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Stella Batts #2
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
One of the best things about having parents who own a candy store is getting to be an official taste-tester. When her dad brings home Magical Glow-in-the-Dark Chewing Gum, Stella can t wait to try it out especially since her younger sister is already blowing bubbles and making magic-gum wishes that come true! Except the gum seems to bring Stella bad luck. First she can t even blow a bubble, the she falls asleep chewing a piece of gum that ends up wadded in her hair, resulting in a drastic haircut. And now her best friend, Willa, announces she s moving clear across the country! It s hard to believe in any kind of magic when stuff like this happens. But Stella knows that when the going gets tough, the tough get going and that s exactly what she plans to do.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
193 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Sheinmel
41 books259 followersBorn in California. Raised in New York. Went to law school, now write full time. Love: long walks, fresh notebooks, the smell of brownies, pomegranate seeds. Don't love: yogurt, spam (the email kind, and the food kind), deep water, deserted city streets.
Newest book: THE SECRETS OF LOVELACE ACADEMY, co-written with Marie Benedict, available on April 22, 2025.
I love to hear from readers! Email me! Ask a question! I promise to reply.
Newest book: THE SECRETS OF LOVELACE ACADEMY, co-written with Marie Benedict, available on April 22, 2025.
I love to hear from readers! Email me! Ask a question! I promise to reply.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 9, 2017
This book is awesome. My favorite part was when Stella and Willa were playing Spit. I want to learn how to play that game. Stella explains how to play in the book. It sounds really fun.
March 7, 2025
My daughter has been reading these books, but I had never heard of them, so I picked up this one after she finished it. It’s very cute and relatable for girls in the 5-8 yr age range.
May 19, 2024
what a genius
February 4, 2019
Another one read with my oldest she loves these books. Full review to follow.
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This is the third Stella Batts book that I have read, and the second that I have read with my oldest we alternate pages. We both love the series. And I do not know a parent who has not had to deal with this specific issue at least once with each child. But to have hair issues with both your children on the same day no wonder that Stella's parents were upset.
But before we get to the story, I have been remiss in my other reviews on this series and a reader asked me about my lack of comments on the illustrations. Mea culpa. The illustrations by Jennifer are wonderful. They are interspersed throughout the book and add to the story. My daughter loves identifying the friends in the pictures and always hopes the pages with illustrations are hers to read. They really do add an extra element to the book and as transitions from early readers to novels they work perfectly to enhance the interest in the books.
The more of these books I read the more I appreciate the, they are great down to earth stories. They are very realistic and yet entertaining enough to keep the attention of this mid-40's guy and his daughter. In fact my youngest has started joining us for reading these because she likes the stories also. They are very well written and as stated wonderfully illustrated.
In this volume as you can guess by the title there is a 'hair' incident or two. In some combination we have magic glow in the dark gum, wishes, scissors and paint. All in all not a great day at the Batts household. And add to that the fact that Stella's best friend is moving across the country and there are more than a few tears in this story. But as always the Batts come together and face the problems and work as a family to get through them.
These are great fun reads. My oldest brought home from the school library book 3 the day after we finished this one. Not sure we will be reading much else until the series is done. And any book that keeps kids' reading and coming back for more is a win in my opinion!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Courtney Sheinmel.
...
This is the third Stella Batts book that I have read, and the second that I have read with my oldest we alternate pages. We both love the series. And I do not know a parent who has not had to deal with this specific issue at least once with each child. But to have hair issues with both your children on the same day no wonder that Stella's parents were upset.
But before we get to the story, I have been remiss in my other reviews on this series and a reader asked me about my lack of comments on the illustrations. Mea culpa. The illustrations by Jennifer are wonderful. They are interspersed throughout the book and add to the story. My daughter loves identifying the friends in the pictures and always hopes the pages with illustrations are hers to read. They really do add an extra element to the book and as transitions from early readers to novels they work perfectly to enhance the interest in the books.
The more of these books I read the more I appreciate the, they are great down to earth stories. They are very realistic and yet entertaining enough to keep the attention of this mid-40's guy and his daughter. In fact my youngest has started joining us for reading these because she likes the stories also. They are very well written and as stated wonderfully illustrated.
In this volume as you can guess by the title there is a 'hair' incident or two. In some combination we have magic glow in the dark gum, wishes, scissors and paint. All in all not a great day at the Batts household. And add to that the fact that Stella's best friend is moving across the country and there are more than a few tears in this story. But as always the Batts come together and face the problems and work as a family to get through them.
These are great fun reads. My oldest brought home from the school library book 3 the day after we finished this one. Not sure we will be reading much else until the series is done. And any book that keeps kids' reading and coming back for more is a win in my opinion!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Courtney Sheinmel.
November 12, 2019
Book 2 picks up shortly after book 1 ended. This time Stella and her sister get to try out the new gum from her family's candy shop. She accidentally falls asleep and it gets in her hair. To fix it, she cuts off her hair. Obviously, this then requires a trip to the beauty salon to fix her hair to a new short style. More adventures move the story forward - her sister's braids are used as paintbrushes continuing the hair damage theme; her best friend will be moving to Pennsylvania; her sister's wishes come true but hers don't.
Love the message to keep believing even when things don't "come true." Her mom shares that her wishes are more complex because she's older and wants harder things. Great for discussion as a class or family read aloud.
Love the message to keep believing even when things don't "come true." Her mom shares that her wishes are more complex because she's older and wants harder things. Great for discussion as a class or family read aloud.
June 20, 2020
Miss 5 has loved listening to the entire Stella Batts series on Audible. She moved onto Stella (thankfully) after going through the entire Wimpy Kid series (who she called 'the moany kid'). The initial hook with the Stella book is that her family have a candy store and Stella often gets to help test the products. Mainly though the books are drama / fiction about her day to day life as she navigates friends, school, and a growing family. What we both like about these books is that Stella is a genuinely nice kid with a kind supportive mum who treats her children well. I imagine lots of families can empathise with the unplanned haircut storyline!
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
August 14, 2023
My niece, E (5) discovered the Stella Batts series in audiobook format and recommended it to her cousins. I was surprised to discover we had Stella Batts books in our library, because I'd never heard of Stella Batts before. Well, I was really missing out! I am surprised this series doesn't get more attention (or perhaps it does, and I'm just out of the loop?). I rarely read kids' series today that I enjoyed as much as my favorites from when I was a child, but to my mind this book gave definite Ramona Quimby vibes. Stella is smart and means well but gets herself into a variety of scrapes. The story is a tiny slice of life (If I recall correctly, it takes place over the course of only a day or two) but it's enough to make you want more of Stella's adventures.
All three of my kids (11, 8, and 5) enjoyed this very much as a read aloud, and my 8-year-old checked out several of the other books in the series to read to herself.
All three of my kids (11, 8, and 5) enjoyed this very much as a read aloud, and my 8-year-old checked out several of the other books in the series to read to herself.
December 28, 2019
137 pages. This is book two in the series when Stella’s father shares a new bubble gum called “magic gum.” Stella accidentally gets gum in her hair overnight and has to remedy the situation. She tries cutting it herself but creates a disaster. Her mom takes her for a severe haircut and she has to deal with a mean boy named Joshua who happens to be visiting his cousin the hairdresser. Later they have more hair trouble when her sister uses her braids to paint a hopscotch design in the backyard cement. It is a solid realistic fiction book for 2nd/3rd grade girls. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2021
This is the second book in a series of books about Stella Batts. One thing about these books that is interesting is that it is written as if Stella, the main character, is writing it. She wants to be a writer and refers to these books as her autobiographies. I like that this book picks up right where the other one left off which is great to keep students engaged in reading. This was another cute story that kids should be able to relate to, getting gum in your hair and cutting it. I would highly recommend this book to future students.
April 6, 2021
This chapter book follows a young girl named Stella whose parents own a candy shop. Stella and her sister were test trying out new gum and got it stuck in her hair. This meant getting a new short haircut that Stella did not love too much. This book is great for any kid. I would use it for 1st grade because it reminds me of a modern Junie. B. Jones, students love to follow a young child in their life adventures especially when they can relate to the characters
February 9, 2018
Stella finds herself in two very real situations, jealousy and trying to fix something without help. All three of kids have dealt with jealousy, but only one found herself in the crazy hair situation! Love that Stella has so many real-life situations that can walk kids through the emotions in a practical manner!
February 8, 2019
awesome
October 12, 2020
3.5 stars
November 27, 2020
very enjoyable
January 17, 2021
A great feel-good easy to read book that is relatable to most young children.
July 22, 2021
A w s o m e !!!
Currently reading
August 9, 2021I want to see what happens next
Read
August 26, 2023Amazing book i'm 12 year old this book was very good.
October 18, 2023
My kids and I love these books—I wish I had my own candy store too.
January 17, 2024
Who killed Mrs. Peterson and why??? That hand with all those bracelets??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Want to read
July 19, 2024SM
February 7, 2025
I love it
December 19, 2016
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow is the second book in Courtney Sheinmel’s sweet series about Stella Batts. When their father brings home Magical Glow-in-the-Dark chewing gum for Stella and her sister Penny to taste-test, Stella is disappointed to realize that Penny can blow bubbles while she cannot. Deciding she can’t stand to be shown up, Stella sneaks some more gum after she is supposed to be in bed, and falls asleep with it still in her mouth. In the morning, she wakes up with gum in her hair! This is the first in a long line of disasters that befall Stella over the next few days, including using her sister’s hair a paintbrush and learning that her best friend is moving away.
I loved the first Stella Batts book, and I love this one even more. From the moment I started reading, I just fell into the world of the story, cringing whenever something went wrong for Stella and smiling during her moments of triumph. I see a lot of myself in Stella. I was a kid who liked to write and to make lists, and Stella does the same thing. The lists, especially, are a great asset to this book because they break down a lot of information - what happens when you get gum inyour hair, or the steps for making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich - into just a few manageable paragraphs. At times during this book, I was unsure that the conceit of Stella writing these books herself as part of her autobiography was really necessary, but Stella’s voice is strong either way, and I think kids like feeling like they’re privy to all of her innermost secrets.
I also think Courtney Sheinmel does a wonderful job of remembering what it’s like to be a kid and putting that worldview into her stories. The following is my favorite passage from the entire book, which describes Stella’s thoughts at bedtime:
Mom and Dad came in to say goodnight after a half hour. When they left, they turned out the lights and shut the door almost the whole way, but left it open just a little crack, because that’s the way I like it.
I don’t close my eyes right away. I wait until they’re used to the dark and I can see everything around my room. So I waited for a little while, and then my stuff came into focus: my desk with the mug from Disneyland that I use as a pencil holder, the desk chair that I picked out because it swivels around, the beanbag pillow in the corner that’s shaped like a Tootsie Roll, my bookcase will all my books in order from favorite to least favorite, and my dresser with all my clothes inside of it. (p28)
This scene goes on for a few more paragraphs until Stella spies her pack of gum in the dark and decides to chew just one more piece. What I love about it this part of the story is how much we learn about Stella in just a few sentences. We learn about the objects in her room, the way she organizes her books, and how she likes to fall asleep. Then, finally, the meat of the story begins when her eyes land on the pack of gum. This all happens seamlessly, and the reader doesn’t even consciously realize all that has just been introduced. Sheinmel is such an artful writer, she makes it look easy.
Stella Batts: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow reminds me a lot of Dessert First, the first book in Hallie Durand’s Dessert Schneider series, as well as of Ramona, who has her own hair-related issues in at least one of her books. These books also make more literary alternatives to things like the Mallory McDonald and Junie B. Jones series.
I loved the first Stella Batts book, and I love this one even more. From the moment I started reading, I just fell into the world of the story, cringing whenever something went wrong for Stella and smiling during her moments of triumph. I see a lot of myself in Stella. I was a kid who liked to write and to make lists, and Stella does the same thing. The lists, especially, are a great asset to this book because they break down a lot of information - what happens when you get gum inyour hair, or the steps for making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich - into just a few manageable paragraphs. At times during this book, I was unsure that the conceit of Stella writing these books herself as part of her autobiography was really necessary, but Stella’s voice is strong either way, and I think kids like feeling like they’re privy to all of her innermost secrets.
I also think Courtney Sheinmel does a wonderful job of remembering what it’s like to be a kid and putting that worldview into her stories. The following is my favorite passage from the entire book, which describes Stella’s thoughts at bedtime:
Mom and Dad came in to say goodnight after a half hour. When they left, they turned out the lights and shut the door almost the whole way, but left it open just a little crack, because that’s the way I like it.
I don’t close my eyes right away. I wait until they’re used to the dark and I can see everything around my room. So I waited for a little while, and then my stuff came into focus: my desk with the mug from Disneyland that I use as a pencil holder, the desk chair that I picked out because it swivels around, the beanbag pillow in the corner that’s shaped like a Tootsie Roll, my bookcase will all my books in order from favorite to least favorite, and my dresser with all my clothes inside of it. (p28)
This scene goes on for a few more paragraphs until Stella spies her pack of gum in the dark and decides to chew just one more piece. What I love about it this part of the story is how much we learn about Stella in just a few sentences. We learn about the objects in her room, the way she organizes her books, and how she likes to fall asleep. Then, finally, the meat of the story begins when her eyes land on the pack of gum. This all happens seamlessly, and the reader doesn’t even consciously realize all that has just been introduced. Sheinmel is such an artful writer, she makes it look easy.
Stella Batts: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow reminds me a lot of Dessert First, the first book in Hallie Durand’s Dessert Schneider series, as well as of Ramona, who has her own hair-related issues in at least one of her books. These books also make more literary alternatives to things like the Mallory McDonald and Junie B. Jones series.
Read
February 24, 2017The Book , Hair today , Gone tomorrow is a fantastic ,amazing and a girls worries book .If you are a reader of the series dorky dairies. Then, this will be a good book . Stella woke up with chewing gum in her beautiful hair . SNIP!!! she cut her beautiful , medium long hair( now not even beautiful.....ugly hair )
. While her sister stares at her . She got in bad...... bad trouble . Afterwards, she realized that magic is true and believed in it. Well ..... sort of .
. While her sister stares at her . She got in bad...... bad trouble . Afterwards, she realized that magic is true and believed in it. Well ..... sort of .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2013
Stella accidentally falls asleep and gets gum stuck in her. Not wanting to tell her parents that she ate gum after bedtime she tries to get it out herself and ends up chopping off a bit too much hair. On top of that, her best friend announces that she's moving across the country and her little sister loses her favourite stuff animal.
Sheinmel continues to do a great job of writing in the voice of an 8 year-old who wants to be a writer. I loved Stella's fear that she might look so different with her hair cut that her friends wouldn't recognize her anymore. She has such an imagination.
Sheinmel continues to do a great job of writing in the voice of an 8 year-old who wants to be a writer. I loved Stella's fear that she might look so different with her hair cut that her friends wouldn't recognize her anymore. She has such an imagination.
May 26, 2012
I knew I needed to try one more! I really liked this book. I am now invested in these characters and I want to read more. Will Stella's friend, Willa, really move? Will she get to do most of her wish list first? I liked her lists, her reasons, her definitions of big words, and of course the fact that Stella is a writer! Middle grade chapter book with a table of contents. Trouble seems to follow Stella. What will happen next?
November 15, 2013
her dad is a candy maker and invents magic gum. she is unable to blow bubbles but her little sister can. the gum gets stuck in her hair and she goes to the barber to cut her hair. josh makes fun of her because she looked like a boy.
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July 24, 2015I loved it. I thought the picture of after she tried cutting her hair was so so funny. I fell on the floor and started laughing so so hard it was that funny. And I really like her haircut. That could probably go to locks of Love. Yeah, It was that much hair. Enjoy!
July 25, 2012
Cute book! I loved the characters and what child wouldn't want a dad who owned a candy shop! What a dream. Teaches cute lessons and is a fun read.
August 27, 2012
A refreshingly wholesome title for early chapter book readers. The setting of a candy store and descriptions of the various treats will delight readers who enjoy Junie B. Jones and Judy Moody books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews