What You Know First

ISBN 10: 0756979080 ISBN 13: 9780756979089

Synopsis

When a little girl and her family move from their cherished home on the prairie, her father assures her that she'll never forget her birthplace. Just to make sure, she finds a special way to bring along a little bit of the place she knew first. Illustrated with engravings.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

'A child comes to terms with the fact that she and her family are leaving the prairie. . . . As she talks herself into acceptance, her Mama helps her let go, commenting that the baby will need someone to tell him where he came from. So the girl gathers mementoes--a bag of earth and a piece of cottonwood tree. . . .A novel hides in these few pages. As with Sarah, Plain and Tall, the subext vibrates. So much is told in each perfectly chosen phrase. The story is deep and specific, but the pain and denial of a child leaving a known and loved place is all too universal. Moser's finely-wrought engravings, enhanced by moody tints, record the departure.'--SLJ.

1995 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)

About the Author:

Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. Her novels for young readers include Arthur, For the Very First Time; The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt; Skylark; Caleb's Story; More Perfect than the Moon; Grandfather's Dance; Word After Word After Word; Kindred Souls; and The Truth of Me; she is also the author of countless beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily.

About this edition

• ISBN 10: 0756979080
• ISBN 13: 9780756979089
• Binding: Library Binding