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Isabella
Isabella: Star of the Story
Every day is an adventure with Isabella!
An everyday visit to the library becomes an unexpected adventure through the pages of classic children's book favorites! Like Goldilocks, Isabella searches for a book that is juuust right.
Should she host a silly tea party in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter? Take a Technicolor trip through Oz with the Cowardly Lion? Or have a swashbuckling good time with the Lost Boys?
Join Isabella as she imagines herself in the starring role of these beloved stories and discovers the extraordinary power of reading. Anything is possible between the pages of a good book!
An everyday visit to the library becomes an unexpected adventure through the pages of classic children's book favorites! Like Goldilocks, Isabella searches for a book that is juuust right.
Should she host a silly tea party in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter? Take a Technicolor trip through Oz with the Cowardly Lion? Or have a swashbuckling good time with the Lost Boys?
Join Isabella as she imagines herself in the starring role of these beloved stories and discovers the extraordinary power of reading. Anything is possible between the pages of a good book!
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
About the author
Jennifer Fosberry
21 books45 followersJennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children's book author. After working in the high-tech industry in Silicon Valley and running away to Costa Rica for a few years, she returned to the San Francisco Bay area to read, write, raise kids, and get out of doing the housework. She lives with her patient husband, her three darling children, and her two little dogs, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 14, 2013
I loved My Name is Not Isabella and when I found out that, author, Jennifer Fosberry and, illustrator, Mike Litwin where making a sequel, I could not wait to read it! I was not disappointed. In the first story, Isabella pretends that she is a number of famous women, in history, throughout her day. It is a really fun book and a great way to introduce some female heroes to beginning elementary age and before.
For Star of the Story, Fosberry has Isabella pretend to be different characters from famous books, such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Once again, illustrations are beautiful and colorful. Isabella is wonderfully dressed as the different characters but is still recognizable as Isabella for young children. Her stuffed mouse also makes a comeback. In this book we are also introduced to Isabella’s Father and her Librarian, again, like in book 1, the adults are not a focus and are not shown in full as Isabella is. They are also only referred to as The Father and The Librarian, just as The Mother was in book 1. The focus is Isabella and the characters she pretends to be.
My daughter loved it and both of the “Bella” books are constantly being read in our house. I did feel that the flow of the text was not quite as tight as the first book. The first book is wonderfully repetitive, just as is great for that age. The mother would call Isabella by whichever name she had chosen and then be told, “I am not (name).” Then she asks who is here, is told “I am (insert name) the greatest…) and she responds with an instruction for the new name that includes some kind of play on words. Marie Curie “discovers” the answers to her homework. In this book, I felt the exchange was not quite the same and sometimes leaned more to the play on words and not the repetitive. In addition, the characters used are not all ones that will be known to the age range that the book is designed for, for example Captain Nemo and Black Beauty. These can be great conversation starters and hopefully introduce books to be enjoyed in the future. 5/5 stars
For Star of the Story, Fosberry has Isabella pretend to be different characters from famous books, such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Once again, illustrations are beautiful and colorful. Isabella is wonderfully dressed as the different characters but is still recognizable as Isabella for young children. Her stuffed mouse also makes a comeback. In this book we are also introduced to Isabella’s Father and her Librarian, again, like in book 1, the adults are not a focus and are not shown in full as Isabella is. They are also only referred to as The Father and The Librarian, just as The Mother was in book 1. The focus is Isabella and the characters she pretends to be.
My daughter loved it and both of the “Bella” books are constantly being read in our house. I did feel that the flow of the text was not quite as tight as the first book. The first book is wonderfully repetitive, just as is great for that age. The mother would call Isabella by whichever name she had chosen and then be told, “I am not (name).” Then she asks who is here, is told “I am (insert name) the greatest…) and she responds with an instruction for the new name that includes some kind of play on words. Marie Curie “discovers” the answers to her homework. In this book, I felt the exchange was not quite the same and sometimes leaned more to the play on words and not the repetitive. In addition, the characters used are not all ones that will be known to the age range that the book is designed for, for example Captain Nemo and Black Beauty. These can be great conversation starters and hopefully introduce books to be enjoyed in the future. 5/5 stars
June 24, 2013
I liked the idea of this book, but I don't actually think kids really know who all of these characters are. So, it is more a book for librarians and adults like me to like rather than the kids. Fun book though.
January 23, 2020
Cute book about a girl going to the library and imagining she’s characters in books. Tried a bit too hard to encourage kids to read and go the library.
April 30, 2013
This is one of the most charming books EVER. Isabella imagines herself as part of her favorite books (Dorothy, for example, and Goldilocks) and her parents play along. But no sooner does she christen herself one character then she decides that she wants to be someone else instead.
This is perfect for little kids who are just starting to read by themselves or to read to a kid that you want to become a hardcore reader. And, like I said, it's very cute.
Besides the adorable storyline, there are also facts about the books she picks. This will also hopefully serve to get young readers even more interested in these classic stories. (Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, etc.)
Highly recommend.
This is perfect for little kids who are just starting to read by themselves or to read to a kid that you want to become a hardcore reader. And, like I said, it's very cute.
Besides the adorable storyline, there are also facts about the books she picks. This will also hopefully serve to get young readers even more interested in these classic stories. (Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, etc.)
Highly recommend.
April 3, 2018
This story is delightful, creative, and a great introduction to some wonderful classics!
October 4, 2018
Jennifer Fosberry’s “Isabella: Star of the Story” is an adorable picture book for children for kids ages 4 to 8 years old.
“Isabella: Star of the Story” is the story of a little girl named Isabella, who loves to read. Her parents take her to the library to check out some books, and she takes on the persona of different character, ranging from Peter Pan to Goldilocks to Dorothy, but in the end, she’s just Isabella, a girl who loves to read.
I’ve decided to give this book a 4-star rating. The plot and originality of the format of the book were what pushed me to give this book the rating I did. I have never read a book in which the main character “switches” personalities to join the fun in different stories. The wide range of stories that Fosberry has Isabella join makes this book perfect for any gender. My favorite character Isabella “turns into” was Alice in Wonderland. The use of colors in this book make it easier for young children to follow along. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
“Isabella: Star of the Story” is the story of a little girl named Isabella, who loves to read. Her parents take her to the library to check out some books, and she takes on the persona of different character, ranging from Peter Pan to Goldilocks to Dorothy, but in the end, she’s just Isabella, a girl who loves to read.
I’ve decided to give this book a 4-star rating. The plot and originality of the format of the book were what pushed me to give this book the rating I did. I have never read a book in which the main character “switches” personalities to join the fun in different stories. The wide range of stories that Fosberry has Isabella join makes this book perfect for any gender. My favorite character Isabella “turns into” was Alice in Wonderland. The use of colors in this book make it easier for young children to follow along. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
August 28, 2017
Miss 3 and I like to explore different books at the library and try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
This was one of the books that I chose and we both loved it. Miss 3 adores books and loved that Isabella does too. She also liked all of the pictures and the imagining that Isabella does. I loved all the references to famous children's stories and the tie ins between the pictures in each page.
This was one of the books that I chose and we both loved it. Miss 3 adores books and loved that Isabella does too. She also liked all of the pictures and the imagining that Isabella does. I loved all the references to famous children's stories and the tie ins between the pictures in each page.
September 23, 2018
“It’s me Isabella ... Just someone who loves a good book.”
As Isabella goes around the library, she becomes different characters, like Goldilocks, Dorothy ... even Captain Nemo, as she decides which books to check out.
I like the clues given in the illustrations as to who she’s going to be next.
As Isabella goes around the library, she becomes different characters, like Goldilocks, Dorothy ... even Captain Nemo, as she decides which books to check out.
I like the clues given in the illustrations as to who she’s going to be next.
October 31, 2019
An elementary and up picture book about a little girl who keeps imagining herself into some classic stories. A knowledge of the classic stories is needed although an afterward explains many of the stories.
July 14, 2017
Isabella travels through famous literature at the library.
July 22, 2017
Book about books - what's not to love. Great little history lesson at the end too.
January 4, 2018
More fun for adults than for kids...
July 7, 2019
A cute little picture book about a little girl who loves to read and imagines herself as the main character of a few well known, well loved classics.
September 6, 2019
I like the story much more than the illustrations.
July 15, 2017
I think the idea of the book, a little girl with a great imagination, is a nice idea for a story. But I also think that the way the Isabella books are written would be a little too complicated for a child. Nice illustrations though.
March 12, 2017
Isabella visits the library and pretends she is many of the different characters of books she is choosing.
June 18, 2013
Isabella: Star of the Story is a picturebook written by Jennifer Fosberry and illustrated by Mike Litwin, which is scheduled for release today, April 1 2013. Isabella is a girl with a love of books, a big imagination, and snazzy purple hair. When Isabella and her parents head to the library Isabella becomes the characters from some of the most popular children's books. Isabella is briefly Alice, and Dorothy, Peter Pan, and a number of other well known personas. When it is time to check out and head home, Isabella decides that it is best just to be herself, at least until it is reading time again.
Isabella: Star of the Story is a fun story which highlights an early love of reading and the use of imagination. The pictures are bold and colorful, matching the story with exactly what was needed to really bring the entire story alive. As the mother of to young children with imagination to spare, I have to say that it can be both a blessing and a curse at times- but I would much rather my children have their extremely active minds than the alternative. Isabella is a girl that falls completely into the books she reads, and loves to imagine herself in the story. I loved her spunk and imagination, and her hair of course. On the other hand, I was less than thrilled with the image of the librarian towards the end of the book, as it was closer to now outdated stereotypes of librarians rather than the reality. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the story as a whole, and the additional information about each of the books alluded to in the story and their authors.
I recommend Isabella: Star of the Story to readers of all ages. It is a great book for encouraging reading, the use of imagination, and library use. Children, and adults, that are already book lovers will recognize a kindred soul in Isabella, and make this book a fast favorite.
Isabella: Star of the Story is a fun story which highlights an early love of reading and the use of imagination. The pictures are bold and colorful, matching the story with exactly what was needed to really bring the entire story alive. As the mother of to young children with imagination to spare, I have to say that it can be both a blessing and a curse at times- but I would much rather my children have their extremely active minds than the alternative. Isabella is a girl that falls completely into the books she reads, and loves to imagine herself in the story. I loved her spunk and imagination, and her hair of course. On the other hand, I was less than thrilled with the image of the librarian towards the end of the book, as it was closer to now outdated stereotypes of librarians rather than the reality. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the story as a whole, and the additional information about each of the books alluded to in the story and their authors.
I recommend Isabella: Star of the Story to readers of all ages. It is a great book for encouraging reading, the use of imagination, and library use. Children, and adults, that are already book lovers will recognize a kindred soul in Isabella, and make this book a fast favorite.
February 18, 2017
Cute, but not particularly stunning. Isabella imagines herself as the heroes and heroines of story after story.
August 29, 2014
Spunk is the first word that comes to mind when I think of young Isabella - if you’ve read Jennifer Fosberry’s other two picture books staring Isabella then you’ll know what I’m talking about. In this story Isabella dives in and out of classic children’s books – Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland and several others – in her library before her mother calls her home.
Isabella’s experiences are very reminiscent of my childhood. When her mom takes her to the library I remember all the Saturday mornings my mom would do the same thing. When Isabella suddenly finds herself in Wonderland I remember picking up the book for the first time. When the librarian helps Isabella find books I remember all the helpful librarians who’ve guided me to the perfect book.
The bright and colorful illustrations go a long way to capture the attention of children and adults alike. As the story progresses the illustrations go on to reflect the vignettes and stories from Isabella’s perspective, reflecting her endless creativity and enthusiasm.
Beautiful, engaging and a whole lot of fun – I’d highly recommend reading Isabella’s story, especially if you have young ones to read this one too!
Isabella’s experiences are very reminiscent of my childhood. When her mom takes her to the library I remember all the Saturday mornings my mom would do the same thing. When Isabella suddenly finds herself in Wonderland I remember picking up the book for the first time. When the librarian helps Isabella find books I remember all the helpful librarians who’ve guided me to the perfect book.
The bright and colorful illustrations go a long way to capture the attention of children and adults alike. As the story progresses the illustrations go on to reflect the vignettes and stories from Isabella’s perspective, reflecting her endless creativity and enthusiasm.
Beautiful, engaging and a whole lot of fun – I’d highly recommend reading Isabella’s story, especially if you have young ones to read this one too!
March 26, 2013
There were a lot of things that I loved about this book. I loved Isabella and her love of books and the library (natural since I'm a librarian). I loved her eagerness to use her imagination in enjoying the books she chose. The illustrations are delightful and imaginative and match the story to a tee. I loved the references to classic children's literature, including Peter Pan, Goldilocks, Dorothy, and Alice. I really appreciated the information about the authors of these classic works that the author included at the back of the book. There is some interesting information there that would be fun to share. For example, I did not know that the L. in L. Frank Baum stood for Lyman or that Dorothy's shoes were originally silver. This is a great book to use in encouraging students to read and imagine their way through some great children's literature. Highly recommended.
May 11, 2013
My children may be 15, but we all love picture books. You can find some great art in them. This would be an example of a book where the story and art called to us.
Isabella shares her excitement about discovering new stories and her local library. Any child should be jealous of her daily trips to the library and her adventures found in some great books.
I love how supportive her parents are of her love of stories and play along with her imagination.
I would/will give this book to any new parents, so they can raise their children to have a great love of reading.
As a note, the author and artist stay true to the books introduced instead of the movie versions which shows a great love for books.
I won a signed copy of this book on Goodreads and it will be save for many years to come.
Isabella shares her excitement about discovering new stories and her local library. Any child should be jealous of her daily trips to the library and her adventures found in some great books.
I love how supportive her parents are of her love of stories and play along with her imagination.
I would/will give this book to any new parents, so they can raise their children to have a great love of reading.
As a note, the author and artist stay true to the books introduced instead of the movie versions which shows a great love for books.
I won a signed copy of this book on Goodreads and it will be save for many years to come.
June 9, 2013
Isabella is a girl with so much energy and enthusiasm that it is contagious. The familiar classics are introduced with a fresh touch to young readers and kids will be thrilled as they try to guess the books Isabella is picking up next. I am pretty sure I know what the next set of books from our library trip will include:)
I loved Isabella as she zoomed through different careers and am looking forward to more of her everyday adventures. This one is one of those books I will keep in my list of to have and to gift books for kids this age.
My kids' thoughts: Love Isabella! especially when she wears red shoes on the yellow brick road!
Rating: A
Reading Level: 4 to 8 years
Reread Level: 4.5/5
Disclaimer:Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a digital review copy of the book. I was not compensated for my review.
I loved Isabella as she zoomed through different careers and am looking forward to more of her everyday adventures. This one is one of those books I will keep in my list of to have and to gift books for kids this age.
My kids' thoughts: Love Isabella! especially when she wears red shoes on the yellow brick road!
Rating: A
Reading Level: 4 to 8 years
Reread Level: 4.5/5
Disclaimer:Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a digital review copy of the book. I was not compensated for my review.
September 11, 2014
Every day is an adventure with Isabella! An everyday visit to the library becomes an unexpected adventure through the pages of classic children's book favorites! Like Goldilocks, Isabella searches for a book that is just right. Should she host a silly tea party in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter? Take a Technicolor trip through Oz with the Cowardly Lion? Or have a swashbuckling good time with the Lost Boys? Join Isabella as she imagines herself in the starring role of these beloved stories and discovers the extraordinary power of reading. Anything is possible between the pages of a good book!
Subjects
Imagination in children -- Juvenile fiction.
Books and reading -- Juvenile fiction
Characters and characteristics in literature -- Juvenile fiction.
Libraries -- Juvenile fiction
Subjects
Imagination in children -- Juvenile fiction.
Books and reading -- Juvenile fiction
Characters and characteristics in literature -- Juvenile fiction.
Libraries -- Juvenile fiction
December 2, 2013
This was a cute little story about a girl named Isabella. Isabella loves books and goes to the library with her parents. During the trip to the library she obviously is searching for good books to check out but also pretends like she is not Isabella but a character from a book. This story would be great for a classroom because it could spark an interest or awareness of different books for students to read. Isabella is so enthusiastic and excited about each book I believe that it would make students want to go to the library right afterwards and checkout books of their own. That being said it would also be great to read before a class library trip to have kids be even more pumped up and excited to go!
January 23, 2017
This book is what I like to call a "bookworm's delight," or a book about the love for books. I had such a feeling of nostalgia while reading Isabella, Star of the Story to my daughter. From Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of OZ, I adored all the classics referenced in Isabella, Star of the Story. The author even included background info for all the beloved books that were referenced. I always appreciate these types of author's notes for parents. This book will help get kids excited to visit their local library to pick out books. I'm all about books that show children that reading is fun.
Recommended to: bookworm parents; reluctant readers
Recommended to: bookworm parents; reluctant readers
March 5, 2013
Received a copy from NetGalley.
Isabella and her parents visit the local library and what enfolds is not your typical visit. As each page unfolds, the magic of books and stories begins. Isabella is transplanted in the middle of a bunch of different children's stories such as the Wizard of Oz, Black Beauty, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, etc. Colorful illustrations are sure to draw young and old readers in.
Con: I was bothered by how the librarian was depicted towards the end of the book. It felt a little too typical of what we think of when we hear the word librarian and in most cases so far from the truth.
Isabella and her parents visit the local library and what enfolds is not your typical visit. As each page unfolds, the magic of books and stories begins. Isabella is transplanted in the middle of a bunch of different children's stories such as the Wizard of Oz, Black Beauty, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, etc. Colorful illustrations are sure to draw young and old readers in.
Con: I was bothered by how the librarian was depicted towards the end of the book. It felt a little too typical of what we think of when we hear the word librarian and in most cases so far from the truth.
March 21, 2013
As a family takes a trip to their local library, their daughter, Isabella is transported through the pages of favorite children's stories as she briefly pretends to be Peter Pan, Goldilocks, Captain Nemo,Black Beauty, and Dorothy while selecting books that are just right for her to check out. Isabella Star of the Story is beautifully illustrated in rich colors. While many young children will have not yet read some of the titles Isabella decides to check out, it is never to early to lay the foundation for the wonderful stories to come.
April 18, 2013
Inspirational character, Isabella (very young, purple hair and spunk) returns. This time spends the day imagining herself as the star of many books as she navigates the library in search of the books to check out and take home. One minute she is Peter Pan, then Goldilocks, Captain Nemo, Black Beauty, Alice and finally Dorothy. As ever, best line in the story - "...We'll pick one for tonight and we can curl up and read the res of them...tomorrow." Offers girls the chance to dream big and limitless dreams! I love this series. And the artwork is fantastic!
May 29, 2013
5 Stars
I love a good story about a library and this one counts. Isabella is at the library, and she is not Isabella. One moment she is Peter Pan, then Captain Nemo, and even Alice in Wonderland. She knows that when you read you can go on any adventure to places near and far, and that if you have a Library Card, those adventures are usually free. This book has great illustrations, a cute story and is not too long to read at Toddler Time. It even has a short synopsis about each book mentioned.
I love a good story about a library and this one counts. Isabella is at the library, and she is not Isabella. One moment she is Peter Pan, then Captain Nemo, and even Alice in Wonderland. She knows that when you read you can go on any adventure to places near and far, and that if you have a Library Card, those adventures are usually free. This book has great illustrations, a cute story and is not too long to read at Toddler Time. It even has a short synopsis about each book mentioned.
November 17, 2014
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Love of books and reading
Isabella visits the library with her parents and takes them on a wild ride as she transforms into each of her favorite characters. The illustrations are great and very big--perfect for reading aloud to a big group. Two big things I liked about this book (other than the premise) are the end notes discussing each book that has been mentioned (for the info hungry) and I appreciated that Isabella was having fun and playing with her parents, not another child (which the latter is an all-too-common relationship in picture books).
Love of books and reading
Isabella visits the library with her parents and takes them on a wild ride as she transforms into each of her favorite characters. The illustrations are great and very big--perfect for reading aloud to a big group. Two big things I liked about this book (other than the premise) are the end notes discussing each book that has been mentioned (for the info hungry) and I appreciated that Isabella was having fun and playing with her parents, not another child (which the latter is an all-too-common relationship in picture books).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews