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Always Room for One More
Lachie MacLachlan, the generous hero of this enchanting tale, is the exception to the rule that the Scots are a thrifty lot. In his "wee house in the heather," where he lives with his family of twelve, he welcomes to his hearth every weary traveler who passes by on a stormy night. "There's always room for one more," says Lachie, and how his grateful guests say a wonderful "Thank you" provides a delightfully warm and tender ending to this hilarious tale of kindness.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1965
12 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Sorche Nic Leodhas
32 books12 followerspseudonym for Leclaire Alger
Sorche Nic Leodhas (1898–1969) was born LeClaire Louise Gowans in Youngstown, Ohio. After the death of her first husband, she moved to New York and attended classes at Columbia University. Several years later, she met her second husband and became LeClaire Gowans Alger. She was a longtime librarian at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she also wrote children’s books. Shortly before she retired in 1966, she began publishing Scottish folktales and other stories under the pseudonym Sorche Nic Leodhas, Gaelic for Claire, daughter of Louis. In 1963, she received a Newbery Honor for Thistle and Thyme: Tales and Legends from Scotland. Alger continued to write and publish books until her death 1969.
Sorche Nic Leodhas (1898–1969) was born LeClaire Louise Gowans in Youngstown, Ohio. After the death of her first husband, she moved to New York and attended classes at Columbia University. Several years later, she met her second husband and became LeClaire Gowans Alger. She was a longtime librarian at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she also wrote children’s books. Shortly before she retired in 1966, she began publishing Scottish folktales and other stories under the pseudonym Sorche Nic Leodhas, Gaelic for Claire, daughter of Louis. In 1963, she received a Newbery Honor for Thistle and Thyme: Tales and Legends from Scotland. Alger continued to write and publish books until her death 1969.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
March 7, 2019
This is a song that was orally passed down that has been put to ink and paper. At the end there is a glossary of the Irish words and the sheet music for the song. It’s a chipper little song.
It’s quite the funny little tale. A family live in a little house, a family of 12. That would be a whole lot of people. On top of that, anyone passing by, they tell them they have plenty of room so more and more people join them in a big party until the house bursts. So the townspeople rebuild the house bigger and better for them so they can fit an army in it.
The art is very interesting. The color is minimal and the drawing reminds me of the shapes used in needle point.
The niblings reactions to this were interesting. The kids both loved the party vibe going on here. More and more people. I can only imagine that the kids would never have to sleep. We actually have family friends over often as they pass through so the kids are used to visitors. When the house popped, the nephew laughed with glee and thought this was jolly good while the niece laughed and then got worried about it. How could a house do that? Could ours do that? She was happy once there was a new house. The nephew gave this 4 stars and the niece gave it 3.
It’s quite the funny little tale. A family live in a little house, a family of 12. That would be a whole lot of people. On top of that, anyone passing by, they tell them they have plenty of room so more and more people join them in a big party until the house bursts. So the townspeople rebuild the house bigger and better for them so they can fit an army in it.
The art is very interesting. The color is minimal and the drawing reminds me of the shapes used in needle point.
The niblings reactions to this were interesting. The kids both loved the party vibe going on here. More and more people. I can only imagine that the kids would never have to sleep. We actually have family friends over often as they pass through so the kids are used to visitors. When the house popped, the nephew laughed with glee and thought this was jolly good while the niece laughed and then got worried about it. How could a house do that? Could ours do that? She was happy once there was a new house. The nephew gave this 4 stars and the niece gave it 3.
April 13, 2015
I put this in the Childrens' book category because that's the section I got it in, but it's not for the younger kids. It's an old Scottish song that had never been written down, put down into a book with simple, muted illustrations. I saw that this book had won a Caldecott Award, so I figured I'd check it out. I liked it a lot, but our girls quickly lost interest.
This book was selected as one of the books for the April 2015 - Quarterly Caldecott discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This book was selected as one of the books for the April 2015 - Quarterly Caldecott discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
October 5, 2017
I like this Scottish tale better than All in the Morning Early - possibly because it’s illustrated by someone else, possibly because I just liked the story and the rhythm better in this one. My favorite thing about the illustrations is the way the people are drawn with little cross-hatched lines. It gives the book a homemade feel that I really like and also somehow makes the figures seem more lively, as though they are in motion on the page. I was also really interested in the glossary at the back of the book, which explains all the Scottish words the author uses.
July 12, 2022
1966 Caldecott winner
4⭐️
This was a cute little Scottish folk song put to paper
4⭐️
This was a cute little Scottish folk song put to paper
March 8, 2024
[For my followers who have not heard about My Big Fat Reading Project, here is a brief summary: I read a list of books from every year I have lived including the Top 10 bestsellers of the year, the major award winning books, and a self-selected list of other titles by authors I admire. Currently I am reading from my list for 1966.]
Always Room for One More won the Caldecott Medal in 1966, a prize that awards the illustrators of picture books for children. It is based on a Scottish folktale passed on to the author by her grandfather. Nonny Hogrogian is the illustrator who won the award.
I remember the title from when I was a kid, but I thought it was a TV show. Searching the web, I learned that there was a 1952 movie with that title, starring Cary Grant, about a couple who takes in foster kids. If it was shown on TV later, it would have been the kind of thing approved by our parents.
In any case, the book uses the lyrics from the Scottish folksong based on the folktale, the illustrations are pen and ink with washes of color, and the folksong is included at the end with the musical notation. I was happy to find out I can still sight read a line of notes on the treble staff, so I could sing the book!
Always Room for One More won the Caldecott Medal in 1966, a prize that awards the illustrators of picture books for children. It is based on a Scottish folktale passed on to the author by her grandfather. Nonny Hogrogian is the illustrator who won the award.
I remember the title from when I was a kid, but I thought it was a TV show. Searching the web, I learned that there was a 1952 movie with that title, starring Cary Grant, about a couple who takes in foster kids. If it was shown on TV later, it would have been the kind of thing approved by our parents.
In any case, the book uses the lyrics from the Scottish folksong based on the folktale, the illustrations are pen and ink with washes of color, and the folksong is included at the end with the musical notation. I was happy to find out I can still sight read a line of notes on the treble staff, so I could sing the book!
July 21, 2011
A retelling of a Scottish song passed down from oral traditions. Amazing illustrations from Hogrogian incorporate a variety of artistic techniques to bring the verses to life.
March 22, 2015
For this picture book analysis I choose Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas. This book was published in 1965 and won the Caldecott Medal in 1966. As it is a scottish folk song, it includes a lot of vocabulary that is foreign to us, therefore there is a glossary in the back that makes the reading of the book much easier, otherwise the reader is forced to infer the meaning of many of words. With the correct understanding, the book is a very cute read and a fun read.
General Description
This book, adapted from a popular Scottish folk song, won the Caldecott Medal in 1966. It tells the story Lachie MacLachlan and his family of twelve, they live in a tiny house but he always invites strangers and travelers to come stay, because there is always room for one more. But as he continues to invite more and more people into the house they seem to be running out of room. Eventually they get so squished in the house that it explodes and they all fall everywhere. Then everyone comes together and builds the family a huge new house so that there actually is always room for one more. Because the story is originally a folk song, the words are laid out very much like a poem or so that they need to be read with a rhythm, The illustrations are done so that they frame the words without the words being in the way, it is almost like the words are a part of the picture.
2. Text/Author Elements
Theme- The overall theme of this story is similar to the idea of Karma and that by doing good things, it will all come back to you in the end. The MacLaughlan family is always doing things to help others, even though it is, in a way, hurting them, but when, in the end, all the people they have helped come together to help them, they get what they deserved for all their kind action earlier. “And then the whole lot of them stood at the door, and merrily shouted, ‘there’s room galore.’” (pg 19).
Repetition- There are a few phrases, or stanzas that are repeated in order to better inforce the ideas, mostly those about how much of a habit it was for Lachie to invite strangers into the house and how full the house was getting. They repeat bow small the house is, how big the family is, and most of all how every passerby should “come awa’ in! There’s room for one more, always room for one more.” (pg 3).
Rhyme- This story uses some rhyme, it is not always exactly consistent or perfect rhyme, probably because it needs to be spoken, or sung, with a Scottish accent in order for the words to properly rhyme. The rhyme gives good rhythm when reading the book out loud; it makes sense that there is a lot of rhyme because the book was originally a song. “There was a wee house in the heather— ’Twas a bit o’ a but and a ben— and in it there lived all together Lachie Maclachlan…” (pg 2).
Traditional Language-The language, even though it complicates the understanding of the book, serves to convey the tradition behind the story. Even without a background knowledge, because of this language the reader is able to make a connection with history and the tradition that is behind the story. One example of this language is bairns, which refers to children of a middle age; “And his bairns to the number of ten” (Pg 2).
Character Development- There is very strong character development of Lachie Maclaughlan, mostly through his dialogue. We are able to get a real sense of the kind of generous man that Lachie is, mostly through his constant offering of their house, no matter how full it got. He values what he has and thinks that sharing and helping others is important, and it ends up helping him in the end as well. “So me and my wife, and our ten bairns, will be sharing whatever we’ve got.” (pg 2).
Tone-The overall tone in this story is very approving. Even though the actions in the book could be seen as crazy, or unrealistic, the author approaches it as if it makes complete sense, helping to implement the tradition behind the story. The tone helps to convey that, though unrealistic, the story is still logical and makes sense, which strengthens the tradition because, as a folk song, the actions wouldn't be questionable, and the tone helps to further this understanding for younger audiences.
Exaggeration-The events that happen are exaggerated and somewhat unrealistic, the most prominent example of that is that the house explodes so they all fly everywhere. It is understandable that when to many people are inside a house would never explode in the way it doe. But, these ideas help to make the story funnier and more exciting; “With its but and its ben and its walls and its roof dinged down!” (pg 14)
Sentence Structure-The sentences are set up similar to a peom due to the fact that it is an old song. There are loose stanzas and they help create the rhythm and reinforce the rhyme as the story is effectively read aloud. The stanzas and sentences are not exactly the same as in the song, but in the long run, they serve a similar service to the story as if it were the song.
Mood- The mood is very lighthearted. The reader feels happy and carefree while reading it, aside from the occasional difficulty with the Scottish vocabulary. The mood encourages Lachie to do what he does best, and continue to invite people into his house, the mood also is very lighthearted when it comes to the overall story, it is very uplifting as he get help from all the people he has helped, and there is so much joy behind the story which is very enjoyable as the audience. “Now there will always be room for one more, Always room for one more!” (pg 19)
Setting Description- The description of the setting is imperative to the understanding of the story because it describes how small their house is, and they continue to let more and more in, so this detail about the size of the house is very important to understand the problem that arises when their is finally to many people. “’Twas a bit o’ a but and a ben—“ (pg 2)
Authors Craft- Sorche Nic Leodhas is an American author, this name was a pseudonym for her real name was LeClaire Gowans Alger. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio and worked as a Librarian and a storyteller under the pseudonym; she wrote traditional Scottish tales that had previously only been passed down in stories and songs. She won the Caldecott for this book, and the Newbery Honor for her other book Thistle and Thyme: Tales and Legends From Scotland. Most all of her books are written versions of these traditional Scottish Folk Stories. She finds effective ways of conveying these stories that can be difficult to understand, her writing combined with the illustrations works in perfect harmony to help the reader understand the folklore.
“The poetic language keeps the reader engaged in the accelerating tempo of growing excitement as more and more people join in the merriment inside the “wee house in the heather”.”- Goodreads
“The text is very lyrical and begs to be read aloud. I found out why at the end. It is actually the text to a traditional Scottish song.” -Goodreads
*Because this is an older, more uncommon book I was unable to find actual editorial reviews, so I took these excerpts from some of the better reviews on Goodreads.
3. Design/Illustrator Elements
Drawing- While the illustrations as a whole are done mixing media, the black ink drawing is the most detailed part of the pictures is drawn in black ink. The actual details and things in the pictures are done in this drawing technique; for example in the first page the house and the family, the most important parts, are drawn, while the rest of the picture is done in other techniques.
Painting- The parts of the illustrations that are not drawn appear to be done with a very light and sweeping technique of watercolors. These watercolors create the texture, light, and feel of the setting. So in the first page where the house and people were drawn, the hill and land in the picture are done in this unique painting technique.
Line- Within the drawn parts of the pictures, a technique of cross-hatching is used for the less detailed, or farther away parts of the pictures. The ones that are closer up like on pages 11 and 12 are still done using this cross hatching technique that gives it a unique feel, but detail is added to the faces and the hair of the people, making them much more realistic than in the zoomed out pictures.
Color- The use of color is very limited in these illustrations. Aside from the black, the colors are limited to varying shades of pink and yellow. This use of only the two colors gives much more value to the colors that are used. The pink and yellow just add deeper value and shading to the black shades that are already there. In some of the pictures, such as page 13, the color is so faint that it almost just seems like a different shade of grey, but the yellow just adds more interest and depth to the picture.
Space- The pictures embrace empty space in their portrayal of the story, the pure ideas behind the techniques used require the embracing of empty space as a vessel in illustration. The cross-hatching technique is simply the difference between space and darkness, and the painting technique is only interesting because it does not fill the page and there is an emptiness left, that adds to the illustration rather than being actually empty.
Texture- the texture created in the painted sections of the illustrations is fascinating. For example, on the first page, the painting is the hill and landscape, and there is a texture behind it that, even in three simple colors the hill stands out and seems so realistic, the texture of the land is beautifully and simplistically created.
Folk Art- The style of art is very unique, and I believe it wold be unique to the time period. The simplicity and abstract qualities combine with more realistic qualities, to create a perfect balance to accompany this story. The illustrations represent an aspect of tradition, similarly to how the story reflects traditional folk song.
Darkness- there is a lot of shadow and darkness used in these illustrations, especially in the sky, like on page 4, there is darkness in the sky that would seem very bad and ominous, but in the context of the picture’s overall style this does not convey that. The darkness is used in ways that simply help shape the overall landscape and setting.
Angles- The illustrator used very sharp angles in her abstract and more realistic portrayal of the people. For example, on page 4, the people, carriage, and house are all overly angular, while the landscape does not portray any angles at all. I think that this angular nature of the drawings comes from how the technique of cross-hatching is used, it is difficult to portray very fluid shapes and line with this harsh ink based practice.
Shades-The use of shading and the many shades within the only three colors involved in the illustrations makes it so that the illustrations don't even seem like they could possibly be missing some other colors. The illustrator skillfully used the wide variety of shades within each of the colors to portray the feeling of any color that could possibly be needed otherwise. In my opinion, this use of shading and limited color is actually more effective in companion to the story.
Illustrator’s Craft- Nonny Hogrogian is an Armenian-American author and illustrator who is best known for her children’s books. She grew up in New York City in a very artistic family; both of her parents were painters and her sister an interior designer. She works in a wide variety of mediums for her illustrations. She won the Caldecott medal twice, and was a runner up for it one other time. Aside from Always Room for One More her book One Fine Day also won while her book The Contest was a runner up. She both wrote and illustrated but, in this book she worked with Soche Nic Leodhas to create the book.
“The illustrations contributed very well to the story. They almost have a smeared and imperfect look to them. When I imagine all of these people crammed in one house, a feeling of a cramped room with a lot of hustle and bustle crosses my mind, and this is exactly the illusion that the pictures give off.” -Goodreads
“The images in this book are flat out amazing. The land is water colored black and white with a tint of pink on every page. The figures (houses, people, and animals) are made up completely of lines… With the way the pictures are depicted, I am sure this book interests young children as well as adults because of the method used by the illustrator in his pictures.” -Goodreads
4. Read Along
This is a difficult book for young children. The Scottish words make it hard to understand, I found myself having to stop and explain the different words as we went along, which interrupts the rhythm and flow of the book. I tried to explain all the words before we read, with the glossary in the back but that was to boring and she did not pay attention. I tried to just read the words and hope that she could understand the story without understanding the words, but she kept asking as I read. Even though it is hard for young readers and the flow of the book is compromised, she still really liked the story behind it all. I think that my audience was to young for this book. Even though it is a pictuebook, I think that it has an older audience due to the complicated comprehension that is necessary. I rely enjoy and like the book, it is just not an ideal one to try to read to a very young audience.
In conclusion, Always Room For One More is a really great read even though it may be a little outdated. The story is very cute and has a lot of great ideas and themes behind it. This book is also very important because it functions to carry on another culture to today’s youth; even if it is not in the traditional folk song passed down through generations, the story and tradition is still being passed on and continued. It is very important that we find ways to interest children n historical culture and tradition so that it does not die out, and this adaptation of the traditional folk song into a children’s picture book functions as a very effective method of passing on and continuing tradition.
General Description
This book, adapted from a popular Scottish folk song, won the Caldecott Medal in 1966. It tells the story Lachie MacLachlan and his family of twelve, they live in a tiny house but he always invites strangers and travelers to come stay, because there is always room for one more. But as he continues to invite more and more people into the house they seem to be running out of room. Eventually they get so squished in the house that it explodes and they all fall everywhere. Then everyone comes together and builds the family a huge new house so that there actually is always room for one more. Because the story is originally a folk song, the words are laid out very much like a poem or so that they need to be read with a rhythm, The illustrations are done so that they frame the words without the words being in the way, it is almost like the words are a part of the picture.
2. Text/Author Elements
Theme- The overall theme of this story is similar to the idea of Karma and that by doing good things, it will all come back to you in the end. The MacLaughlan family is always doing things to help others, even though it is, in a way, hurting them, but when, in the end, all the people they have helped come together to help them, they get what they deserved for all their kind action earlier. “And then the whole lot of them stood at the door, and merrily shouted, ‘there’s room galore.’” (pg 19).
Repetition- There are a few phrases, or stanzas that are repeated in order to better inforce the ideas, mostly those about how much of a habit it was for Lachie to invite strangers into the house and how full the house was getting. They repeat bow small the house is, how big the family is, and most of all how every passerby should “come awa’ in! There’s room for one more, always room for one more.” (pg 3).
Rhyme- This story uses some rhyme, it is not always exactly consistent or perfect rhyme, probably because it needs to be spoken, or sung, with a Scottish accent in order for the words to properly rhyme. The rhyme gives good rhythm when reading the book out loud; it makes sense that there is a lot of rhyme because the book was originally a song. “There was a wee house in the heather— ’Twas a bit o’ a but and a ben— and in it there lived all together Lachie Maclachlan…” (pg 2).
Traditional Language-The language, even though it complicates the understanding of the book, serves to convey the tradition behind the story. Even without a background knowledge, because of this language the reader is able to make a connection with history and the tradition that is behind the story. One example of this language is bairns, which refers to children of a middle age; “And his bairns to the number of ten” (Pg 2).
Character Development- There is very strong character development of Lachie Maclaughlan, mostly through his dialogue. We are able to get a real sense of the kind of generous man that Lachie is, mostly through his constant offering of their house, no matter how full it got. He values what he has and thinks that sharing and helping others is important, and it ends up helping him in the end as well. “So me and my wife, and our ten bairns, will be sharing whatever we’ve got.” (pg 2).
Tone-The overall tone in this story is very approving. Even though the actions in the book could be seen as crazy, or unrealistic, the author approaches it as if it makes complete sense, helping to implement the tradition behind the story. The tone helps to convey that, though unrealistic, the story is still logical and makes sense, which strengthens the tradition because, as a folk song, the actions wouldn't be questionable, and the tone helps to further this understanding for younger audiences.
Exaggeration-The events that happen are exaggerated and somewhat unrealistic, the most prominent example of that is that the house explodes so they all fly everywhere. It is understandable that when to many people are inside a house would never explode in the way it doe. But, these ideas help to make the story funnier and more exciting; “With its but and its ben and its walls and its roof dinged down!” (pg 14)
Sentence Structure-The sentences are set up similar to a peom due to the fact that it is an old song. There are loose stanzas and they help create the rhythm and reinforce the rhyme as the story is effectively read aloud. The stanzas and sentences are not exactly the same as in the song, but in the long run, they serve a similar service to the story as if it were the song.
Mood- The mood is very lighthearted. The reader feels happy and carefree while reading it, aside from the occasional difficulty with the Scottish vocabulary. The mood encourages Lachie to do what he does best, and continue to invite people into his house, the mood also is very lighthearted when it comes to the overall story, it is very uplifting as he get help from all the people he has helped, and there is so much joy behind the story which is very enjoyable as the audience. “Now there will always be room for one more, Always room for one more!” (pg 19)
Setting Description- The description of the setting is imperative to the understanding of the story because it describes how small their house is, and they continue to let more and more in, so this detail about the size of the house is very important to understand the problem that arises when their is finally to many people. “’Twas a bit o’ a but and a ben—“ (pg 2)
Authors Craft- Sorche Nic Leodhas is an American author, this name was a pseudonym for her real name was LeClaire Gowans Alger. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio and worked as a Librarian and a storyteller under the pseudonym; she wrote traditional Scottish tales that had previously only been passed down in stories and songs. She won the Caldecott for this book, and the Newbery Honor for her other book Thistle and Thyme: Tales and Legends From Scotland. Most all of her books are written versions of these traditional Scottish Folk Stories. She finds effective ways of conveying these stories that can be difficult to understand, her writing combined with the illustrations works in perfect harmony to help the reader understand the folklore.
“The poetic language keeps the reader engaged in the accelerating tempo of growing excitement as more and more people join in the merriment inside the “wee house in the heather”.”- Goodreads
“The text is very lyrical and begs to be read aloud. I found out why at the end. It is actually the text to a traditional Scottish song.” -Goodreads
*Because this is an older, more uncommon book I was unable to find actual editorial reviews, so I took these excerpts from some of the better reviews on Goodreads.
3. Design/Illustrator Elements
Drawing- While the illustrations as a whole are done mixing media, the black ink drawing is the most detailed part of the pictures is drawn in black ink. The actual details and things in the pictures are done in this drawing technique; for example in the first page the house and the family, the most important parts, are drawn, while the rest of the picture is done in other techniques.
Painting- The parts of the illustrations that are not drawn appear to be done with a very light and sweeping technique of watercolors. These watercolors create the texture, light, and feel of the setting. So in the first page where the house and people were drawn, the hill and land in the picture are done in this unique painting technique.
Line- Within the drawn parts of the pictures, a technique of cross-hatching is used for the less detailed, or farther away parts of the pictures. The ones that are closer up like on pages 11 and 12 are still done using this cross hatching technique that gives it a unique feel, but detail is added to the faces and the hair of the people, making them much more realistic than in the zoomed out pictures.
Color- The use of color is very limited in these illustrations. Aside from the black, the colors are limited to varying shades of pink and yellow. This use of only the two colors gives much more value to the colors that are used. The pink and yellow just add deeper value and shading to the black shades that are already there. In some of the pictures, such as page 13, the color is so faint that it almost just seems like a different shade of grey, but the yellow just adds more interest and depth to the picture.
Space- The pictures embrace empty space in their portrayal of the story, the pure ideas behind the techniques used require the embracing of empty space as a vessel in illustration. The cross-hatching technique is simply the difference between space and darkness, and the painting technique is only interesting because it does not fill the page and there is an emptiness left, that adds to the illustration rather than being actually empty.
Texture- the texture created in the painted sections of the illustrations is fascinating. For example, on the first page, the painting is the hill and landscape, and there is a texture behind it that, even in three simple colors the hill stands out and seems so realistic, the texture of the land is beautifully and simplistically created.
Folk Art- The style of art is very unique, and I believe it wold be unique to the time period. The simplicity and abstract qualities combine with more realistic qualities, to create a perfect balance to accompany this story. The illustrations represent an aspect of tradition, similarly to how the story reflects traditional folk song.
Darkness- there is a lot of shadow and darkness used in these illustrations, especially in the sky, like on page 4, there is darkness in the sky that would seem very bad and ominous, but in the context of the picture’s overall style this does not convey that. The darkness is used in ways that simply help shape the overall landscape and setting.
Angles- The illustrator used very sharp angles in her abstract and more realistic portrayal of the people. For example, on page 4, the people, carriage, and house are all overly angular, while the landscape does not portray any angles at all. I think that this angular nature of the drawings comes from how the technique of cross-hatching is used, it is difficult to portray very fluid shapes and line with this harsh ink based practice.
Shades-The use of shading and the many shades within the only three colors involved in the illustrations makes it so that the illustrations don't even seem like they could possibly be missing some other colors. The illustrator skillfully used the wide variety of shades within each of the colors to portray the feeling of any color that could possibly be needed otherwise. In my opinion, this use of shading and limited color is actually more effective in companion to the story.
Illustrator’s Craft- Nonny Hogrogian is an Armenian-American author and illustrator who is best known for her children’s books. She grew up in New York City in a very artistic family; both of her parents were painters and her sister an interior designer. She works in a wide variety of mediums for her illustrations. She won the Caldecott medal twice, and was a runner up for it one other time. Aside from Always Room for One More her book One Fine Day also won while her book The Contest was a runner up. She both wrote and illustrated but, in this book she worked with Soche Nic Leodhas to create the book.
“The illustrations contributed very well to the story. They almost have a smeared and imperfect look to them. When I imagine all of these people crammed in one house, a feeling of a cramped room with a lot of hustle and bustle crosses my mind, and this is exactly the illusion that the pictures give off.” -Goodreads
“The images in this book are flat out amazing. The land is water colored black and white with a tint of pink on every page. The figures (houses, people, and animals) are made up completely of lines… With the way the pictures are depicted, I am sure this book interests young children as well as adults because of the method used by the illustrator in his pictures.” -Goodreads
4. Read Along
This is a difficult book for young children. The Scottish words make it hard to understand, I found myself having to stop and explain the different words as we went along, which interrupts the rhythm and flow of the book. I tried to explain all the words before we read, with the glossary in the back but that was to boring and she did not pay attention. I tried to just read the words and hope that she could understand the story without understanding the words, but she kept asking as I read. Even though it is hard for young readers and the flow of the book is compromised, she still really liked the story behind it all. I think that my audience was to young for this book. Even though it is a pictuebook, I think that it has an older audience due to the complicated comprehension that is necessary. I rely enjoy and like the book, it is just not an ideal one to try to read to a very young audience.
In conclusion, Always Room For One More is a really great read even though it may be a little outdated. The story is very cute and has a lot of great ideas and themes behind it. This book is also very important because it functions to carry on another culture to today’s youth; even if it is not in the traditional folk song passed down through generations, the story and tradition is still being passed on and continued. It is very important that we find ways to interest children n historical culture and tradition so that it does not die out, and this adaptation of the traditional folk song into a children’s picture book functions as a very effective method of passing on and continuing tradition.
March 3, 2019
I like the illustration style a lot. And I like the concept of the book, and the theme of the story. But I failed at trying to read it aloud, and I don't know how to read music, so I suppose I just messed up the rhythm. Glossary included, pronunciation guide needed. CD or link to performance at publisher website needed. Of course this way before either of those technologies, though.
December 31, 2019
Cute Scottish folktale. Didn’t love the art, but the story was fun.
September 27, 2016
1. Book summary, in your own words (3 pts)
Always Room for One More is a Caldecott Medal book. It is a book inspired by a popular Scottish song. It is about a family who welcomes any and all to their home as they are coming by. Soon the house gets so full from joy and fellowship that it explodes. What does the family do next? It also has very cute and creative illustrations for this book.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This would be a fun book for grades Kindergarten to 2nd. It is interesting and is very fun. The words would be a little hard for the students to read themselves. It would have to be read to them.
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
I would read this book aloud to my class as a part of reading and/or story time. I could also tie in some other popular Scottish traditions and things for a lesson.
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
This would be a great book for student who love friendship.
5. Small group use (literature circles) (1 pt)
I would not use this book in small groups.
6. Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
I would definitely read this book to them as a class and come up with an activity to go with it. I think it would be fun for all of them to read.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
May I Bring a Friend? By Beatrice de Regniers
One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
8. Multimedia connections (audio books, movie) available (1 pt)
The main reason for this book is that it was originally an old Scottish folk song, partly told and partly sung.
Always Room for One More is a Caldecott Medal book. It is a book inspired by a popular Scottish song. It is about a family who welcomes any and all to their home as they are coming by. Soon the house gets so full from joy and fellowship that it explodes. What does the family do next? It also has very cute and creative illustrations for this book.
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This would be a fun book for grades Kindergarten to 2nd. It is interesting and is very fun. The words would be a little hard for the students to read themselves. It would have to be read to them.
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
I would read this book aloud to my class as a part of reading and/or story time. I could also tie in some other popular Scottish traditions and things for a lesson.
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
This would be a great book for student who love friendship.
5. Small group use (literature circles) (1 pt)
I would not use this book in small groups.
6. Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
I would definitely read this book to them as a class and come up with an activity to go with it. I think it would be fun for all of them to read.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
May I Bring a Friend? By Beatrice de Regniers
One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
8. Multimedia connections (audio books, movie) available (1 pt)
The main reason for this book is that it was originally an old Scottish folk song, partly told and partly sung.
September 24, 2016
Book summary: This is an award winning book. There once was this wee house. When people came by needing or wanting to stay at the house, the man would say "there is always room for one more." Than the house began to become cramped so they made an even bigger house twice as wide and twice as high so that there would be plenty of room for whomever came by. This book also rhymes has an order to who came in the house and goes backwards later which I think is cool.
Grade level: K-3
Appropriate classroom use: This book would be good to show students which words rhyme. This book also has a good message, to be open and welcome to people and willing to make more room even if you run out of it. This can teach the kids to be nice instead of mean.
Indv. students who benefit: Students who could learn a lesson like this while work on their reading skills and rhyming skills.
Small group use: Literature circles could be used, also learning stations.
Whole class use: This would be an appropriate book to read aloud. In kindergarten they might have a hard time reading this but I think it would be good with the assistance of the teacher.
Related books: Sorche Nic Leodhas books such as Ghosts go Haunting, caldecott medal winners,
other picture books.
Multimedia connections: None available other than book.
Grade level: K-3
Appropriate classroom use: This book would be good to show students which words rhyme. This book also has a good message, to be open and welcome to people and willing to make more room even if you run out of it. This can teach the kids to be nice instead of mean.
Indv. students who benefit: Students who could learn a lesson like this while work on their reading skills and rhyming skills.
Small group use: Literature circles could be used, also learning stations.
Whole class use: This would be an appropriate book to read aloud. In kindergarten they might have a hard time reading this but I think it would be good with the assistance of the teacher.
Related books: Sorche Nic Leodhas books such as Ghosts go Haunting, caldecott medal winners,
other picture books.
Multimedia connections: None available other than book.
December 1, 2016
• Book summary
-This book teaches students about sharing, through a lovely story. Lachie maclachlan lived in a little house with his wife and 10 bairns. They decided to share everything they have due to a storm outside. Many people stopped and came in. Lachie said there was always room for one more. The little house could not take the amount of people within, so it broke apart. Everyone then decided to rebuild it for the kind man.
• Caldecott Medal
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-K-2
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Use this book to teach students about sharing what they have.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that have an issue with sharing with classmates will benefit from reading this book. It will teach them that sharing is often rewarded with more kindness.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-Have students reflect on the things they should share in their lives. For example, share their Barbies with a sibling at home.
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-Have students take turns telling the class what should be shared in the classroom.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-“May I Bring a Friend?” By Beatrice de Regniers, is another Owlet book that can be read after reading Always Room for One More.
• Multimedia connections
-Available in paperback.
-This book teaches students about sharing, through a lovely story. Lachie maclachlan lived in a little house with his wife and 10 bairns. They decided to share everything they have due to a storm outside. Many people stopped and came in. Lachie said there was always room for one more. The little house could not take the amount of people within, so it broke apart. Everyone then decided to rebuild it for the kind man.
• Caldecott Medal
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-K-2
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Use this book to teach students about sharing what they have.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that have an issue with sharing with classmates will benefit from reading this book. It will teach them that sharing is often rewarded with more kindness.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-Have students reflect on the things they should share in their lives. For example, share their Barbies with a sibling at home.
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-Have students take turns telling the class what should be shared in the classroom.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-“May I Bring a Friend?” By Beatrice de Regniers, is another Owlet book that can be read after reading Always Room for One More.
• Multimedia connections
-Available in paperback.
October 1, 2017
From the Book Jacket: To his “wee house in the heather” where he lives with his wife and ten children, the good-natured Lachie MacLachlan invites every traveler who passes on a stormy night, assuring all that “There’s always room for one more.”
My reactions:
Sorche Nic Leodhas drew inspiration from a traditional Scottish song that has been handed down through the generations. Lachie is a generous host, and even when his house is literally full to bursting, he doesn’t despair, and everyone to whom he’s offered shelter pitches in to help him build a bigger and better house, where once again “There’s always room for one more.”
The author explains in a note at the end of the book that some of the words were changed to make it more understandable for American children, but other Scottish words were kept because there simply wasn’t a reasonable English alternative. There is a glossary at the end of the book. The book also includes the musical notes, so readers can plunk out the tune on the piano.
Nonny Hogrogian was awarded the Caldecott Medal for her illustrations. I appreciate her artwork, but they don’t really capture my attention or move me.
My reactions:
Sorche Nic Leodhas drew inspiration from a traditional Scottish song that has been handed down through the generations. Lachie is a generous host, and even when his house is literally full to bursting, he doesn’t despair, and everyone to whom he’s offered shelter pitches in to help him build a bigger and better house, where once again “There’s always room for one more.”
The author explains in a note at the end of the book that some of the words were changed to make it more understandable for American children, but other Scottish words were kept because there simply wasn’t a reasonable English alternative. There is a glossary at the end of the book. The book also includes the musical notes, so readers can plunk out the tune on the piano.
Nonny Hogrogian was awarded the Caldecott Medal for her illustrations. I appreciate her artwork, but they don’t really capture my attention or move me.
November 3, 2016
1. Book Summary in your own words
A very generous family always has room for another person and invites every person who passes by, into their house. But do they really have room for every single person?
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile
Grades: K-2
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
Friendship, Kindness
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading
Students who may not know how they can be kind to one another. Students who may need encouragement on how to be friendly towards others.
5. Small group use (literature circles)
Students will practice offering a helping hand to each other in different scenarios.
6. Whole class use (read aloud)
As a whole class, we will do a project on kindness. We will invite the other classes into our classroom for a “party” and see how many people we can fit in the room, to show them that we are friendly and will offer an open heart.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area
Genre: Western
8. Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elk75...
A very generous family always has room for another person and invites every person who passes by, into their house. But do they really have room for every single person?
2. Grade level, interest level, lexile
Grades: K-2
3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
Friendship, Kindness
4. Individual students who might benefit from reading
Students who may not know how they can be kind to one another. Students who may need encouragement on how to be friendly towards others.
5. Small group use (literature circles)
Students will practice offering a helping hand to each other in different scenarios.
6. Whole class use (read aloud)
As a whole class, we will do a project on kindness. We will invite the other classes into our classroom for a “party” and see how many people we can fit in the room, to show them that we are friendly and will offer an open heart.
7. Related books in genre/subject or content area
Genre: Western
8. Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elk75...
December 4, 2012
After reading the book, Always Room for One More, I felt that the story was sort of hard to fallow. The illustrations not help to further explain any of the text on the pages. The pictures were all drawn in a unique way; all of the illustrations were drawn with straight lines and crosshatch, while the ground was created with what looked like the sponging of different colors together. I thought this was a very creative way to construct illustrations, but I it was hard to me to feel connected to them. All of the characters were drawn the same and each page looked top similar to the one before, so it was hard to create a personal connection to any of the drawings. The storyline was cute and presented a good message, however I was not really impressed with the book.
April 7, 2015
Includes quite a bit of vocabulary that is unfamiliar (but fortunately there is a glossary). I liked the story...Lachie MachLachlan always has room for one more person in his home...until finally he does not have room for anyone else. So he builds a larger home. His generosity is impressive...and seems more typical of people in many other cultures than here in the US. My husband is from Central America and thinks any visitor to our home (even salesmen) should be given food and drinks. That doesn't typically even occur to me if someone just drops by unannounced and isn't staying for long.
While I liked the illustrations, my children were not impressed. My 6 year old said she didn't think this should have received an award.
While I liked the illustrations, my children were not impressed. My 6 year old said she didn't think this should have received an award.
December 11, 2013
I got this one because it was a Caldecott award winner, and the paintings for illustrations were beautiful. However, wow! Was it difficult to pronounce some of those Scottish words! I felt all tongue tied! And while my older son can follow along when I explain the definition of the words he doesn't know, I felt I was explaining every other word, which took away from the rhythm of the poetry. I did like how the music to this song was in the back of the book as well as the definition of the typical Scottish words used. But still, it was a difficult one. For me to read, and for my kids to understand.
April 18, 2015
I liked the lyrics to this old folk song; so carefree and joyful until the house falls down; and then everyone joining in to build an even bigger one. I picked out the tune on our piano, and it is simple and upbeat. I did not feel the need for a pronunciation guide, since most of the words are pronounced as they are spelled, except the "ch", which is the same guttural sound as the German "ch". However, I was not blown away by the pictures: black and white ink drawings with a sort of magenta wash over them.
April 24, 2008
Lordy, this book was hard to read out loud. It was hard even for ME to understand. It is derived from a Scottish traditional song, and uses some words that are difficult for Americans to understand: "a but and a ben" "bairns" "brae" There is a glossary at the back of the book. I felt my five year old son was too young for this book, perhaps an older child can appreciate it more.
June 7, 2017
Caldecott winning illustration of an old Scottish folk song. There is a glossary and music for the song, which is a nice touch, and the cross hatch illustrations are interesting, but the rhythm is a little off. Some words were changed from the old Scottish into something a little more recognizable, and I suspect it would scan better without changes.
July 7, 2018
Fun Scottish tale with source origins, sheet music and definitions in the back for those who are fond of those things.
A large family invites in any who pass by as there's 'always room for one more'.
A little awkward to read aloud, the meter doesn't always seem to match up, but, fun to read anyways.
A large family invites in any who pass by as there's 'always room for one more'.
A little awkward to read aloud, the meter doesn't always seem to match up, but, fun to read anyways.
June 16, 2013
1966 Caldecott winner
The illustrations of the Heather...love it. maybe it's because I enjoy the Outlander series so much that I really enjoyed this book. & it's nice that a glossary is provided in the back.
The illustrations of the Heather...love it. maybe it's because I enjoy the Outlander series so much that I really enjoyed this book. & it's nice that a glossary is provided in the back.
October 19, 2014
This book absolutely BEGS to be read out loud. On paper it doesn't look like much, but the prose sings and tells the story admirably well. I enjoyed reading this one a lot. :)
August 2, 2022
I adore this little book, and the history and music at the end to give it context. I found a discarded school library book (I think it's a first edition, 1965), and I adore it. The illustrations are very unusual and almost rhythmic.
I'm having a very hard time finding an audio file of the song online, so if anyone comes across one, please do comment below! If I find one myself, I'll update this note.
I'm having a very hard time finding an audio file of the song online, so if anyone comes across one, please do comment below! If I find one myself, I'll update this note.
November 20, 2019
A sweet little book based on a Scottish song remembered from long ago by passing down orally.
March 8, 2018
Always Room for One More is a fantastic children’s picture book that is able to entertain kids while informing them about a culture they may not have had any previous knowledge of. As a Caldecott Medal winner, I assumed the book would exceed my expectations for the quality of a children’s book, but it truly was an even more complex and enjoyable reading experience than I anticipated. Based on a popular Scottish song, Always Room for One More is extremely appropriate for the intended audience of children between the ages of six and eight because it presents a straight forward story with a clear beginning, middle, and end that is still succinct enough to gain and maintain the short attention spans of many children this age. The book’s sing-song rhyme scheme, which reads almost like poetry, and limited page content also allows it to successfully reach its targeted audience by creating a reading experience that is fun for children, but does not overload them with information. The unique artwork displayed in the book, which appear to be ink drawings that primarily consist of human figures and a house drawn with simple straight lines and cross hatch designs, appears to be completed in the style of impressionism and contributes to the understanding of the story because it provides a visual representation of the words on each page. Much of the book uses vernacular language, so these pictures help young readers to understand what is happening within the story itself. One notable element about the books design features, both on the interior pages, end papers, and outside covers, is its lack of color. Aside from the black ink drawings, the only colors that appear in any part of the book are dark green and pink, which seem to be smudges that are only used to shade various parts of each scene. Personally, I would use this book as a read-aloud lesson with children to introduce them to the Scottish culture and the form of poetry!
September 13, 2017
Begins when a man named Lachie Maclachlan and his family, which are made up of ten children who are from Scotland. There is a storm going on and so they decide to let anyone in who is suffering from the storm because they want to share with others. As more and more travelers pass by Lachie and his family continue to bring them in and reassures that there will be enough room for everyone who comes by his home. A tailor, a sailor and many more stop by for shelter at his house and never denies anyone. Eventually the house has reached its maximum capacity and which causes the house to collapse. Leaving everyone heartbroken they are determined to rebuild Lachie's house only bigger and so once they do they are now positive that they will always have room for more people to come by.
I thought this story was very cute, even though the dialogue was somewhat confusing I understood that the story takes place somewhere else. I believe that this story teaches readers to always be accepting and to welcome anyone regardless of who they are. I also enjoyed the rhyme scheme that it contained, also, some of the words are spelled differently which can confuse students, that is one thing that I did not like. As for the illustration I thought that it brought a gloomy and sad mood which is far from what the story is about as the tone is more uplifting than the way the pictures are. I think this because there is a lot of gray colors and that is usually associated with negative things. Overall, I think that the story teaches a good lesson on how we should all be and also lets us know about other cultures with the stories dialogue.
I thought this story was very cute, even though the dialogue was somewhat confusing I understood that the story takes place somewhere else. I believe that this story teaches readers to always be accepting and to welcome anyone regardless of who they are. I also enjoyed the rhyme scheme that it contained, also, some of the words are spelled differently which can confuse students, that is one thing that I did not like. As for the illustration I thought that it brought a gloomy and sad mood which is far from what the story is about as the tone is more uplifting than the way the pictures are. I think this because there is a lot of gray colors and that is usually associated with negative things. Overall, I think that the story teaches a good lesson on how we should all be and also lets us know about other cultures with the stories dialogue.
January 24, 2018
Always Room for One More
📚📖📚
Kutemukan buku ini di @kineruku Bandung.
Buku terbitan 1960an, buku antik ternyata, dari covernya aja terlihat usianya😊, entah kenapa judulnya menarik perhatianku...
^
Seperti kebiasaanku sebelum membaca buku apapun, selalu ku-scanning terlebih dahulu, biasanya kalo 'klik' dengan beberapa kalimat yg kubaca secara random maka akan kulanjutkan...
^
Ilustrasi sederhana banget, terkesan sekedar 'corat-coret' bagiku, tapi tetap detail & berhasil memperkuat isi cerita😍
^
Di suatu malam yg sedang badai, Lachie yg baiiik hatinya selalu menawarkan pada traveler yg singgah untuk berlindung di rumahnya. Padahal rumahnya kecil & ia memiliki 10 anak!
Tapi dia selalu bilang: "There's room for one more, always room for one more."😍
^
Ada berbagai orang di rumahnya sekarang, ada penjahit, pelaut, tentara, penggembala, bahkan pemusik.
Di dalam rumah yg 'kecil' mereka tetap bisa bersenang-senang, menari & menyanyi bersama, merasakan kehangatan sang pemilik rumah❤
^
Tiba-tiba ada petir dan rumahnya seketika hancur😨
Namun setelah badai reda, mereka bersama-sama membangun kembali rumah Lachie > rumah yg lebih besar & luas! & selalu penuh kehangatan❤
Pada akhirnya kebaikan Lachie terbayar dg indahnya😍
^
Setelah membaca ini, jadi langsung refleksi, selama ini sudah menawari kebaikan apa pada orang2 yg dikenal bahkan tidak dikenal😢
Jangan pernah merasa tidak punya apa-apa, karena ternyata sesungguhnya yang dibutuhkan untuk berbagi bukan materi yg banyak, tetapi hati yang luas❤
📚📖📚
Kutemukan buku ini di @kineruku Bandung.
Buku terbitan 1960an, buku antik ternyata, dari covernya aja terlihat usianya😊, entah kenapa judulnya menarik perhatianku...
^
Seperti kebiasaanku sebelum membaca buku apapun, selalu ku-scanning terlebih dahulu, biasanya kalo 'klik' dengan beberapa kalimat yg kubaca secara random maka akan kulanjutkan...
^
Ilustrasi sederhana banget, terkesan sekedar 'corat-coret' bagiku, tapi tetap detail & berhasil memperkuat isi cerita😍
^
Di suatu malam yg sedang badai, Lachie yg baiiik hatinya selalu menawarkan pada traveler yg singgah untuk berlindung di rumahnya. Padahal rumahnya kecil & ia memiliki 10 anak!
Tapi dia selalu bilang: "There's room for one more, always room for one more."😍
^
Ada berbagai orang di rumahnya sekarang, ada penjahit, pelaut, tentara, penggembala, bahkan pemusik.
Di dalam rumah yg 'kecil' mereka tetap bisa bersenang-senang, menari & menyanyi bersama, merasakan kehangatan sang pemilik rumah❤
^
Tiba-tiba ada petir dan rumahnya seketika hancur😨
Namun setelah badai reda, mereka bersama-sama membangun kembali rumah Lachie > rumah yg lebih besar & luas! & selalu penuh kehangatan❤
Pada akhirnya kebaikan Lachie terbayar dg indahnya😍
^
Setelah membaca ini, jadi langsung refleksi, selama ini sudah menawari kebaikan apa pada orang2 yg dikenal bahkan tidak dikenal😢
Jangan pernah merasa tidak punya apa-apa, karena ternyata sesungguhnya yang dibutuhkan untuk berbagi bukan materi yg banyak, tetapi hati yang luas❤
October 26, 2022
I found this title on the alsc website and got it from my library to read at home. It won the Caldecott award back in 1966 so it was interesting to see how recent award winning titles compare. I had a hard time with this Scottish tale because I didn't know how to go about reading it when I picked it up. The story is about a family that continues to invite people along with them claiming there is "always room for one more". It is written in a sing-songy tone with a lot of rhyming but the rhyming didn't follow any pattern as far as I saw. I think this book would be difficult for younger grades to read because of this difficult task. I think this is best used if you know the Scottish tune/tale and to have an adult read to a younger child to teach them the tale. The images were nice although you can tell they are very old at this point since it is mostly black sketching.
November 28, 2018
Sorche Nic Leodhas writes a Scottish tale of a man with a family of twelve, living in a small house. As travelers pass, the man welcomes in every guest that needs a place to stay, pleading that there is always room for one more. The small house began to fill quickly and the guests sang and danced amongst each other. The man continued to invite in any distant travelers until one day the house became too full and trembled to the ground. The band of collective guests worked together in order to reassemble the disarray of wooden materials into an even bigger and better home that could fit more people. Nonny Hogrogian illustrates utilizing the stylistic art of scratchboard and hand painting. Abstract depictions of the family and guests are formed through the use of lines to create shapes. She brings in color by adding pink sponge-like texture throughout the landscape. At the end of the story, a song sheet is included with the traditional Scottish lyrics and notes of a folksong that corresponds to the book. Both Sorche Nic Leodhas and Nonny Hogrogian collaborate to form a selfless tale centered on Scottish values.
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