What Are You Doing, Sam?

Sam

by Marie-Louise Gay

Stella’s little brother Sam decides Fred the dog needs some new tricks. Not content with just teaching him to roll over, Sam decides to broaden Fred’s horizons to include swimming, cooking, and painting. Of course, Fred finds a way to subvert each experience in order to do exactly as he pleases and to create the maximum amount of mess. Stella watches the goings-on with amusement, always asking “What are you doing, Sam?” — a phrase familiar to little brothers and sisters everywhere. Gay’s delicate watercolors, full of expression and humor, complement the whimsical story.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Dogs, Kids

First published July 20, 2006

About the author

Marie-Louise Gay is the illustrator of many award-winning children's books. She is from Montreal, Canada.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars & 4/10 hearts. This is almost as fun to read aloud as “Good Morning, Sam”! Kids and adults alike enjoy the subtle humour of Sam’s games and Stella’s comments—and Fred’s tagging along. The pictures are full of detail and just as fun to study.

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Stella, can dogs read?’ asked Sam.
“‘Yes,’ said Stella. ‘But they need glasses. Would you like me to read to you, Sam?’
“‘No,’ said Sam. ‘I’m teaching Fred to read.’
“‘Are those Grandma’s glasses?’
“‘Yes,’ answered Sam. ‘Fred borrowed them.’”

[kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

awwwwwww, sweet

[Marc Lucke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella and Sam are an enchanting pair of siblings and this lovingly-illustrated book demonstrates their mutual affection on every page.

Stella gently checks up on her younger brother as he gets into one kind of (harmless) mischief after another. She coaxes explanations from him and carefully guides him through his earnest explorations and games, all the while allowing him the space to play at his own pace. A lovely bedtime story for any preschooler, especially if they're a sibling.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute Stella and Sam book. Stella asks Sam what he is doing. He replies and then asks a question - "How do dogs learn to swim?", "Can dogs read?" Stella answers in her typical big sister fashion, but Sam seems to know a lot about what Fred the dog needs and wants. Delightful book, delightfully illustrated.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually smiled and chuckled at this book about Sam asking his sister Stella questions about dogs and then trying to teach the dog all sorts of things like how to make pancakes and to read. Cute that the dog gets it but in his own way but Sam is very serious. Simple could push for toddlers but would take some picture exploitation.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher (4yo) thinks this book is "really funny!" In this installment of the Stella and Sam series, Stella inquires of her brother's goings-on, most of which involved him playing with the dog Fred.

Charming illustrations.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 2.5 year old liked this and we read it a quite a few times before it was time to return it to the library.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam makes mess after mess, while Stella continually asks him what he's up to. Classic sibling stuff told in a humorous and warm tone.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this would be a cute read-aloud for the READ therapy dogs and kids, but it was not a memorable book, in any way.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this book was cute. i love how sam makes a giant mess and stella just asks him "what are you doing sam?" although i think sam should clean up his mess to teach responsibility.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Stella and Sam books, they are wonderful. This was a great story, with good humor, a good relationship between sister and brother, and very healthy imaginations.