More Perfect than the Moon

Sarah, Plain and Tall #4

by Patricia MacLachlan

The beloved story of
Sarah, Plain and Tall continues Cassie is an observer, a writer, a storyteller. And for her, life is as it should be. But change is inevitable, even on the prairie. Something new is expected, and Sarah says it will be the perfect gift. Cassie isn't so sure. But just like life changes, people change too, and Cassie learns that unexpected surprises can bring great joy. more perfect than the moon invites us back to the Witting family farm, first visited in the Newbery Medal-winning sarah, plain and tall. With her lyrical prose Patricia MacLachlan writes about a family's boundless capacity for love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Classics, Juvenile

96 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Patricia 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.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little imagination goes a long way. It’s hope and courage that carry us through as we imagine a future that’s more perfect than the moon.

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75-3 stars

Well, I didn't really care for this one and it’s definitely my least favorite in the series so far. It saddens me to say that because I enjoyed all of the others and expected nothing to be different with this one. There were a few problems that just kept me from liking this book.

The biggest is the point of view we’re reading from. Cassie, Sarah and Jacob’s daughter, just seemed bratty. She wasn't about to give in and like the new baby that was arriving, she was rude and disrespectful a few times - what happened to all the sweetness that the other titles possessed? How do you think a person feels knowing their mom died giving birth to them, Cassie? You’re smarter than that. In the end, she does like the baby but I had hoped for another touching book.

The audio had cracks and was just not pleasant to listen to, which is why I switched to just the print version. This book felt like it was a phone in to be honest but the descriptions at the end helped make this book not a total loss for me.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm. Sadly, I didn't really care for this one. It's definitely my least favorite; which is really sad because I really enjoy all of the other books. Cassie just seemed bratty - she wasn't about to give in and like the new baby that was arriving, she was rude and disrespectful a few times - what happened to all the sweetness that the other titles possessed? In the end, she does like the baby but I had hoped for another touching book.

Ages: 5 - 11

Cleanliness: see above for attitudes. Mentions two young couples kissing.

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[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Cassie, you're an imaginative child. ;)

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH: In the fourth book of the series, Cassie (Cassandra) becomes the narrator. The family keeps growing, this time in a natural way. The problem is, the narrator dislikes the loss of her rank as the youngest person in the family and must learn to overcome her selfishness.

This book is shorter than the previous ones.

ESPAÑOL: En el cuarto libro de la serie, Cassie (Casandra) pasa a ser la narradora. La familia sigue creciendo, esta vez de forma natural. El problema es que a la narradora no le gusta dejar de ser la persona más joven de la familia, y debe aprender a superar su egoísmo.

Este libro es bastante más corto que los tres anteriores.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again , the saga of Sarah, Plain and Tall continues. This little book deals with making room in one's heart for love to include a new baby. The little sister has taken up the journal keeping but with creative embellishments. I can see this story igniting the desire to write in a journal in a young reader. Sweet story.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Caleb's Story was a little out of character, but this one was a lot out of character.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Perfect than the Moon This one is written/narrated by Cassie, the youngest member of the Witting family. She's a bit spoiled being the baby but now she's in third grade she's a little annoying, at least to Caleb who is still home and busy running the farm. Cassie has taken to writing like her sister Anna and she continually observes the family and writes her ideas down in her journal. While Caleb doesn't support Cassie's stories because they're not true, the adults can see the development of Cassie's imagination and writing skills. The regular narrative features short, choppy sentences to reflect young Cassie's voice. She sounds younger than 9 to me. Her stories are beautiful and wonderfully imaginative. They're silly, creative and fun. Caleb is WRONG to criticize them for not being true. A typical big brother, he's a bit embarrassed by what Cassie chooses to write about him.

Then Mama gets sick and has to go to the doctor. Cassie is very worried when Mama reveals the doctor's diagnosis. Adult readers will pick up on Mama's symptoms right away and given the title of the book, figure out what's going on. Young Cassie is sweet and overprotective. The death of Papa's first wife has cast a long shadow over the family, even Cassie is aware of what happened.

The writing is nice but not as lyrical as the first two books. I love Beatrice the lamb's story. I like Cassie's request for a gift "more perfect than the moon." The moon has special meaning for my brother's family and I really wanted to read this book to my niece when I first listened to it on audio. Unlike Cassie, she was eager for her "more perfect than the moon" gift to arrive and even nicknamed it after the moon. I was more like Cassie, "do we HAVE to? UGH!" and still am. I think it makes Cassie easy to relate to.

Anna is grown now and intelligent and lively. She's given up writing but not working. She has a beau, Justin, the doctor's son, and Cassie seems to be concerned about the breakup of her family although she never expresses that fear out loud. I do get the impression she doesn't understand her older siblings. She does wonder why things have to change and struggles with the IDEA of changes to her life. Of course it ends predictably, but I like how P.M. puts her message in the dialogue as the characters joke and tease one another and Sarah shares her wisdom with Cassie. I appreciate not being preached to. I didn't like it as a kid and I don't like it any more now.

The first time I read the book I listened to the audio read by Glenn Close. She pitches her voice higher to read it in Cassie's voice and has a nice, gentle tone. I just love this series and it's perfect for young Little House fans.

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good fourth book for the series. I had fun following the littlest one as she came to terms with her changing family.

And when the title was mentioned in the story...whew. Someone started cutting onions.

[N_patricia Brunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Perfect than the Moon by Patricia Mac Lachlan is the fourth book of the continuing heartwarming stories of Sarah Plain and Tall. I listened to the NON-PRINT engaging audio version of this story read by actress Glenn Close. This novel effectively captures the flavor of this simple historical story of life on the prairie and a family’s unconditional acceptance and love.

This continued story features Cassie, the eight-year-old daughter of Sarah and Jacob. Cassie spends her days observing life on the Witting Family Farm and recording her thoughts and observations in her journal. Sometimes she uses her imagination to spin stories in her journal to make life into what she would like it to be.

Sarah and Jacob are expecting a baby and Cassie at first, doesn’t want any part of this new addition to the family. She writes in her journal that the baby will be born a sheep whose name is Beatrice and that it will be a “terrible baby”. Sarah patiently works through these feelings with her daughter and when the baby is born Cassie’s feelings are changed. She thinks her new baby brother is a gift “more perfect than the moon”.

You do not have to read the first three stories to enjoy this one. Mac Lachlan uses simple text and weaves a wonderful plot. I would recommend this beginning chapter book for children in grades two through four. Children of this age will be able to relate to the simple language, the believable characters, the authentic setting, the theme and plot.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series so much. In this book, Cassie is a bit older than in the last book, old enough that she’s journaling her imaginations as things happen in her life. This book focuses especially on her finding out that Sarah is pregnant with a new baby, and you get to see (in the usual tender way of these books) how she worries about being replaced by the baby. The way the book handles it is both funny and sweet. I wish I could have read this book to my oldest when we were expecting his younger sibling.

Both my 9yo and 6yo really enjoyed listening to it being read aloud; they gave it 4 stars.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as the first three but still rather enjoyable. This is from the perspective of Cassie as she tries to deal with her mother having a "terrible baby." The fear of the unknown... on so many levels. However, I find Cassie's creative writing in her journal to be creative and it even made me laugh out loud a couple of times. I like to see her progression as a writer, too.

I enjoyed it... but now go grab a box of tissues and move on to the last book...

[Mariangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this book belonged to the series of Sarah, Plain and Tall.
It is a short story told by Sarah’s daughter, about the summer when she thought her mother was ill and she wrote her thoughts and fantasy stories in her journal.

Read twice, this time chronologically.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book from Cassie's point of view. But I didn't enjoy her nearly as much as Anna or Celeb. She was a lot more spoiled. But it was a cute quick read.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is a lovely book. Cassie was funny and sweet, and I enjoyed her point of view. The plot was just amazing! There were a couple mentions of kisses, but nothing else. The humour was good, and the message too.

A Favourite Humorous Quote: "Actually, I think Cassie looks like Eleni, the cow," said Caleb.
"No," said Mama. "*I* look like Eleni."
"Don't worry, Sarah. Eleni is a very beautiful cow," said Grandfather.

[Toshalea Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting. Moved me nearly to tears as it paints the picture from a little girl's eyes of the uncertainties of change and what it's like to fit in. Finding her place in her own family, Cassie discovers that change can be terrible but mostly beautiful when shared with the ones you love and grow from it... together.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fantastic. Love this character so much. Dream big and stay positive. :)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle and joyful story. Liked it!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book in the series from Cassies's perspective. It was fine, probably the weakest link, but we still liked it.

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This my least favorite of the 4 books. Cassie is the new baby who now is faced with a new baby. It's a bit whinier than the previous books, but realistic and has good character development.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series, but I still enjoyed it.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth book in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series.

In book three (Caleb's story), Cassie in a whirling storm of questions. In this one, Cassie is old enough to write stories in a journal, which she does often during the day. Her mother, Sarah, is in her 40s and having a baby which Cassie resents before it’s born. Then there's the fear that her mother is too old.

It’s pretty cute, but I miss the voice of Glenn Close in the audiobooks who makes these books come alive.

***********************************************

Feb. 26, 2024

The audio version came available through Libby so I listened to it. Yep, Glenn Close really makes this book come alive.

[Sierra Reyelts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book. I adore Cassie as a narrator and keeper of the family journal. She was tons of fun in the last book because of her spunk. I love her imaginative twist on journaling her family's life

[Camilla Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was cute to see things from Cassie's perspective in this book and to think about how having a new baby makes older siblings feel.

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorelai’s review: I bet the terrible baby is not terrible. Because babies are fun and cuddly and cute. I liked that Cassie got to write the book. I loved it. It was fun.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to my 9 year old, easy characters to spend time and it nailed the ending.

[Eszter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not as happy with this one as with the previous books. I liked the topic of the book: Sarah is pregnant, and Cassie is going to get a younger sibling, which she is anything, but happy about it. I could sympathize with her feelings and I believe many parents must face this problem, especially, if there is a huge age gap (8 years in this case) and the older child has got used to being the princess of the family. My problem is that I was not happy with the resolution, there wasn't really a resolution at all: life just solved it. Also, Sarah seemed too passive in her role, she just kept smiling... I understand that a mother loves her baby, even if the baby is bad, but I got to know Sarah as a kind of mother who if needed would be strict with her child or at least who would be very sad about this kind of behaviour. The other thing that bothered me was that I got confused with respect to this timeline. Cassie is 8 years old, so it's been 8 years since Maggie and Matthew left. In this book, it seems they have just returned but are talking about being only gone for 2 years. This is very confusing. Finally, I didn't like in the previous book either, but in this even less, the frequent references to the previous books and quoting their texts word for word. It is unnecessary, especially if the book is only 80 pages or so long. It makes the impression the author has nothing new to say, keeps repeating herself. All in all, I can only give 2,5 stars for this.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best of the first four Sarah, Plain and Tall books. Patricia MacLachlan carefully rations out her writing for the limited space given to this story and tells it beautifully, with even more engaging emotion than is to be found in the first three books. Few authors are more skillful than Patricia MacLachlan at penning a sensitive and impactful story in so few words, and More Perfect than the Moon is an exquisite example of just how well Ms. MacLachlan can bring an idea to vivid life in only a few dozen pages.

After the third book in this series, Caleb's Story, Caleb passed on the responsibility of keeping the family journal to the new youngest child, Cassie. Cassie is the first child born to the marriage union of Jacob and Sarah, Caleb and his older sister, Anna, having been born to their own Mama who died years before Sarah joined the family in the Newbery Medal-winning book Sarah, Plain and Tall. Cassie has a very different style of writing than her two siblings who previously kept the journal; she loves to make up stories and fill her notebook with ideas and imaginings of what might be and what she hopes will happen. In this way, she hopes that a few of her wishes may even have a chance of coming true.

When Sarah becomes sick, Cassie gravely worries about her mother's health, but it turns out that it's not a serious health issue after all. Changes will be coming to Cassie's home, just as changes came for Anna and Caleb before, and the family will have to change and grow to keep up with what's going on around them. Cassie isn't sure that she likes the idea of things permanently changing in the comfortable home that she already knows, but perhaps she just doesn't yet realize that though her yearning for a perfect gift may not ever be completely fulfilled, a more than adequate substitute for perfection may illuminate new possibilities in her life that she'd never even known were there.

Patricia MacLachlan has done a wonderful job with this book. The story is sweetly told and grand in its emotional simplicity, never straying from the path of winsome plainness set up in the previous three books. I couldn't have realistically expected more from this book than I got, and I would recommend More Perfect than the Moon with greater enthusiasm than I had for its predecessors. All told, there's a good chance that I would give this book the full three stars.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cassie (Sarah's daughter) has a bad attitude about her mother having another baby. Not really my kind of book. Babies are precious gifts from God, and I don't like to give my young children books that present thoughts about them being terrible bothers, etc.
This book also has Caleb promising Cassie that Sarah will be okay when the baby is born, even though his own mother died when he was born, which leaves Cassie wondering, "How could he promise that?" Indeed, how could he? Having lost his own mother he would know he couldn't. It seems unrealistic. This would be a great place for a reference to God on a topic like this, but that opportunity is wasted. There are also unimpressive references to boy-girl relationships that seem unrealistic for the time. I just wasn't fond of this book, sad to say.