From the celebrated author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, Patricia MacLachlan, comes another humorous and poignant early middle grade novel. 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. But instead his parents have a different surprise. Jacob will be an older brother soon. And there won’t be only one new baby. There will be three! When the triplets are born, Jacob thinks puppies are cuter. The babies look identical to him and he gives them a name: “the Trips.� For a school science project, Jacob decides to study the Trips. It feels like magic as they begin to smile, talk, and grow. Slowly, he gets to know each of them. They call his mother “Mama� and his father “Da.� But what will they call him? One day, one of the Trips calls him “Jay.� As each of the triplets become unique and more special with each day, Jacob starts to wonder if “the Trips� is still a good name for them. They aren’t puppies, or a bunch of bananas, and they aren’t just “the Trips� anymore. What should he call them that will show what they mean to him? Can he figure out their “forever name?� And will he ever get a puppy?

Celebrate Earth Day with this valentine to our wonderful planet from the Newbery Award–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! She tends to animals large and small. She pours down summer rain and autumn leaves. She sprinkles whisper-white snow and protects the tiny seeds waiting for spring.

Readers of all ages will pore over the pages of this spectacular book. Its enticing die-cut pages encourage exploration as its poetic text celebrates everything Earth does for us, all the while reminding us to be a good friend in return.

• Interactive format and kid-friendly art will engage both toddlers and young readers.
• A celebration of the natural world and rallying cry for positive action for Planet Earth
• Great opportunities to share life science concepts and amazing facts about the environment with children

This beautiful and innovative ode to our natural world will appeal to readers of Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, The Poet's Dog, and Thank You, Earth.

• Read aloud books for kids ages 3-5
• Earth books for kids
• Climate change books for kids

Patricia MacLachlan is an acclaimed author who has written dozens of books—from picture books to novels—including the Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall and the Barkus series, also published by Chronicle Books. She lives in western Massachusetts.

Francesca Sanna grew up on the Italian island of Sardinia. She studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York and the Academy of Art and Design in Lucerne. Her book The Journey received five starred reviews and was lauded by the New York Times and the Guardian. Francesca currently lives in Zurich, but you can visit her at francescasanna.com.

People may drift apart, but love can hold them together. A touching tale of pets and family told in the "venerable spare and moving style" of Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan, author of Sarah, Plain and Tall "(Booklist").
When William's father leaves, his mother promptly goes out and adds four dogs and a cat to their lives. William's sure that nothing can fill the hole left by his father, but the new additions to the family are determined to help. With his sister, Elinor, and his mother, William will learn that "family" can come in all shapes and sizes, because sometimes we find love through magic, and sometimes that magic is all around us.

Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan's poignant text and award-winning artist Kenard Pak's gentle and rustic illustrations paint the picture of a beautiful red barn and the people who call it home. One hundred years ago, a little boy watched his family and community come together to build a grand red barn. This barn become his refuge and home-a place to play with friends and farm animals alike. As seasons passed, the barn weathered many storms. The boy left and returned a young man, to help on the farm and to care for the barn again. The barn has stood for one hundred years, and it will stand for a hundred more: a symbol of peace, stability, caring and community. In this joyful celebration generations of family and their tender connection to the barn, Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan and award-winning artist Kenard Pak spin a tender and timeless story about the simple moments that make up a lifetime. This beautiful picture book is perfect for young children who are curious about history and farm life. * Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year (2020) *

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.

From the celebrated author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, Patricia MacLachlan, comes another humorous and poignant early middle grade novel. 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. But instead his parents have a different surprise. Jacob will be an older brother soon. And there won't be only one new baby. There will be three! When the triplets are born, Jacob thinks puppies are cuter. The babies look identical to him and he gives them a name: "the Trips." For a school science project, Jacob decides to study the Trips. It feels like magic as they begin to smile, talk, and grow. Slowly, he gets to know each of them. They call his mother "Mama" and his father "Da." But what will they call him? One day, one of the Trips calls him "Jay." As each of the triplets become unique and more special with each day, Jacob starts to wonder if "the Trips" is still a good name for them. They aren't puppies, or a bunch of bananas, and they aren't just "the Trips" anymore. What should he call them that will show what they mean to him? Can he figure out their "forever name?" And will he ever get a puppy?

One day there may be a second - Or a third - To sleep in the basket with the yellow ribbon wound round But you will always be the first. This sweetly sentimental picture book helps parents remind firstborn children that they will always be cherished (even if, and when, a new baby arrives). That child will always have been the first to crawl, the first to sing, the first to light up mom and dad's eyes with wonder and joy. Children love to hear stories about what they were like when they were born but this is also a perfect answer when welcoming a new baby, offering older siblings tender reassurance that they will always be treasured. For families with only one child, the book celebrates why that one and only is so precious. Renowned author Patricia Maclachlan, who won a Newbery Medal for Sarah, Plain and Tall, weaves a beautiful story that is both comforting for children and sweetly reminiscent for parents and grandparents. Drawing inspiration from walks through her own neighborhood in Brooklyn, Stephanie Graegin offers illustrations that are refreshingly modern and timeless for families of all kinds.

A young girl finds herself--and so much more--during a summer stay with her grandparents in this "sweet, evocative" (Kirkus Reviews) novel from Newbery Award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan.

When Louisa (short for Louisiana) is sent to stay with her grandparents for the summer, she's not looking forward to it. While her brother is determined to find a way to stay on Deer Island forever, Louisa would rather be off having adventures with their globetrotting ornithographer parents. She's a writer, and there's nothing on all of Deer Island to write about--right?

Louisa quickly discovers that small doesn't necessarily mean quiet, and the island has plenty of scope for the imagination. It also has George, the boy who helps her see the world in a whole new light.

The end of summer is coming fast, and Louisa must decide what she really wants: travel the world with her parents, or stay on Deer Island with the people she's only just learning to love?

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.

From Newbery Medal winner Patricia MacLachlan comes a poignant story about two children, a poet, and a dog and how they help one another survive loss and recapture love. Teddy is a gifted dog. Raised in a cabin by a poet named Sylvan, he grew up listening to sonnets read aloud and the comforting clicking of a keyboard. Although Teddy understands words, Sylvan always told him there are only two kinds of people in the world who can hear Teddy speak: poets and children. Then one day Teddy learns that Sylvan was right. When Teddy finds Nickel and Flora trapped in a snowstorm, he tells them that he will bring them home-and they understand him. The children are afraid of the howling wind, but not of Teddy's words. They follow him to a cabin in the woods, where the dog used to live with Sylvan ...only now his owner is gone. As they hole up in the cabin for shelter, Teddy is flooded with memories of Sylvan. What will Teddy do when his new friends go home? Can they help one another find what they have lost?

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. Now available in paperback.

Grace’s aunt is a writer. She works with words every day and teaches Grace interesting words like “melancholy” and “delirious.”

But Lily is often “flummoxed” by her writing. Her stories don’t go anywhere, her desk is a mess, and her writer’s group can’t help.

So Lily posts an ad for an assistant: A writer of books needs an assistant, a coach, a helper, for inspiration and some magic!

The next day, Grace opens the door, and there is Rex: a Labrador retriever who will change Grace’s life, and Lily’s. The word “amazing” is an everyday word for Rex, who inspires Lily, and helps Grace find the words to write her own story.

Barkus is back in this third installment of the warm and funny early chapter book series from the Newbery Medal-winning author, Patricia MacLachlan. The lovable dog Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this colorful and heartwarming book that's just right for emerging readers and fans of series like Henry and Mudge and Juana and Lucas. PERFECT FOR NEW READERS: The simple text and engaging pictures are just right for readers ready to take their first steps toward reading on their own. CRITCALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES: The New York Times said, "The charm is infectious." and The Horn Book proclaimed, "Fans will be begging for more." BUDDY BOOKS ARE PERENNIAL: Friendships are an integral part of every child's life. Barkus and his owner have lots of adventures together, but they also care about each other's feelings and they love one another unconditionally. AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Patricia MacLachlan has written dozens of books which have received many awards including the prestigious Newbery Medal. From picture books to chapter books to novels, her characters always linger in the minds of readers long after the books are closed. INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARTIST: Marc Boutavant is a star illustrator in France and has a rising profile throughout the world. Perfect for: parents and grandparents, educators, librarians

From Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan comes a reassuring story about new beginnings and making friends.
Nora and her family have just arrived from Russia and are making a new home on the American frontier. The prairie is very different from the forested hills Nora is used to. Most of all, it's lonely. Papa has the cows he sings to as he milks them. Baby brother Milo has a dog to follow him wherever he goes. But Nora has no one and nothing to call her own until Papa brings home a dozen chicks and two geese. Nora names each one, and they follow her everywhere -- even to church But what will happen when one of her beloved chicks goes missing?

Every school day feels the same for fourth graders Lucy and Henry and Evie and Russell and May. Then Ms. Mirabel comes to their class--bringing magical words and a whole new way of seeing and understanding.

From beloved author Patricia MacLachlan comes an honest, inspiring story about what is real and what is unreal, and about the ways that writing can change our lives and connect us to our own stories--word after word after word.

Anna has done something terrible. She has given me her journal to fill.
In Anna's journal the words walk across the page like bird prints in the mud. But it is hard for me. It is hard for me to find things to write about.

"It's your job now," Anna says as she hands Caleb her journals, asking him to continue writing the family story. But Sarah, Jacob, Anna, Caleb, and their new little sister, Cassie, have already formed a family, and Caleb fears there will be nothing left to write about. But that is before Cassie discovers a mysterious old man in the barn and everything changes. Everyone is excited about the arrival of a new family member -- except for Jacob, who holds a bitter grudge. Only the special love of Caleb, and the gift he offers, can help to mend the pain of the past.

Caleb's Story continues the saga begun by the Newbery Medal-winning Sarah, Plain And Tall and its sequel, Skylark, spinning a tale of love, forgiveness, and the ties that bind a family together.

With the sure touch she brought to the beloved Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall, in Kindred Souls Patricia MacLachlan guides children into the understanding that death is a natural part of life.Ten-year-old Jake has always been close to his grandfather Billy--so close that Jake's mother calls them kindred souls. Each morning, Jake and Billy take a walk around the family farm. Billy often tells Jake stories of living in a sod house on the prairie.When Billy goes into the hospital, Jake decides the best gift he can give his beloved grandfather is a sod house. Billy moves to the sod house when he leaves the hospital and spends his last days living there.

Sarah came to the prairie from Maine to marry Papa. But that summer, a drought turned the land dry and brown. Fires swept across the fields and coyotes came to the well in search of water. so Sarah took Anna and Caleb back east, where they would be safe. Papa stayed behind. He would not leave his land.

Maine was beautiful, but anna missed home, and Papa. And as the weeks went by, she began to wonder what would happen if the rains never came. Would she and Caleb and Sarah and Papa ever be a family again?When Sarah came to the prairie, Anna and her brother Caleb worried that she would not stay and be their new mother. But Sarah fell in love with Caleb and Anna, and with their father, Jacob. Together they became a family. Jacob is a man of the land but for Sarah, the prairie isn't yet her home. So when a drought threatens to devastate their way of life, Jacob must save the farm. But the children go back to the home Sarah knew first, Maine, where there is family and an ocean. But will they ever be a family again on the prairie? "Fans will rejoice for [this] eagerly awaited sequel."—K. "Maclachlan's writing is lyrical. . . . Will be a must for fans." —C. "There are worlds in MacLachlan's words." —Publishers Weekly.

"Fans will be begging for more." - Horn Book Magazine
"The charm is infectious." - New York Times

From Newbery-award winning author Patricia MacLachlan comes the second book in the delightful Barkus series.

Now in paperback! The lovable Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this delightful series from Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The simple text told in short chapters is just right for children ready to take their first steps toward reading on their own.

• The adventures of Barkus are perfect for early readers expanding their reading skills as well as children still enjoying picture books.
• Ideal for children learning about friendship
• For young readers who love dogs and other pets

Fans of Henry and Mudge, Biscuit, Amelia Bedelia and The Poet's Dog will love Patricia MacLachlan's Barkus books.

• For early readers ages 6-9
• Great early/pre-chapter book for grades 2-5
• Dog books for early readers

A young boy tries to find his voice with the help of some four-legged friends in this elegantly spare novel about the healing power of dogs and love (Publishers Weekly), from the Newbery-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.
Zoe's family rescues dogs in need. There is always the sweet smell of dog and a warm body looking to cuddle or play. There is always a new dog to be saved, and loved. Fur flies everywhere. It covers everything. Zoe's house is never silent.
The house across the street is always silent these days. A new family has moved in and Phillip, the boy, has stopped speaking. He doesn't even want to try.
Saving dogs and saving boys may be different jobs, but Zoe learns that some parts are the same. Both take attention and care. They take understanding and time. And maybe just a bit of white fur flying.
From Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan, White Fur Flying is an endearing tale of companionship and hope that is beautifully told, quietly moving, and completely satisfying (Kirkus Reviews).

What makes a puppy's day complete?

Swimming and then shaking water all over you. Catching "presents" for you and then bringing them inside the house. Rolling in your nice wool sweater. Snuggling in your lap.

In their second ode to canine companions, Patricia MacLachlan, Emily MacLachlan Charest, and Katy Schneider once again offer an irresistible glimpse into the mischievous canine mind. Captured here are adorable confessions and spirited accounts of the things that puppies do--and don't do--while in search of love, adventure, and treats from the table.

Within the sanctuary of a loving family, baby Eli is born and, as he grows, "learns to cherish the people and places around him, eventualy passing on what he has discovered to his new baby sister, Sylvie: 'All the places to love are here . . . no matter where you may live.' This loving book will be something to treasure."'BL. "The quiet narrative is so intensely felt it commands attention. . . . a lyrical celebration."'K.

1995 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
1995 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
Notable 1995 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)