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

• Commended, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
• Commended, White Ravens
• Short-listed, Vancouver Children's Roundtable Information Book Award
• Winner, Amelia Frances Howard‐Gibbon Illustrator’s Award
• Short-listed, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award
• Commended, Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts
• Commended, School Library Journal Best Books
• Short-listed, Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Illustration
• Commended, Globe 100 Best Books
• Commended, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
• Short-listed, Quebec Writers' Federation Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature

The sideline commentary from some talkative cats and opinionated children contribute a light touch of humor, and the overall message—that creativity is messy and fun!—is empowering.

Booklist

A smart, slightly meta exploration of creativity and the art of storytelling.

Quill & Quire

A delightful and interactive step into the world of creating engaging picture books for children.

Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW

A multicultural cast of curious children barrage the unseen author with dozens of questions . . . Revisit this one often!

Library Media Connection

Running commentary from children and animals in the background of Gay's mixed-media spreads provides comedic moments as Gay encourages readers to push their own creative boundaries.

Publishers Weekly

Marie-Louise Gay has the extraordinary ability to inhabit the mind and voice of a young child. . . . Lovingly illustrated in watercolour, coloured pencil, pastel, and collage, Gay’s cartoon-like drawings convey the exuberance of the young.

CM Magazine