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Waiting for the Magic
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.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2011
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1764 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
109 books804 followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
June 16, 2022
I have never been all that much a dog person, or if truth be told, any kind of pet person and my partner is in fact really afraid of dogs, of ALL dogs be they large or small. And while I do appreciate that for many individuals, having a dog or a cat as a pet, as a companion animal is something sweet and even deemed as necessary, this is not how my partner and I live or ever want to live (and not just because of not wanting or desiring pet ownership for ourselves but also because caring for dogs, cats etc. entails a lot of responsibility and is a lot of work, and I just do not think we would make good and decent pet owners, period). So yes and certainly, it therefore does truly have the tendency to become quite massively personally annoying and infuriatung that there is in my humble opinion not only very much societal but also often ample literary and textual pressure regarding the supposedly oh so very many positives and advantages of having in particular a dog of one’s own (and that this is in particular the case with certain children’s authors, and with Patricia MacLachlan most definitely showing a very strong and all encompassing “must love dogs and cats” philosophy and attitude in many of her novels).
And honestly, even though after having read Patricia MacLachlan’s 2011 novel Waiting for the Magic I do admit to having enjoyed both main protagonist William and his younger sister Ellinor as characters and think that MacLachlan has definitely managed to authentically and compassionately depict their feelings and their pain regarding their parents’ recent separation (even though both the mother and the father are rather ridiculously stereotyped and woefully unnuanced), the rescue dogs thematics of Waiting for the Magic are both not to my reading tastes and also just majorly annoying.
For one, I personally think that the mother (and her two young children) at the beginning of Waiting for the Magic getting four rescue dogs (and a cat) at once is not really all that smart for first time pet owners and in particular so since especially the four dogs also seem to function as both a replacement for the absent father and also as kind of an act of revenge against his non dog loving self (and I also do question why in Waiting for the Magic Patricia MacLachlan has the rescue place simply hand over five animals with no background checks etc. for the family seeking to adopt) ). And for two, and much more of an issue with me, I right after the first few pages of Patricia MacLachlan’s Waiting for the Magic was feeling majorly angry and personally insulted, since MacLachlan labels those of us not into having dogs, not wanting to own dogs as being and I quote flawed and stupid (using the mother’s voice talking about the absent father, of course, but you can in my humble opinion pretty much tell that Patricia MacLachlan herself seems to not AT ALL respect those individuals who do no desire to have dogs as pets and do not totally love and adore pets, period, something that does not only hugely bother me, but indeed, also something that almost made me decide on not continuing with Waiting for the Magic).
Combined with the fact that the “magic” of the talking animals feels superimposed and artificial (and that I truly do not understand why Patricia MacLachlan has chosen to include this in her featured text), no, I have not at all been finding Waiting for the Magic a reading pleasure, and that therefore, my rating will be and can only be a very grudging two stars.
And honestly, even though after having read Patricia MacLachlan’s 2011 novel Waiting for the Magic I do admit to having enjoyed both main protagonist William and his younger sister Ellinor as characters and think that MacLachlan has definitely managed to authentically and compassionately depict their feelings and their pain regarding their parents’ recent separation (even though both the mother and the father are rather ridiculously stereotyped and woefully unnuanced), the rescue dogs thematics of Waiting for the Magic are both not to my reading tastes and also just majorly annoying.
For one, I personally think that the mother (and her two young children) at the beginning of Waiting for the Magic getting four rescue dogs (and a cat) at once is not really all that smart for first time pet owners and in particular so since especially the four dogs also seem to function as both a replacement for the absent father and also as kind of an act of revenge against his non dog loving self (and I also do question why in Waiting for the Magic Patricia MacLachlan has the rescue place simply hand over five animals with no background checks etc. for the family seeking to adopt) ). And for two, and much more of an issue with me, I right after the first few pages of Patricia MacLachlan’s Waiting for the Magic was feeling majorly angry and personally insulted, since MacLachlan labels those of us not into having dogs, not wanting to own dogs as being and I quote flawed and stupid (using the mother’s voice talking about the absent father, of course, but you can in my humble opinion pretty much tell that Patricia MacLachlan herself seems to not AT ALL respect those individuals who do no desire to have dogs as pets and do not totally love and adore pets, period, something that does not only hugely bother me, but indeed, also something that almost made me decide on not continuing with Waiting for the Magic).
Combined with the fact that the “magic” of the talking animals feels superimposed and artificial (and that I truly do not understand why Patricia MacLachlan has chosen to include this in her featured text), no, I have not at all been finding Waiting for the Magic a reading pleasure, and that therefore, my rating will be and can only be a very grudging two stars.
September 25, 2012
SPOILER!!! First i would like to point out that this book is super cute especially if you like or believe in magic yourself. In waiting for the magic, There are two kids, William and Elinor and their father leaves them to their mother. Their mother then decides that bringing home a cat and four dogs will help the children feel better. These animals are unique in a way because they are able to communicate with people telepathically if they believe in magic but William doesnt believe in magic. However, Elinor does. Some issues arise after their father leaves such as their mother getting pregnant and William gets frustrated with his mom because she didnt tell his father that she was pregrant and him speaking out about how he doesn't like that gave him his first experience of hearing the animals. The animals helped hold the family together bringing William and Elinor's father home again although this bothered William, Elinor was ecstatic to have her father back. This book was great and i recommend it. I was touched by the way William felt through the book because i am a child of divorced parents and i could totally understand his frustration with them being separated. It isnt always easy but sometimes, with a little love and 'magic' anything can happen! Although my parents are still divorced, I wish they weren't. Its been 18 years and i am still upset about it but like i said, i recommend this book.
August 9, 2017
Lovely. Adorable. Heartwarming.
July 27, 2022
3.5 STARS I debated between three and four stars on this one. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read the opening lines of babyhippoface's review: "Honestly, I'm still not sure what I think about this one. It's cute, it's sweet, it's funny, it's...odd. I'll just say it: It has talking doggies. Telepathically talking doggies."
Actually, the telepathically talking doggies didn't bother me as much as it did some reviewers. I feel that animals communicate with us in their own way, especially our companion animals who are part of our family, and I don't mind a bit of fanciful exaggeration about that here. Though, I do think it just felt a little too precious at times. And, really, sometimes the book itself was just trying too hard to be "magic" or to Make a Point About Life and sometimes it worked and sometimes it just felt a little forced. I did love that the dogs bring joy and healing to the family, that the dogs point the way to connection and what is important. Somehow, I feel the situation with the father and mother being at odds, and the father was just a bit too easy and too good to be true. But, I am glad it was gentle and a happy ending for this age group.
Finally, while I am always happy to see shelter animals go to a good home, I do think this book made it just entirely too easy and effortless for the family to go with the spur-of-the-moment decision to adopt one dog and bringing home all four dogs at the shelter! That would be a lot of expense and extra attention needed compared to just one dog, and even if just adopting one dog, the family should prepare for the dog ahead of time. The mom was clearly just overcome with her feelings about the father walking out on them and just needing to fill that up with the dogs (he never let them get a dog) and I think we can sympathize with that, but I'm not sure it is good modeling in a book for kids about the best way to go about getting rescue animals. But, I am also glad it showed the joy and reward that comes from adopting shelter animals and that the family was able to give the dogs (and cat) a loving home. I do wish the cat had been shown to communicate, too, but the little girl firmly believed it did, so perhaps that is enough. All in all, I'm glad I read it, but I didn't read it to my kids (it just feels like one of those kids-books-for-adults to me) and I'm not sure I would necessarily recommend it, but if the premise appeals to you, I wouldn't dissuade you, either.
Actually, the telepathically talking doggies didn't bother me as much as it did some reviewers. I feel that animals communicate with us in their own way, especially our companion animals who are part of our family, and I don't mind a bit of fanciful exaggeration about that here. Though, I do think it just felt a little too precious at times. And, really, sometimes the book itself was just trying too hard to be "magic" or to Make a Point About Life and sometimes it worked and sometimes it just felt a little forced. I did love that the dogs bring joy and healing to the family, that the dogs point the way to connection and what is important. Somehow, I feel the situation with the father and mother being at odds, and the father was just a bit too easy and too good to be true. But, I am glad it was gentle and a happy ending for this age group.
Finally, while I am always happy to see shelter animals go to a good home, I do think this book made it just entirely too easy and effortless for the family to go with the spur-of-the-moment decision to adopt one dog and bringing home all four dogs at the shelter! That would be a lot of expense and extra attention needed compared to just one dog, and even if just adopting one dog, the family should prepare for the dog ahead of time. The mom was clearly just overcome with her feelings about the father walking out on them and just needing to fill that up with the dogs (he never let them get a dog) and I think we can sympathize with that, but I'm not sure it is good modeling in a book for kids about the best way to go about getting rescue animals. But, I am also glad it showed the joy and reward that comes from adopting shelter animals and that the family was able to give the dogs (and cat) a loving home. I do wish the cat had been shown to communicate, too, but the little girl firmly believed it did, so perhaps that is enough. All in all, I'm glad I read it, but I didn't read it to my kids (it just feels like one of those kids-books-for-adults to me) and I'm not sure I would necessarily recommend it, but if the premise appeals to you, I wouldn't dissuade you, either.
July 10, 2018
This is such a great book. It will be a favorite of mine for years to come. Bitty was my favorite character, he reminds me of my dog.
March 23, 2021
I love Patricia MacLachlan's writing, and this book was even more sweet and winning than some of her more famous historical fiction like the Sarah, Plain and Tall series. The story is told from the perspective of a fourth-grader, William, whose family is abandoned by their Dad, Joe, in some kind of midlife crisis. It veers from sad and tender to loving and magical when William and his little sister, Elinor, are taken by their mother Janey (in what can only be described as a fit of revenge pique) to adopt a rescue dog - and come home with *four* dogs and a cat, all of whom can talk (when they want to). As this loving family grows larger and learns to deal with crisis, and Joe takes tentative steps towards reconciling with them, we enjoy the simple, sweet story of confused children who find love through beloved pets, and a kind of magic. Perfect for late-elementary school readers.
July 24, 2023
Elle is a very good audiobooker and this is an amazing book.
June 12, 2022
I give two and a half stars to this book, and there's plenty about it that makes me want to round that rating up instead of down. The beautiful sensitivity of author Patricia MacLachlan's writing is as evident as in any of her greatest stories, and the characters seem to sparkle with a certain indescribable magic even while clearly being rooted in the same imperfect world in which we all live. Few other authors can pull off a trick like that, and I don't know if I can think of a single one that does it with the flawless consistency of Patricia MacLachlan.
Hard times are on their way for William and his little sister Elinor from page one of Waiting for the Magic as their father abruptly leaves home to do some soul searching. Their mother, shaken up by the domestic turbulence that has caused the break in their family and wanting to do something to make it better in some small way, takes William and Elinor to a dog shelter and tells them that she's going to let them pick out a dog. She'll even let them have a cat, too, if they want.
Four dogs and one cat later, William's family has grown to become larger than ever, though the empty places that his father took up can't be completely replaced by the addition of a few quadruped companions. Nevertheless, the five new animals bring noise to the house, and noise can be a very soothing healer when one's goal is to drown out the misery of silence. It may take time before William's father is ready to even just talk about coming home, and William, Elinor and their mother need some time, as well, to deal with the trauma of what happened and decide whether or not they can forgive him for leaving them.
Waiting for the Magic may be the most winsomely optimistic junior novel that Patricia MacLachlan has ever written. The situation of a father walking out on his wife and young children is a sad one, for sure, but we never get the feeling that there's any cause for despair, even as the future of the family hangs precariously in the balance. The magic around William's family is very real, and it seems to guard them from the less pleasant aspects of their new life as the three of them adjust to the changes that have come. And where does the magic originate? Well, it's very much alive in Elinor, and William has access to some of it as well, but it's really the advent of the dogs that seems to bring home the reassuring magic to their family. Just in the nick of time this magic arrives to help a family deep in crisis, and there's just no way to lose when magic is on your side. I suppose that's the great truth that all of Patricia MacLachlan's most memorable characters seem to understand deep within themselves, and which makes us love them without hesitation.
Down through the years Patricia MacLachlan has become one of my all-time favorite authors, her loving blend of realistic family drama and the inherent magic of life a breathtaking combination that will touch almost anyone who takes the time to pick up one of her novels and read. Waiting for the Magic is yet another of her special stories that I will always remember, perfectly suited to be a first novel for grade-schoolers, or to any reader who revels in the simplicity of a beautiful tale told well.
Hard times are on their way for William and his little sister Elinor from page one of Waiting for the Magic as their father abruptly leaves home to do some soul searching. Their mother, shaken up by the domestic turbulence that has caused the break in their family and wanting to do something to make it better in some small way, takes William and Elinor to a dog shelter and tells them that she's going to let them pick out a dog. She'll even let them have a cat, too, if they want.
Four dogs and one cat later, William's family has grown to become larger than ever, though the empty places that his father took up can't be completely replaced by the addition of a few quadruped companions. Nevertheless, the five new animals bring noise to the house, and noise can be a very soothing healer when one's goal is to drown out the misery of silence. It may take time before William's father is ready to even just talk about coming home, and William, Elinor and their mother need some time, as well, to deal with the trauma of what happened and decide whether or not they can forgive him for leaving them.
Waiting for the Magic may be the most winsomely optimistic junior novel that Patricia MacLachlan has ever written. The situation of a father walking out on his wife and young children is a sad one, for sure, but we never get the feeling that there's any cause for despair, even as the future of the family hangs precariously in the balance. The magic around William's family is very real, and it seems to guard them from the less pleasant aspects of their new life as the three of them adjust to the changes that have come. And where does the magic originate? Well, it's very much alive in Elinor, and William has access to some of it as well, but it's really the advent of the dogs that seems to bring home the reassuring magic to their family. Just in the nick of time this magic arrives to help a family deep in crisis, and there's just no way to lose when magic is on your side. I suppose that's the great truth that all of Patricia MacLachlan's most memorable characters seem to understand deep within themselves, and which makes us love them without hesitation.
Down through the years Patricia MacLachlan has become one of my all-time favorite authors, her loving blend of realistic family drama and the inherent magic of life a breathtaking combination that will touch almost anyone who takes the time to pick up one of her novels and read. Waiting for the Magic is yet another of her special stories that I will always remember, perfectly suited to be a first novel for grade-schoolers, or to any reader who revels in the simplicity of a beautiful tale told well.
January 16, 2012
When William's father suddenly leaves the family, no one is sure he will come back. To cope, William's mother takes him and his sister Elinor to the animal shelter, where they adopt 4 dogs and a cat, to "replace his father." While the animals do provide a focus for their love and attention, both children worry that their father will never come back. When he does, Elinor immediately forgives, but William must come to terms with how he feels about his dad. This is a sweet story about family dynamics, forgiveness, and love, and I would have given it 5 stars if not for the "talking" dogs, who didn't talk so much as telepathically communicate with Elinor, William, Dad, grandpa, and, eventually, mother. The insertion of their dialogue, meant as a plot device to introduce ideas and information to various characters, seemed jarring to me. But the dogs also talked as part of the "magic" referred to in the book's title. Little Elinor, who believes in magic, takes it for granted that the dogs can talk. William wants to believe, but isn't sure magic exists. Dad is looking for the magic that will give him the inspiration to write. Mother is awaiting the magic of the birth of her new baby. All the characters are awaiting the magic that will make their family whole again. The way everything finally came together was perfect, and I regretted that the story had to end so soon.
Amy June Bates' black and white drawings, scattered throughout the text, were just right and much needed, especially for readers (like me) who aren't familiar with dog breeds. I think that this is the best book Patricia MacLachlan has written since the Sarah Plain and Tall series. I have to highly recommend this one, and hope she writes more stories like this one.
Amy June Bates' black and white drawings, scattered throughout the text, were just right and much needed, especially for readers (like me) who aren't familiar with dog breeds. I think that this is the best book Patricia MacLachlan has written since the Sarah Plain and Tall series. I have to highly recommend this one, and hope she writes more stories like this one.
March 6, 2012
I realize that this is a children's book, and I was hooked at the start. I read, experienced the "magic" that animals bring to a family, broken when papa leaves for a while. I continued to read, as mom discovers a secret that leads to his return, and the family begins to mend and heal. But I still felt like I was waiting, even as the book ended, for the plot to reach a climax. It never really happened, and I don't feel like the main character, William, really resolved his conflict with his father. Poof! Magic. Everything is better. Happy endings are great, but this one made me feel like I was still waiting for something more.
June 9, 2022
Requested for Children's Books. Fiction Club, MacLachlan thread, May/June 2022.
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Point for rescue dogs and another for the theme of forgiveness. Points off for magic (imo). I will try sliced bananas dipped in cinnamon tonight.
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Point for rescue dogs and another for the theme of forgiveness. Points off for magic (imo). I will try sliced bananas dipped in cinnamon tonight.
October 9, 2018
I'm not a fan of talking animals (even in the cute way it was presented in this book) so I didn't really enjoy this book. But MacLachlan has a style that is like a warm blanket. It is comforting.
September 28, 2018
3.5 for good writing, and characters with complex feelings in an actual early middle grade book. It’s hard to find well written books that are truly at this reading level and this one was done well. Kids can relate in this one for complicated feelings towards a family member, a love of dogs:) (it’s super cute), or they may just delight in the sweet dusting of magical realism.
Read the free sample of this for a project, and was so curious about how it might go that I requested it from the library! I’m glad I did, I haven’t seen this one in many classrooms (and didn’t have it in mine!), but I think it’s a perfect one to have to pass to a range of readers in 3rd grade!
Read the free sample of this for a project, and was so curious about how it might go that I requested it from the library! I’m glad I did, I haven’t seen this one in many classrooms (and didn’t have it in mine!), but I think it’s a perfect one to have to pass to a range of readers in 3rd grade!
April 24, 2013
Waiting for the Magic tells a story about a fact of childhood that has become more and more prevalent in American culture. William and and Elinor's father leaves one night, unannounced and doesn't come back. This comes at a time in William's childhood where he is questioning whether or not magic exists. After his dad leaves, all magic is lost on him. His mother, in an attempt to keep the family together, decides that a pet is what is needed to bring her mopey kids back to life. The whole family takes a trip to the local animal shelter. Elinor is excited, but William knows that his mother is using this to get his mind off his Dad. Once at the shelter, the family meets three dogs and one cat. The first one is a huge St. Bernard who is very friendly. Elinor even claims that he's smiling, though William is skeptical. The second is a small terrier who is very energetic! Elinor loves the way he can get from side of his cage to the other in seconds. The third is a timid cat. She yawns largely and strolls over to Elinor's outstretched hand. William is thinking "Anything but a cat!" And finally, the last dog is a midsize lab mix. He is very regal and seems to look WIlliam right in the eye, which makes him feel good for some reason that he can't explain. Here is the big moment. Who will the family choose? To William and Elinor's surprise, their mom announces, "We'll take them all!" The kids faces light up, though WIlliam is sure to hide his true excitement. He thinks his mom has lost it. There family went from four to three to seven in a matter of days. If that's not some sort of magic what is? Once the animals are home, they start to make a difference in this family. Read for yourself to see how sometimes magic is worth the wait!
October 22, 2012
Fantasy Novel:
I love the magic in this book! Readers at any age should have their imaginations alive. And what kid doesn’t dream of communicating with their pets?! In this story, William and Elinor’s father leaves them so he can “find some magic” and write a book. He never wanted pets in the house, so one day their mom decides to take them to an animal shelter and adopt some pets to help them feel better about everything. These animals are special because they are able to communicate with people if they believe in magic. William doesn’t believe, but sweethearted Elinor does. Their mother learns that she is pregnant, but doesn’t tell their father. William is upset about this, yet doesn’t want his father to come home. His mother eventually does tell their father and he returns, which upsets William. Throughout the story, William begins to notice the special relationship his sister has with the pets, and eventually learns to hear them too. The pets play a supportive, intuitive, and connecting role in the story. Eventually, they all find “magic” and have a healed family. It has themes of bravery, faith, pain, and healing. What a great book for young readers whose parents are divorced. This is a very real and common thing today! So common, that many people brush it aside but I think stories like this can touch them, because it is difficult and real no matter how common. With its focus on the power of pets, it is also a great read for animal-lovers.
I love the magic in this book! Readers at any age should have their imaginations alive. And what kid doesn’t dream of communicating with their pets?! In this story, William and Elinor’s father leaves them so he can “find some magic” and write a book. He never wanted pets in the house, so one day their mom decides to take them to an animal shelter and adopt some pets to help them feel better about everything. These animals are special because they are able to communicate with people if they believe in magic. William doesn’t believe, but sweethearted Elinor does. Their mother learns that she is pregnant, but doesn’t tell their father. William is upset about this, yet doesn’t want his father to come home. His mother eventually does tell their father and he returns, which upsets William. Throughout the story, William begins to notice the special relationship his sister has with the pets, and eventually learns to hear them too. The pets play a supportive, intuitive, and connecting role in the story. Eventually, they all find “magic” and have a healed family. It has themes of bravery, faith, pain, and healing. What a great book for young readers whose parents are divorced. This is a very real and common thing today! So common, that many people brush it aside but I think stories like this can touch them, because it is difficult and real no matter how common. With its focus on the power of pets, it is also a great read for animal-lovers.
May 4, 2015
Like all of MacLachlan's books, this one is very sweet. But ... it's a little too "magical" for my liking. The dogs can talk? To everyone? Hrm ... and the reasoning behind some of the characters motivations leaves a lot to be desired. But, at it's core, it's a story about family (as almost all of hers are) and it does okay for itself.
October 21, 2013
Excellent juvenile fiction. Sweet, sweet story about a family survivng and over coming difficult circumstances with the help of four loveable dogs and one very patient cat.
December 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. It's sweet and a very quick read. I loved the dogs and the little sister so much. The one thing that marred this for me was the fact that Williams's anger toward his father seemed unresolved.
I suppose with the relatively low reading level, the brief words exchanged between them were supposed to resolve the issue, but it just felt like it was swept under the rug instead. A kid reading this might not notice at all, though.
I suppose with the relatively low reading level, the brief words exchanged between them were supposed to resolve the issue, but it just felt like it was swept under the rug instead. A kid reading this might not notice at all, though.
January 5, 2021
I loved the animals in this story, and recommend it for anyone who loves them like family.
December 11, 2020
One of my favorite books of all time. I believe in the magic!
January 18, 2012
Honestly, I'm still not sure what I think about this one. It's cute, it's sweet, it's funny, it's...odd.
I'll just say it: It has talking doggies. Telepathically talking doggies.
William and Elinor's father just left. Again. Only this time was different. This time, he didn't slam the door on his way out. This time, he closed the door slowly, with just a >click<. This was significant to William (he's a smart boy). Their mother is so upset that she loads the kids in the car, drives straight to the animal shelter, and adopts all four of the dogs in the shelter, and a cat for Elinor. Papa would never let them get a dog. Now they have four. So there.
William doesn't want Papa to come back. He doesn't miss him, and he doesn't want him back. He has dogs now, dogs who love him, so he doesn't need Papa. Elinor does, but she's only 4. What does she know?
Well, she knows one thing: how to hear dogs who communicate telepathically. Yep. And the dogs are quite a quartet: Neo, a huge, shaggy pup who is already bigger than everyone else; Bitty, a tiny terrier who always has a funny comment; Bryn, the wise protector who assigns herself to taking care of Mama; and Grace, the greyhound with quiet elegance and insight.
Amy Lee Bates' drawings throughout are absolutely charming. Just the cutest things ever. Only black and white, but bursting with kid-appeal.
All the way through this book I kept wondering, "What is the point of the talking dogs?" I have no idea why MacLachlan chose to craft her story this way. It's never explained, just accepted--and accepted quickly and simply, as though it's not a surprise at all, really, when you take a moment to think about it. That's what threw me, I guess. When I stopped wondering what the point was, and just looked at the story itself, I could recognize it's simple beauty. It's all about family, all about forgiveness, all about love. The "magic" is discovering that home, with your family, is the very best place to be.
I'll just say it: It has talking doggies. Telepathically talking doggies.
William and Elinor's father just left. Again. Only this time was different. This time, he didn't slam the door on his way out. This time, he closed the door slowly, with just a >click<. This was significant to William (he's a smart boy). Their mother is so upset that she loads the kids in the car, drives straight to the animal shelter, and adopts all four of the dogs in the shelter, and a cat for Elinor. Papa would never let them get a dog. Now they have four. So there.
William doesn't want Papa to come back. He doesn't miss him, and he doesn't want him back. He has dogs now, dogs who love him, so he doesn't need Papa. Elinor does, but she's only 4. What does she know?
Well, she knows one thing: how to hear dogs who communicate telepathically. Yep. And the dogs are quite a quartet: Neo, a huge, shaggy pup who is already bigger than everyone else; Bitty, a tiny terrier who always has a funny comment; Bryn, the wise protector who assigns herself to taking care of Mama; and Grace, the greyhound with quiet elegance and insight.
Amy Lee Bates' drawings throughout are absolutely charming. Just the cutest things ever. Only black and white, but bursting with kid-appeal.
All the way through this book I kept wondering, "What is the point of the talking dogs?" I have no idea why MacLachlan chose to craft her story this way. It's never explained, just accepted--and accepted quickly and simply, as though it's not a surprise at all, really, when you take a moment to think about it. That's what threw me, I guess. When I stopped wondering what the point was, and just looked at the story itself, I could recognize it's simple beauty. It's all about family, all about forgiveness, all about love. The "magic" is discovering that home, with your family, is the very best place to be.
January 20, 2012
This book is slightly longer than a beginning chapter book, the reading level seems pretty low, but the topics covered will resonant with older readers. This would make this a good hi-low reader despite the cover which may not appeal to older readers.
This is a story of grief and forgiveness. William and Elinor's father leaves his family after fighting with their mother with no true explanation. The children and mother are shocked and saddened. The mother heads to the pound and adopts all of the available dogs, four in total, and one cat. The animals provide comfort and a sense of protection to this family during this vulnerable time.
Elinor is four years old and can talk with the animals from the start. William begins to be able to talk to them as he become brave enough to confront his feelings. When William and Elinor's father comes home, he too is able to speak to the animals once he becomes open to the idea that magic can be present in his everyday life and he doesn't have to leave his family to find it. And Janey, the mom, finds the magic when her preoccupation with pressing family matters concludes happily.
This book starts out sad, but end up happy, and it is a nice alternative to the sad dog story. It's nice to have an story about the power of living through tough times by confronting your emotions and supporting others.
Children and adults who are facing hard times or who find animals to be magical will enjoy this story.
This is a story of grief and forgiveness. William and Elinor's father leaves his family after fighting with their mother with no true explanation. The children and mother are shocked and saddened. The mother heads to the pound and adopts all of the available dogs, four in total, and one cat. The animals provide comfort and a sense of protection to this family during this vulnerable time.
Elinor is four years old and can talk with the animals from the start. William begins to be able to talk to them as he become brave enough to confront his feelings. When William and Elinor's father comes home, he too is able to speak to the animals once he becomes open to the idea that magic can be present in his everyday life and he doesn't have to leave his family to find it. And Janey, the mom, finds the magic when her preoccupation with pressing family matters concludes happily.
This book starts out sad, but end up happy, and it is a nice alternative to the sad dog story. It's nice to have an story about the power of living through tough times by confronting your emotions and supporting others.
Children and adults who are facing hard times or who find animals to be magical will enjoy this story.
July 27, 2012
There's no better word for this book than magical. I shouldn't be surprised, because Patricia MacLachlan enthralls us every time, but I just loved, loved, loved this book. William is the story teller. He's a boy whose mom and dad separate at the beginning of the story, and he's truly hurt, but won't admit how much. The very same day his mom takes him and his sister to the pound where they get, not one dog, but four dogs and a cat. That's when the magic begins. You will love these dogs and cat as much as the family does, and start listening for the wisdom from your own dogs and cats after reading this lovely book.
This is a Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher book for 2012-2013, and one of my forerunners as the winner.
This is a Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher book for 2012-2013, and one of my forerunners as the winner.
August 2, 2012
I cannot categorize this book. Maybe I need a shelf that says "MacLaclan." It's already a shorthand, for me, anyway, of exquisitely written stories, slight on plot, but huge in character, emotion, and import. Not much "happens" in a MacLachlan story--and EVERYTHING happens. Waiting for the Magic is peopled with Mom, Elinor and William. "Papa" has left and no one else knows much what to do til Mama adopts ALL the dogs (and a cat) at the local human league. The four dogs and cat settle in and help the children sort through and express themselves. . . That's all I'll say--except drop-dead beautiful illustrations by Amy June Bates. Made this dedicated "cat person" want to adopt a clan of dogs myself.
August 16, 2012
A story with 4 dogs in it--and none of them die? FIVE STARS, right there!
This is hands down my favorite 3rd-5th grade book I've read this year. Wonderful, wonderful story about a family on the brink of being torn apart (but does not go into much detail--perfect for this age group) when Jane, the mom, goes to the nearest animal shelter and takes home four (yes 4!) dogs (and a cat!) to help the family get through this very tough time.
What Jane doesn't realize is the animals can talk--but only if you believe in the magic. And by golly, those animals are smart!
A truly magical tale. I was sorry to be at the last page.
This is hands down my favorite 3rd-5th grade book I've read this year. Wonderful, wonderful story about a family on the brink of being torn apart (but does not go into much detail--perfect for this age group) when Jane, the mom, goes to the nearest animal shelter and takes home four (yes 4!) dogs (and a cat!) to help the family get through this very tough time.
What Jane doesn't realize is the animals can talk--but only if you believe in the magic. And by golly, those animals are smart!
A truly magical tale. I was sorry to be at the last page.
March 20, 2014
When William's father leaves yet one more time, he is weary of it all. Angry and frustrated, even though Williams mother is a steady, strong woman, William feels as though he has to protect his mother and little sister.
His mother's way of dealing with the situation is to fill the house with love, and away to the animal shelter they go to bring home a dog and a cat. Adopting four dogs and one cat sounds crazy, but it works to help heal their wounds.
When William's father returns, he has to learn to trust and forgive.
As always, MacLachlan's characters are well developed. Subtly she unfolds a story that touches the readers heart.
His mother's way of dealing with the situation is to fill the house with love, and away to the animal shelter they go to bring home a dog and a cat. Adopting four dogs and one cat sounds crazy, but it works to help heal their wounds.
When William's father returns, he has to learn to trust and forgive.
As always, MacLachlan's characters are well developed. Subtly she unfolds a story that touches the readers heart.
December 13, 2015
When William and Elinor's Father leaves them, their mother takes them to the animal shelter to pick out a dog and cat. They come home with four dogs named Bitty, Neo, Grace, and Bryn along with a cat named Lula who can talk to the children because of a magic they have with them. Can their magic make their household peaceful and take away the pain of their father leaving? Read and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good read that I read at the ebooks library through my local library and the artwork was great too. Definitely look for this book at your local library and wherever books are sold if this book interests you.
This was a pretty good read that I read at the ebooks library through my local library and the artwork was great too. Definitely look for this book at your local library and wherever books are sold if this book interests you.
June 14, 2016
Wow. This book is not at all what I expected. My son read this when he was in elementary school, and my daughter found it on her own at the library and read it as well. They both told me they loved it and I should read it.
It surprised me quite a bit when it was about a family struggling to say together and also talking dogs. ? (...but not like Disney dogs...really). Like most of MacLachlan's books it is evokes emotions and is rather poetic. Very different, short, and fascinating.
My daughter has now read several of MacLachlan's books, which is her new favorite author. Fascinating. !
It surprised me quite a bit when it was about a family struggling to say together and also talking dogs. ? (...but not like Disney dogs...really). Like most of MacLachlan's books it is evokes emotions and is rather poetic. Very different, short, and fascinating.
My daughter has now read several of MacLachlan's books, which is her new favorite author. Fascinating. !
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September 29, 2013I LOVE this book! This is the story of a family whose father walks out, and then back into their lives, and the four very dissimilar adopted dogs (and one cat) who help them all to heal. I love this mature, funny, touching story of family relationships and forgiveness. I love that the parents work on healing their differences, and I love the touch of magic that the dogs bring into their lives. The dogs are as much the main characters as the humans. This story made me want to go to the animal shelter and adopt a motley assortment of dogs.
August 8, 2014
Typical Patricia MacLachlan-pulls at your heartstrings. When Elinor's and William's father leaves, their mother adopts 4 dogs and a cat to ease their suffering. They become 'magical' companions as they cope with their father's absence. Loved the charcoal pencil illustrations-especially p.126. Made me want to adopt a dog cause PM made it seem like caring for animals was so simple-until I reminded myself of the barking, accidents, home destruction, shedding fur, smell, poop pick-up, and endless vet bills. Sweet story though.
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