I am definitely not the target audience for this book, but I liked the Ivy and Bean series well enough as a kid that I decided to check out the first Stella and Marigold on Libby, maybe hoping for a little nostalgia trip. And it was cute! Stella and Marigold aren't as chaotic as Ivy and Bean were, and Annie Blackall really gets how kids think and perceive the world. The illustrations were much nicer than in Ivy and Bean, which always creeped me out a little, even as a child.

But this one... was not the best. I still don't like the girls' father. I also wasn't a fan of the plotline involving the mermaid candleholder, though Laredo was a gem. The only part I really liked was when Stella tried convincing her classmates that she could make it snow with her mind. Joana seemed really sweet, and I hope she'll make an appearance in the next book (which I still plan on reading even though I am almost 25, don't judge).

Stella & Marigold: Mermaids and Mix-Ups perfectly captures the way children would respond to and interpret different situations. The interactions between the two sisters, their parents, neighbors, and friends is whimsical, innocent, and perfectly told through a child's perspective. Children and parents alike will enjoy reading this.

I received an electronic ARC from Chronicle Books through NetGalley.
Stella and Marigold are back for more adventures at home. The girls receive books from an aunt they don't know and try to fill in the answers to questions. When they come to the friends list, they realize they don't have as many friends as blanks on the page. Readers see them try to figure out more friends with humorous results. I love the ending when they realize they have the perfect number of friends for them.

Stella & Marigold are back for a second set of charming adventures, centered around childhood mishaps and adventures reminiscent of Beverly Cleary's Ramona Quimby. The sisters sweetly help one another deal with bullies, band-aids, and itchy dresses sent by relatives as they smartly navigate their way through the world with courage and confidence. This book is perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo books who are just beginning to read chapter books on their own, as engaging text is brought to life by Sophie Blackhall's delightful illustrations.

As a sister and a girl mom, I thoroughly enjoyed this book about 2 sisters who are trying to make new friends. The shenanigans that they get into reminded me so much of things that my sister and I used to do when we were younger. I know that my girls and my young bookstore customers will enjoy this story and get some good chuckles out of it as they read. Plus, I can't pass up anything that Sophie Blackall illustrates!

Another beautiful and delightful book by Barrows and Blackall. Stella and Marigold are so magical with their imaginations. Their imaginations inform how the walk through the world and how they interact with people. I love them very much and hope to see more of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this DRC.
#StellaMarigoldMermaidsandMixUps #NetGalley

The next book in the Stella & Marigold series. I liked the first book better. I like how it’s an easier chapter book with wonderful color illustrations. That part will be appealing to earlier readers. I wish the chapter had a little more substance. Still cute though.

This was so cute! I am an absolute sucker for Sophie Blackall's art style and adore it no matter where I see it. I really liked that this was a "mundane" story about two sisters, just going about their days. Nothing fantastical or unrealistic!

Cute little slice of life book for earlyish/transitional readers. The pictures are a cute addition. Kiddos who loved book 1 will surely love book 2 with Stella & Marigold.

Author Annie Barrows sends 7-year-old Stella and her little sister Marigold, almost 5, on adventures. Not to the Amazon jungle, or outer space, or some magic land, but everyday adventures that Barrows still makes sound so fun! Stella (but especially Marigold) think and behave just as young children do in real life, sometimes misbehaving. Such a wonderful change of pace! And I love the name of Marigold’s school: Sarah and Angelina Grimké Elementary School! Almost as much as I adore this chapter book.

Stella & Marigold: Mermaids and Mix-ups appears to be the second in a series, but I never felt lost. Two-time Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall provides some of the most winsome illustrations ever.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review.

An imaginative, lovable, and fun addition to the series! This author/illustrator duo are always a win in my book and I look forward to more books to come.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have been recommending the Ivy and Bean Series for years, and am so happy to have another similar series to offer along these lines.
What I particularly appreciate about the collection of stories is that it is appropriate both for younger readers who read above grade level as well as slightly older readers. Shorter chapters that complete each adventure also make it easier for those independent readers who struggle with longer books, as there is a feeling of accomplishment at the end of each chapter as opposed to having to finish the entire book.
Looking forward to the further escapades of Stella and Marigold!

I read this with my 8 year old daughter and she enjoyed the stories about the girls and their adventures. It was a longer book than I had originally expected when I first requested the book. It isn't an issue, just not what I thought it would be. It does present as an older book.