When Stella Was Very, Very Small

The ever-inquisitive, carrot-top heroine returns, this time with a peek at her early days: “When Stella was very, very small, words looked like ants running off the pages. Butterflies flew on the walls, and cups jumped off the tables, just like that!” reads Gay's text as Stella sits before a pile of books, crayon-scribbled butterflies gracing the walls. Stella's surroundings, which initially have an epic scale for her, become more manageable (though no less magic) as she ages. And “now that Stella is big” and “the ants in her book have become words,” she can read to her little brother. Stella's dynamic world and big sister charisma will pay off for fans of the gentle series. Ages 2–5. (Aug.)