Review
“…Fagan believably captures the delicate balance of friendship in the very young and lets the story play out with welcome complexity. Côté's illustrations are simple without being cartoonish, demonstrating the same warm understanding of childhood. Thoughtful and Touching”
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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. Geneviève Côté’s 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 that’s likely to charm kids and adults alike.”
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Quill & Quire“Côté’s…illustrations drive the story along with light and expressive outlines and wash effects… children won’t have any difficulty following the action, and they’ll recognize Ella’s 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 everyone’s wishes, including her own.”
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The Waterloo Region Record“…The charming drawings by Geneviève Côté depict a late summer’s day on the sidewalk. It’s easy to forgive Ella May when she finally comes to her senses and realizes that friends are much more important than possessions….”
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Montreal Review of Books
About the Author
Cary Fagan has written many books for children and adults, including
Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas, based on Mordecai Richler’s 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.
Geneviève Côté has illustrated a number of children’s 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. Côté has won several awards, including the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award and the Governor General’s Award for Illustration.
