"Late Newbery Medalist MacLachlanâs slender, resonant novel traces Jacobâs adjustment to life as an older brother. MacLachlanâs understated language is effective and evocative, the characters consistently thoughtful and kind. The conflict-free story takes measured steps through Jacobâs small inner discoveries, his formation of a new identity as older sibling, and his growing relationships with each of his sisters. Miyaresâs inky, sketchlike b&w art enhances the bookâs tender tone." â Publishers Weekly
"This quiet chapter book is pure MacLachlan: lots of warmth and family love; a sensitive protagonist adapting to change; and spare, evocative prose that cuts to the heart of matters. Miyaresâs lighthearted black-and-white illustrationsmatch the textâs gentle tone." â Horn Book Magazine
" . . . itâs an aspirational picture that could certainly make for a gentle family readaloud. Chapters are breezily episodic, with small points of drama along the way, and black and white illustrations bring a timeless charm. Light on action but heavy on sweetness, this serves as a pleasant reminder that each arrival in life marks the beginning of something new and potentially wonderful." â Bulletin of the Center for Childrenâs Books
"MacLachlanâs calm, measured writing focuses on moments of everyday magic and charm, and Jacobâs observational notes read almost like poetry. This family is loving and oh-so pleasant, often becoming emotional at the simple but significant beauty of the babiesâ growth milestones." â Kirkus Reviews
"Spot art and full-page illustrations by Miyares (Float, 2015) are . . . marked by warm affection . . . Potentially instructive for older siblings, this poignant posthumous publication by Newbery winner MacLachlan (Sarah, Plain and Tall) will surely find an eager audience." â Booklist
PRAISE FOR MY FATHER'S WORDS: â
âMacLachlan is the master of quiet books that pack an emotional wallop. My Fatherâs Words finds the author in her element. MacLachlan provides a beautifully nuanced portrait of one familyâs recovery after tragedy. This book feels as direct and true as a dog looking you straight in the eyes.â â The New York Times Book Review
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âNewbery Medalist MacLachlan is known for writing heart-tugging stories in spare style, as she did in Sarah, Plain and Tall. And thatâs what she does here as readers meet Fiona and Finn. Deeply moving and uplifting in unexpected ways.â â Booklist (starred review)
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âKey relationships in her own life inspired this characteristically taut and resonant novel by Newbery Medalist MacLachlan. MacLachlan masterfully mingles core themes in this slim volume: the power of words and song, memories and family, the mutually redemptive human-canine bond, and âthe eternal fitness of things.ââ â Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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âWith her customary precise, spare language, infused with emotional intelligence, MacLachlan takes readers from shocked grief to a way to live again, fundamental truths dropped carefully and delicately for young readers to comprehend in their own time. A flawless story about resilience, hope, healing, and the eternal fitness of things.â â Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
PRAISE FOR WONDROUS REX: "MacLachlan spins from simple words an enigmatic, gentle . . . tale. Sweetly magical." â Kirkus Reviews
"A charmed (and charming) dog, a language-loving girl, and an innate aunt-niece bond are among the alluring threads that MacLachlan (Dream Within a Dream) deftly weaves into this taut novel. MacLachlan again proves her gift for shaping endearing and credible charactersâeven a magical canineâin this bright yet reflective story." â Publishers Weekly
"Newbery-winner MacLachlan's spare but elegant prose touches on themes of self-confidence, the writer's craft, and the sense of well-being that can come from pet ownership. This book will please younger readers and inspire would-be wordsmiths." â Booklist