Books with author Marie Louise Elias

This hilarious collection of illustrated stories gives us a glimpse into the things children wonder about every day.What do cats really see? What do trees talk about? Should you make funny faces on a windy day? Do worms rule the world? Do mothers always tell the truth? Do snails have nightmares?These short stories are illustrated in vibrant watercolor and collage in cartoon style. They are rich in detail and tiny humorous subplots that will delight all little sharp-eyed monsters.

One night, Roise and Toby Toby discover a way to steal the moon right out of the sky, accomplished by a rather plump white cat and a mouse in pajamas. Moonlight, stars, and flying fish set the stage for their enchanting, mysterious adventures. Did Roise and Toby Toby really sail through the clouds and stars? Or is it only a dream? Ask a small child, you may be surprised...

Stella's little brother Sam wonders whether fairies are invisible. Stella assures him that she has seen hundreds of them and that if she and Sam venture across the meadow and into the forest, they are likely to find some.So begins another adventure in the Stella and Sam series about the irrepressible red-head, and her slightly apprehensive little brother.

Stella’s little brother Sam stars in this delightful new picture book by Marie-Louise Gay."I’ll help you get dressed," said Stella."No," said Sam. "I can do it by myself."But Sam takes a roundabout route to getting dressed and, as usual, his big sister Stella is there to help but this time Sam has the last laugh.Vibrant and humorous, Marie-Louise Gay’s stories and pictures explore the endearing, intimate scenes of young childhood.

In this enchanting picture book, Stella and Sam are spending the day at the beach. Stella has been there before and knows all the sea's secrets, but Sam has many questions. "Does a catfish purr? Does a sea horse gallop?" Stella has an answer for them all. The only thing she isn’t sure of, and neither are we, is whether Sam will ever come into the water. Exquisite watercolors bring a day at the beach alive in this perfect summer story. Gently humorous, Stella, Star of the Sea also captures the special relationship between a young girl and her baby brother — a responsibility that can be both lots of fun and very trying.

In Good Night, Sam Marie-Louise Gay has created another charming picture book about Stella’s little brother."Stella," whispered Sam, "are you sleeping?""Yes," answered Stella. "Aren’t you?"Sam can’t sleep without his beloved dog, Fred. But where could he be? Sam knows that Fred is afraid of the dark, of the monster that lives in the closet and of the giant toad that lurks downstairs. Luckily, Stella is there to reassure Sam as they search everywhere.Marie-Louise Gay’s delicate watercolors, full of expression and humor, complement this delightful story.

Stella, Star of the Sea, the first book in Marie-Louise Gay’s wildly popular series, was published ten years ago. Since then, she has written six more books about Stella and little brother Sam, all of which have received rave reviews and countless awards. In celebration of the series’ tenth anniversary, four of the irrepressible redhead’s most popular adventures are collected here in mini-harcover formats: Stella, Star of the Sea; Stella, Queen of the Snow; Stella, Fairy of the Forest; and Stella, Princess of the Sky. All reflect Gay’s remarkable ability to capture the joy of young children discovering about the world around them.

Winner of the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver AwardStella and her little brother, Sam, are spending the day playing in the snow. The forest, snowballs, snow angels and the mysterious white stuff itself provide fuel for Sam's questions and Stella's answers as they discover the world of winter together. Exquisite, evocative watercolors bring a snowy day alive and make this a wonderful winter story. Gently humorous, the book also captures the relationship between an older sister and her little brother -- a fun yet sometimes trying responsibility. Stella and Sam explore the wonders of snow with the same magic that they bring to all their adventures.

The narrator of this story thinks that there’s nothing to do on his little round island, which he shares with a wolf, two cats, three ants, and a bat. But all around him, fantastic events are taking place — it’s just that the boy and his friends are always looking in the wrong direction. Marie-Louise Gay’s signature style brings delight and whimsy to every page. “A masterpiece.... Gay’s [picture books] are completely invigorating and accessible to their young audience, providing a rich literary experience that nourishes both intellect and emotion.” — Toronto Star

Caramba is a fat, furry, striped cat with a big problem. “Every single cat in the world can fly,” he sighs, “except me!” Caramba would love to swoop and glide between the clouds, to feel the wind whistling through his fur. He tries to soar into the sky over and over again but always lands flat on his face, until finally he sadly accepts that he is earthbound. “Don't be such a scaredy-cat,” cry his cousins. “All cats are meant to fly!” They grab his paws and whisk him up into the sky for an impromptu flying lesson that ends with a big splash and a surprising discovery in this beautifully illustrated story with a special message of self-acceptance.