CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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Stella & Marigold (#1)
CCBC Review:
At four years old, Marigold still has a lot to learn about the way the world works. Fortunately her older sister, seven-year-old Stella, takes her job very seriously. “I’m going to tell you all the secret things I know,” Stella whispered into newborn Marigold’s ear the first time they met. And so she does, in her kind and clever way. When the plumber removes a hairclip from their clogged drain, everyone knows that Marigold put it there. After their mother scolds Marigold, though, Stella casually explains to Marigold that the objects in the bathroom come alive and walk around each night; obviously, the hairclip fell in during a nighttime excursion. Each chapter presents a different learning opportunity or bonding moment for the white sisters. Embarrassed to have gotten lost in a viewing tunnel at the zoo, Marigold is reassured by Stella’s story about the time the Vice President got lost in their city. When Marigold fibs to her classmates about living in Japan, Stella pretend-travels with her to Japan that evening. The sisters delight in imaginary play that creates a sense of closeness and a special world that only they share. Colorful illustrations add even more sweetness and humor to an appealing sibling story steeped in child sensibilities. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Embarrassment
Humor
Imagination/Imaginary Play
Sisters
Truth and Lies
On CCBC Booklist:
Family Read-Alouds
Publisher:
Chronicle
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 98
ISBN: 9781797219707
CCBC Location: Fiction, Barrows
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Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.