Ella May and the Wishing Stone

(Hardback)

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Description

One day, Ella May finds a stone that has a line going all-all-all the way around it. Surely a stone this special must grant wishes, she decides. Soon she is busy making wishes and bragging about them. When her friends want to share the fun, Ella May objects. But she soon learns that keeping the stone for herself is a sure way to lose friends. By using her imagination much more powerful than any stone she is able to grant everybodys wishes, including her own.

Cary Fagans witty and sharply observed story will delight young readers who are beginning to explore the pleasures and challenges of sharing and friendship.

Reviews

Fagan believably captures the delicate balance of friendship in the very young and lets the story play out with welcome complexity. Ct's illustrations are simple without being cartoonish, demonstrating the same warm understanding of childhood. Thoughtful and Touching
Kirkus Reviews

Cary Fagan does a great job here with both the fun, engaging story, and the fine tricks of repetition and structure that make Ella May and the Wishing Stone ideal for early reader. Genevive Cts watercolour illustrations are lively and simple, focusing on the kids themselves and hewing closely to the narrative. The net result is an original and imaginative treatment of one of the hardest lessons of early childhood sharing in a colourful package thats likely to charm kids and adults alike.
Quill & Quire

Ctsillustrations drive the story along with light and expressive outlines and wash effects children wont have any difficulty following the action, and theyll recognize Ellas conflicting impulses.
Publishers Weekly

the little girl uses her imagination to reconnect with her friends, and realizes that they are far more important than wishes. Ultimately, she is able to grant everyones wishes, including her own.
The Waterloo Region Record

The charming drawings by Genevive Ct depict a late summers day on the sidewalk. Its easy to forgive Ella May when she finally comes to her senses and realizes that friends are much more important than possessions.
Montreal Review of Books

Author Bio

Cary Fagan has written many books for children and adults, including Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas, based on Mordecai Richlers beloved character. His writing has garnered several honors, including the Toronto Book Award, the Jewish Book Committee Prize for Fiction, and the Mr. Christie Silver Medal. His recent picture books include Ten Old Men and a Mouse, My New Shirt, and Thing-Thing. His novels include The Fortress of Kaspar Snit (Silver Birch Honor Book), Directed by Kaspar Snit (Silver Birch Finalist), and Ten Lessons for Kaspar Snit (Silver Birch Honor Book). Cary Fagan lives in Toronto.

Genevive Ct has illustrated a number of childrens books, including The Lady of Shalott and La petite rapporteuse de mots. She both wrote and illustrated a few picture books, among which are Me and You and What Elephant Her editorial art has appeared in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Ct has won several awards, including the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award and the Governor Generals Award for Illustration.