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Written by Anika Denise
Illustrated by Christopher Denise
Philomel, 2010
$16.99, ages 3-8, 40 pages
A little girl braves the unknown of her new home with the help of her pudgy elephant toy, who grows to life-size when no one else is looking.
In this adorably illustrated book by the creators of Pigs Love Potatoes, a timid girl with pigtails puts on a happy face for her toy so that he doesn't feel as scared as she is.
As Bella leaves her old house with her stuffed elephant, Stella, clutched in her arm, she tries to act strong but inside her head is swirling with worry.
Counting every step leading out of the house, Bella looks back at the porch with sad eyes and assures her toy that everything will be okay.
But it's hard to let go of a house that's a home and through a car window Bella watches her home shrink away until there's nothing left to see.
Scrunched in beside her in the back seat, Stella has grown so huge that nothing else in the backseat can be seen.
In silence, the elephant looks back with the same nervous eyes, as the two snuggle through the drive together.
When they arrive at the house, Bella and Stella feel detached from everything they see. Even the porch steps are unfamiliar: there are ten instead of three.
Mommy says the house has character, but all Bella can see is dust, emptiness and all that's missing.
The kitchen walls are yellow instead of blue, and the yard has only shrubs and grass, not an oak tree like they're used to. And why does the bathtub have feet?
As they wander through the house, Bella comforts Stella, whose ears sag like those on a wet dog and her hooves point inward showing how shy she feels.
In one of the sweetest scenes, Stella crouches on her haunches behind Bella in the kitchen and from over Bella's shoulder, grips Bella's ha
2 Comments on Bella and Stella Come Home, last added: 12/2/2010
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What a great cover! Thanks for sharing this great title-I'll have to put it on my next library order.
What a lovely blog... I look forward to following. Thank you for reviewing Bella and Stella Come Home!
Best wishes,
Anika Denise