to Éclair and all of her new "friends". She's in a strange place with a Grandma she barely knows. I think many children will be able to relate to little Éclair on many levels. This book does leave you waiting for the next one! There are so many questions that need to be answered (and will be in due time)! One thing we do know.....is Stella makes some good dessert!
I can't wait to see what comes up next for our little Éclair and I really want to know what happens with her mom!
This book is just an introduction of sorts to Éclair and all of her new "friends". She's in a strange place with a Grandma she barely knows. I think many children will be able to relate to little Éclair on many levels. This book does leave you waiting for the next one! There are so many questions that need to be answered (and will be in due time)! One thing we do know.....is Stella makes some good dessert!
I can't wait to see what comes up next for our little Éclair and I really want to know what happens with her mom!
August 25, 2014
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.
This is a cute book for young children about a girl named Emily Clair but her dad calls her Eclair. Her mom is having issues and has to leave for a while, and her dad travels for work, so Eclair and her sister have to stay with her grandma, Stella, for a while.
Eclair's fears are typical of what a child might experience when losing her parents and her home temporarily. Stella does a good job of redirecting and helping to allay Eclair's fears.
This is a good book for any young child to read but especially a child who is having to deal with some type of change.
This is a cute book for young children about a girl named Emily Clair but her dad calls her Eclair. Her mom is having issues and has to leave for a while, and her dad travels for work, so Eclair and her sister have to stay with her grandma, Stella, for a while.
Eclair's fears are typical of what a child might experience when losing her parents and her home temporarily. Stella does a good job of redirecting and helping to allay Eclair's fears.
This is a good book for any young child to read but especially a child who is having to deal with some type of change.
September 10, 2014
A cute and fun book for younger readers. Just a little warning for some more sensitive children, the grandma "Stella" has animal head on her wall - she hunts and farms so for those who might be over sensitive about animals I thought I should let you know.
Overall a cute and fun story. Well written with a few minor flow issues at the beginning but otherwise a fun read for younger readers. A story that teaches children not to judge based on first impressions and misconceptions but to give others a chance to show who they truly are.
Overall a cute and fun story. Well written with a few minor flow issues at the beginning but otherwise a fun read for younger readers. A story that teaches children not to judge based on first impressions and misconceptions but to give others a chance to show who they truly are.
September 18, 2014
Pink is a theme that ran through the book and LadyBug loves pink. As an early chapter book, it was a very easy read, but high interest enough to keep her interested. Of course, I read it too (can't let the kids have all the fun).
As I was getting started I worried that a "sick" mom might bring up questions I wasn't really ready to answer, but my daughter glossed right over that part and fell in love with Eclair and the animals. She asked me "what does Eclair do next?" To me that means this is a hit! We can't wait to see the next in the series.
As I was getting started I worried that a "sick" mom might bring up questions I wasn't really ready to answer, but my daughter glossed right over that part and fell in love with Eclair and the animals. She asked me "what does Eclair do next?" To me that means this is a hit! We can't wait to see the next in the series.
October 1, 2014
I won this one on the first read. This one was sweet. This one is good for little children just learning to read. Also would be a good read for a little one that loves animals. It also has cute pictures.
August 20, 2014
This book is like a modern day Junie B. Jones book about a little girl who must live with her eccentric grandmother on a farm.
June 13, 2019
I bought this book to read to my granddaughter whil waiting for her brothr at baseball practice. Cute story.
November 10, 2014
Emily Clair's mom is very sick and she will be in a hospital and her dad has to travel for employment. She and her baby sister go to grandma Stella's farm.EClair thinks that her grandma is bad but in the end she realize that she is not. I think this is a Grow-Up book that helps introduce kids to real life gently.
I love it!
I love it!
January 3, 2015
review coming soon
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