The Poet's Dog - Hardcover

MacLachlan, Patricia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062292625 ISBN 13: 9780062292629

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 2016

Synopsis

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?

About this title

Review:

Praise for THE POET’S DOG:“Magical. A quiet, elegant, poignant story suffused with humor, heart, and goodness.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“A spare, moving tale. Using simple words that even youngest readers will understand and enjoy, MacLachlan tackles subjects such as death and mourning with understated grace.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“Readers will find their own jewel in this gem of a book.” (Booklist (starred review))

“Though this contemplative fantasy explores grief, it is also about overcoming loss and is resolved in a way that will comfort sensitive readers. A strong purchase for larger fiction collections.” (School Library Journal)

“Dog-lovers and budding poets with a taste for quiet whimsy, or fans of MacLachlan’s measured and lyrical writing, may want to check this out.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)

“A tender story of love and grief, The Poet’s Dog perfectly illustrates how special friends can heal a broken heart.” (Jo Knowles, author of See You At Harry's)

“This enchanting tale of friendship-of the canine and poetic kind-- will warm your heart like a firelit cabin on a snowy night. I loved it!” (Laura Resau, author of The Lightning Queen and Star in the Forest)

“A master storyteller in gorgeous form. The Poet’s Dog is a joy from page one.” (Emily Jenkins, author of Toys Go Out and coauthor of Upside-Down MagicEmily Jenkins, author of Toys Go Out and coauthor of Upside-Down Magic)

“An evocative gem, laced with the power to nurture every reader’s inner poet.” (Leslie Connor, author of Waiting for Normal and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook)

Praise for THE TRUTH OF ME:“Brief but emotionally intense...MacLachlan demonstrates her mastery of elegantly unfolding a tale and gently plucking at readers’ heartstrings without taking a maudlin tone.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

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

• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0062292625
• ISBN 13: 9780062292629
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 96