Buddha
This is a book we're both going to be proud of. It's a joy to be illustrated by an artist who has a rare sense for the mystical and the magical; and who is so absolutely fabulous to find the "soul' in the animals she describes.
Tor Åge Bringsværd, author, Norway

"Buddha" has become a beauty-of-a-book, rich in lovely illustrations which adorn the tales. Stella East has found a colour-sparkling and imaginative universe which still presents itself as gentle and elegant in relationship to the inspiring and wise tales,,,,,,,A mysticism and special light lies over Stella East’s illustrations. She has managed to magically create the warm tones of sand and sunshine which is so characteristic for Asia......There are already rumours about this publication, the book has, not surprisingly, been sold for translation and publication in several countries at the Children's Book Fair in Bologna this spring."
Gunhild Eia Ryvarden, "Numer 57" 2003, (magazine for Drawing, Illustration and Book Art. Norway)

Dreamstones
Maxine Trottier’s fine text is flawlessly caught by Stella East’s magical illustrations with their fine detail and wonderful sense of colour; a whale moving under the ice, a cold moon above, the roaring warmth of a fire filled with Inuit images of animals, the boy looking out from the glowing warmth of his cabin into a dark frozen landscape. This is not only a heart-catching story, it is also visually beautiful.
Andrea Deakin, October 29, 1999, Chilliwack times and The Peace Ark News, Canada

The sensuous textures of frost tracery and fur, and the contrasts of firelight and moonlit snow against the blue-black darkness in East's vivid paintings, enhance the magic and eerie beauty of the story. “Dreamstones” deserves a place besides such outstanding picture books of the North as Andrews and Wallace's “The Very First Last Time” and Ted Harrison's work.
Gwneth Evans, 09/99, Quill and Quire, Canada

The illustrations in Dreamstones are haunting and make it one of the more visually stunning children’s books I’ve seen.
Jack Stoddart, Chairman, Stoddart Books, Canada

Thank you for an unbelievable, beautiful book! One of the loveliest I’ve seen for many years! And I will look at this as a privilege to be allowed to work together with you on such a level.
Tor Åge Bringsværd, author, Norway.

The Paint Box
As befits a book about a Renaissance artist, Stella East’s richly detailed paintings in gorgeous colours are a feast for the eyes. The illustrator has visited Tintoretto’s home in Venice and has combined photographs and paintings to capture the beauty of the Renaissance city. Her depictions of the two children are captivating.
CM Magazine. April 11, 2003, Valerie Nielsen, Retired teacher-librarian

"Maxine Trottier and Stella East's latest collaboration is as much about the power of giving as it is about artistic expression in Renaissance Venice...Stella East's illustrations carry this gentle story of sacrifice and its reward admirably. She has combined her own photos and paintings of Venice to create dreamy collages that echo the Renaissance masters. Intriguing vantage points and close-ups draw the reader into the narrative, and the soft hues reinforce its historical distance. Having the colours fade as the story concludes is an effective touch. Trottier's prose also has some lovely imagery...Marietta's honouring of Piero's artistic soul and her final gift to him clearly state the importance of creating art, a message that has as much impact now as it did during the Renaissance. The Paint Box reminds us that children can and should be introduced to fine art at an early age, and this lovely picture book is an enjoyable starting point."
The Quill and Quire, Jessica Kelly, a youth service librarian in Fresno, California

”This poignant tale has its roots in historical fact. [Tintoretto] did indeed have a daughter who dressed in boy’s clothing in order to work and study with him. Trottier’s fictional story about Marietta and her friend seems plausible, due in part to her descriptive and expressive writing style. East’s painterly illustrations are magnificent. Each spread captures the feeling of Renaissance Venice and supports the accompanying text. As a stand-alone story or as a supplement to curriculum studies of the Renaissance, this book is a worthy addition.”
School Library Journal

Lastly, I can´t get over the fabulous quality of your art. The Paint Box is a brilliant book.
Gail Winskill, publisher, Fitzhenry & Whiteside