Barrows, Annie. Stella & Marigold. Sophie Blackall, Illus. Chronicle, 10/2024. 108pp. Fiction. Trade $15.99. 978-1-7972-1970-7. GRADES 2–4. OUTSTANDING.
Seven chapters depict the relationship between seven-year-old Stella and four-year-old Marigold as sisters and partners in crime. They are always up for an adventure, imaginary or otherwise. It’s rare to see color illustrations in a chapter book of this length, and Blackall’s mixed media illustrations complement the text well. Barrows has done an excellent job at creating an authentic, recognizable voice in both characters. Stella and Marigold’s family presents white, but ancillary characters provide a bit more diversity. Stella and Marigold have the potential to go down in readers’ memories as a classic sister pair. Hand this book to Dory Fantasmagory (Hanlon, Dial Books) fans, and any readers with a good sense of humor and imagination.
Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District