cover image Stella Brings the Family.

Stella Brings the Family.

Miriam B. Schiffer, illus. by Holly Clifton-Brown. Chronicle, $16.99 (36p) ISBN 978-1-4521-1190-2

It’s time to celebrate Mother’s Day in Stella’s class. Everyone has a female parent coming, including Howie, who has two mothers. But Stella is the only kid in her class with two fathers. And while her school is clearly progressive and multicultural, her peers are nonetheless perplexed (even Howie asks, “But who reads you bedtime stories like my mothers do for me?”). When Stella realizes that several people—in addition to her fathers—play maternal roles in her life, the problem is solved, although it does add quite a few folks to the guest list. “For Father’s Day,” Stella promises her exhausted teacher, “she wouldn’t bring nearly as many people.” First-time author Schiffer and Clifton-Brown (Big Bouffant) make a great team. The writing is warmhearted but sharply observed, while the winsome artwork—which features a cast of roundheaded, eager-eyed children—it’s tightly focused and smartly composed. Much like the TV show Modern Family, this story seems as light as a soufflé, but actually offers plenty of food for thought. Ages 5–8. Illustrator’s agent: Jodie Hodges, United Agents. (May)