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Patricia MacLachlan

    March 3, 1938 – March 31, 2022

    Patricia MacLachlan's writing is deeply rooted in the natural world, particularly the prairie landscape that shaped her early understanding of life. Her many celebrated novels and picture books explore the tender dynamics of family and the authentic experiences of childhood. MacLachlan's distinctive literary voice is characterized by its lyrical prose and a gentle, yet profound, examination of human connection. She possesses a unique ability to evoke the quiet beauty of rural life and the enduring spirit of her characters, offering readers a sense of warmth and reflection.

    When Grandfather Flew
    My friend Earth
    Prairie Days
    My Father's Words
    The Poet's Dog
    Grandfather's Dance
    • 2023

      My Life Begins! explores how life begins for Jacob when his triplet sisters are born, and how siblings get to know each other as time, and love, evolve.Jacob is nine years old when his life changes. He wants a litter of puppies.

      My Life Begins!
    • 2023

      Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan paints a moving portrait of what it means to be a family, the power of love, and the importance of bringing the truth out into the light, in this beautiful and profound story about adoption, now available in paperback. Nora and Ben's younger sister Birdy loves to keep secrets. She surprises her family more than once: She hides a kitten in her room. She writes a beautiful poem. One day Birdy watches her mother spit into a tube, ready to send it off to find out more about herself and where her family came from. Birdy spits into a tube, too, when no one sees her. But when the test results come back, they are a surprise. Birdy is seemingly not related to Nora and Ben's parents. But if she is adopted, how could that have happened without the children knowing? Nora and Ben must learn when to keep a secret, and who to go to for help--and eventually, how to solve this secret for the entire family.

      A Secret Shared
    • 2022

      My Poet

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading
      3.9(163)Add rating

      Inspired by the life and craft of Mary Oliver, My Poet celebrates the joy of connecting perception and experience with words, with glowing artwork by Jen Hill and profound text by Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan . Patricia MacLachlan has written a lyrical ode to writing, to poetry, and to the celebrated American poet, Mary Oliver. In this mesmerizing picture book, a little girl wants to write, and one summer day she joins the poet who lives nearby to explore a town on Cape Cod. Together, they look. Together, they touch. Together, they find words. All things in the natural world, the girl discovers, bring words to the poet. Can the girl find the words to write her own poetry, too? Glorious artwork by New York Times bestselling illustrator Jen Hill illuminates the text. Mary Oliver passed away in 2019, but her way of seeing the world inspired this book. Although not biographical, the story captures the author’s personal connection to the famous poet, as summarized in the author’s note.

      My Poet
    • 2021

      Barkus is back in this third installment of the warm and funny early chapter book series from the Newbery Medal-winning author, Patricia MacLachlan.

      Barkus: The Most Fun
    • 2021

      When Grandfather Flew

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading
      4.2(207)Add rating

      A grieving boy remembers his grandfather and the hobby they shared, in this moving evocation of love and loss by a Newbery Medalist. Milo's grandfather is fascinated by birds. He admires their freedom and never loses an opportunity to point out the things that make each one special.When he can no longer see as well as he used to, Milo helps him spot and take care of some of his favorites: hovering kestrels, fragile chickadees, and the bald eagle soaring high overhead.One day when Milo comes home, Grandpa isn't there.But when the boy sees an eagle swooping through the sky above, he knows Grandpa is still with them: reborn in the skies, just as he'd wanted.This honest, reflective, and deeply moving portrait of grief offers young readers comfort and hope in difficult times. When Grandfather Flew celebrates the close, beautiful relationships between children and grandparents, and the unique ways we keep lost loved ones close.With a lyrical text by acclaimed author Patricia MacLachlan and vivid, textural artwork by Chris Sheban, this wistful story will resonate with anyone who has felt the loss of a loved one-- and will remind you to look for the reminders of the love you shared.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

      When Grandfather Flew
    • 2020

      Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan has written a magical and funny tale about the joy found in using words, sharing stories, and loving a wondrous dog: Rex. Grace's aunt is a writer. The word amazing is an everyday word for Rex, who inspires Lily, and helps Grace find the words to write her own story.

      Wondrous Rex
    • 2020

      My Father's Words

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Patricia MacLachlan, beloved author of the Newbery Medal-winning Sarah, Plain and Tall, has crafted another lyrical and touching novel for young readers about finding hope after the loss of a loved one.

      My Father's Words
    • 2020

      A delicate, stunning account of life on the prairie from Newbery medalist Patricia MacLachlan.Cool summer mornings begin with the rose orange sun and the smell of earth, and fade into hot summer nights with a yellow moon, covered in a quilt of stars. There are wagon rides, farm dogs, trips into town, and games of kick the can. These are prairie days.Patricia MacLachlan applies her lyrical, sparse voice and vibrant, tender art from Micha Archer to transport readers to the prairie of her youth in this stunning celebration of the beauty in the world.

      Prairie Days
    • 2020

      My friend Earth

      • 44 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Celebrate Earth Day with a heartfelt tribute to our planet from a Newbery Award-winning author. Our friend Earth performs countless wonders: nurturing animals, showering us with summer rain, and blanketing the ground with whisper-white snow. This enchanting book invites readers of all ages to explore its die-cut pages, filled with poetic text that honors Earth’s gifts while encouraging us to reciprocate with kindness. The interactive format and engaging art are perfect for toddlers and young readers, making it an ideal celebration of the natural world and a call to action for environmental stewardship. It provides excellent opportunities to introduce life science concepts and fascinating facts about the environment to children. This innovative ode will resonate with fans of other beloved titles focused on our planet. Patricia MacLachlan, an acclaimed author of numerous works, including the Newbery Medal-winning Sarah, Plain and Tall, brings her talent to this project. Francesca Sanna, an illustrator with a rich background in art, enhances the narrative with her captivating visuals. Together, they create a delightful experience for young readers, fostering a love for our Earth and inspiring positive action.

      My friend Earth
    • 2019

      Chicken Talk

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      The chickens on the farm have a message for their farm owners! They’re tired of arugula salad, how about putting a fan in their hot coop, and HEY—watch out for that snake in your tent. As the children walk around their beloved farm, they discover more and more chicken talk scratched into the dirt. The family can hardly believe it. What will the chickens possibly say next!? With beautiful watercolor illustrations from New York Times bestseller Jarrett J. Krosoczka and heartwarming text by Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan, Chicken Talk is the perfect book to chuckle over, whether you live in the city or the country. Gather your family around for a delightful tale of surprise, chaos, and barnyard fun in Chicken Talk!

      Chicken Talk