Latest Release!
Join friends as they explore the evening forest together lit by fireflies. Flop and splash on water’s edge with Toad. Share secrets with red-haired Fox and soar high into the starry night sky with Owl. If I Met the Moon at Night takes you on a bedtime adventure filled with curiosity for all things awake after dark, while accompanied by the soft glow of the moon’s pale light.
Stella's Umbrellas
Meet Stella!
The only thing bigger than her extraordinary umbrella collection is the secret behind their hidden magic. Join Stella as she attempts to use her kindness, charm and posh parasols to remedy pickles, mend messes and help friends along the way.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
The Prairies Book Review
Deliciously readable… A fun romp through and through.
Addictive rhyming, high energy, and a dash of magic mark award-winning Reed’s fantastical latest picture book. Charming and fun, little Stella makes for a striking figure everywhere she goes. The reason: she carries an umbrella with her all the time. While other children are curious about Stella’s many umbrellas, Stella knows she cannot disclose the fact that her umbrellas have magic. But that doesn’t stop her from helping others when in need. Reed has a way with words; her rhyming is fun and her language age-appropriate, with pleasing alliteration. (“The one with the ruffles can make you feel silly/ Some have pom-poms, ribbons, and bows that are frilly”) The little Stella, with her wild hair, feisty attitude, and playful, helping nature make for an adorable protagonist. With lightness and verve, Reed explores weighty subjects of bullying, understanding, compassion, and consideration in a way that will resonate with any youngster. The rip-roaring, fun narrative is sure to elicit giggles. Delightfully fancy and engaging, Nataliya Chervochkova’s bright illustrations bring young Stella alive while propelling the story forward. This sweet and goofy read is a must-have for nursery bookshelves.
Laura Dombek-Crain,
Elementary School Teacher
Stella's Umbrellas provides teachers and young children with many ways to extend learning. Not only is the book full of rhyme and robust vocabulary with opportunities for students to discover new words, it also offers the chance for meaningful discussion about theme and topics of character building. As a teacher I appreciate books that can be used in so many ways. Most importantly, though, children will enjoy the lyrical language and vibrant illustrations that will keep them engaged and all ears. This will be a high traffic book in any school or classroom library!
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Roberta Nelson,
Retired Elementary School Teacher
As a former first grade teacher one of my favorite things to do was read books aloud to my class. Stella's Umbrellas is a perfect read aloud book.The text is rhyming and the illustrations are colorful and fun. The story has a fantastic theme including magic! After reading the book, the class could explore some questions in the story leading to some positive interactions with the students. This book is a must have for any classroom library!
Deanna Hurtubise,
Author, Retired High School Teacher
Most people don't realize how difficult it is to write a superb children's book. And it is even more difficult to write an entertaining story in rhyme. Julie Reed accomplished every requirement for an outstanding, read-aloud picture book. Both the meter and the rhyme are flawless as she combined a sweet story on the importance of kindness with expressive language to stimulate the imagination of the reader. The illustrations are as delightful as the narrative and enhance the total experience. Without reading a word, we can almost sense Stella's personality from her images. As a published author of children's picture books, I heartily recommend Stella's Umbrellas to all those who enjoy a feel good read. Parents and teachers will love this one!