Miriam Schiffer
Children's Book Author

Reviews for Stella Brings the Family

Publisher's Weekly

Starred Review. " 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.  "

Kirkus Review

"Debut picture-book author Schiffer creates a story featuring diverse modern families that children will recognize from their own direct experiences or from their classrooms or communities. She keeps the text closely focused on Stella’s feelings, and Clifton-Brown chooses finely detailed watercolors to illustrate Stella’s initial troubles and eventual happiness. 


"Essential."

School Library Journal

"Miriam B. Schiffer’s gentle tale is told with both a light touch and an astute eye toward a child’s perspective and heartfelt concerns. Starring a protagonist with unruly red curls and an expressive face, Holly Clifton-Brown’s buoyant illustrations depict a multi-ethnic cast of apple-cheeked characters. In addition to reflecting the diversity of modern-day families, this book also celebrates the acceptance, thoughtful kindness, and support found in a caring classroom." 

New York Times Book Review

"Meet Stella, a delightful red-haired preschooler who’s the Heather of the two-dad set."  

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

 “A tender story about the variety of people that make children feel loved and supported.” 

Booklist

"With its validation of nontraditional families, this book offers a welcome change of pace for Mother's Day reading."

Best Of, for Stella Brings the Family

A Mighty Girl

 A Top 2015 Mighty Girl Books for Young Children Pick 

GLBT Round Table of the American Library Association

Selected for the 2016 Rainbow Book List

Huffington Post

Best Picture Books of 2015, Honorable Mention

Anti-Defamation League

Book of the Month, June 2015

Chicago Public Library

Selected as one of the Best Picture Books of 2015

More About Miriam

Miriam B. Schiffer is a co-author of the children's book review column "The Reading Chair" in Young Children, a journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She has an M.F.A. in creative writing from Columbia University. This is her first book for children. She lives in Brooklyn.