"Stella," whispered Sam, "are you sleeping?"
"Yes," answered Stella. "Aren't you?"
Sam can't sleep without his beloved dog, Fred. But where could he be? Sam knows that Fred is afraid of the dark, of the monster that lives in the closet and of the giant toad that lurks downstairs. Luckily, Stella is there to reassure Sam as they search everywhere.

MARIE-LOUISE GAY has achieved international acclaim as an author and illustrator of children’s books. She has won many awards, including two Governor General’s awards, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award, the Vicky Metcalf Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. She has also been nominated for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Marie-Louise’s very popular Stella and Sam series has been translated into more than fifteen languages and is loved by children all over the world. Her recent books include Any Questions? and Short Stories for Little Monsters. She lives in Montreal. marielouisegay.com

Marie-Louise Gay's profile page

• Short-listed, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award
• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Starred Selection

A selection that's perfect for early readers as well as for one-on-one sharing with toddlers.

School Library Journal

Gay's [picture books] are completely invigorating and accessible to their young audience, providing a rich literary experience that nourishes both intellect and emotion.

Toronto Star

Marie-Louise Gay certainly hasn't lost her touch. This delightful articulation of every small child's fear of things that go bump in the night is a witty visual and verbal cupcake...

Globe and Mail