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.

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.

Stella and Marigold are sisters. Stella is in 2nd grade, while Marigold is in preschool. This book takes them on adventures at home and school. The girls have quite an imagination and love to use it. This book is just right to read aloud or for a beginning chapter book reader. The illustrations are sweet and really make the story come alive. What a great story!

This was the first time I read something so quick and giggled out loud excessively! @anniebarrowsauthor and @sophieblackall teamed up and created "Stella & Marigold". A wonderfully written and illustrated chapter book for junior readers!
Stella and Marigold are sisters, who are only 2 years apart, but tell and do everything together. They share secrets, create worlds/scenarios based off their imagination, and most of all - they show the love that they have for one another throughout the entire book that all sister relationships should have.
Highly recommend this book to any young reader who liked the Ivy + Bean series and anyone who needs a warm cozy read! This book feels like you are growing up with Stella and Marigold! +

Pjs, cuddling, and story-time before bed is a favorite at our house! The last couple weeks the kids had so much fun reading some new material I was given advanced copies of. It’s cute how now they ask what new books I have to read. As soon as I’m finished they will tell me what they loved about the book. My great little reviewers! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📚📖 @netgalley #netgalley

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This was an absolutely adorable book. I think every mom with daughters needs to have this book for them! The illlusyrations are beautiful as well. Highly recommend.

This is such a sweet story!
I loved watching how much Stella loves Marigold and how she teaches her things.
The illustrations are cute and give a great representation of these characters.
A fun new series by Annie Barrows that will be loved by many!

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Stella and Marigold are sisters with wonderful vivid imaginations. A series of short-short stories show their loving sibling relationship and the amazing stories and games they invent. Sophie Blackall beautiful art heightens Annie Barrows storytelling. Shout-out to the Betsy-Tacy book on the bedroom floor. A pure joy to read again and again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this DRC.
#StellaMarigold #NetGalley

This was an adorable story about two girls and their adventures. I loved the illustrations and my students will love the stories. This would be a good read aloud for younger grades or a good challenge for some higher readers. The story was entertaining and heartfelt.

This new book by the author of the Ivy + Bean series is bound to be a classic. Two sisters with big imaginations tell stories and go on adventures while learning lessons about right and wrong. Chapters are the perfect length for reading one a night as bedtime stories. Sisters are very relatable and will be beloved by children. This would be the perfect gift to give a daughter when a new sibling is arriving. Or to give to two sisters. Or - really - for anyone with kids or grandkids!

This is so cute! The same fun, authentic children's voices as Ivy & Bean for the younger set. Stella & Marigold are 2 young sisters growing up together. They often imagine fantastic worlds, and the book is fully illustrated.

Annie Barrows does a great job of capturing the chaotic, imaginative energy of little kids. I would highly recommend this to anyone with young readers!

Thanks to NetGalley, Annie Barrows, and Chronicle Books for the chance to review the advanced copy!