October 26, 2009
In this sweetly engaging chapter book, two siblings visit their grandparents' farm for Christmas. Liam, an especially sensitive bibliophile (he takes 37 books along), notices “White Cow” standing all alone in their field and worries she's lonely. While initially reluctant, narrator Lily goes along with Liam's plan to buy a cow friend for White Cow; as they pool their money, Liam posts signs asking for help from the community and sells his books. With MacLachlan's well-drawn characters and Floca's simple pencil and graphite drawings, it's a poignant story with a classic feel. Ages 7–up.
October 1, 2009
Gr 2-4-Lily and her younger brother go to their grandparents farm for Christmas, as always. This year something is different; White Cow is the only animal in the field. Liam, certain that she is lonely, sacrifices his beloved books to buy her a calf companion, and Lily overcomes her fear of the large animal. The simple, elegant prose tells a warm family story with a classic holiday theme. Flocas graphite and ebony pencil drawings are lush with evocative detail and perfectly complement this lovely offering."Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, CA"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 1, 2009
Lily and Liam love visiting their grandparents every Christmas. They take walks, read, and buy gifts for their family -- but this year is different. Liam can't stop thinking about Gran and Grandpa's cow and how lonely she must feel now that she's the only animal left on the farm. Lily resents his worrying, which threatens to ruin their usual carefree stay, and tries to convince him that cows don't have feelings. Instead, she finds herself believing that maybe they do. When Liam comes up with a plan to find a friend for White Cow, everyone's Christmas, not just the cow's, is made merrier. Floca's realistic black-and-white illustrations reflect the solemn tone of MacLachlan's deeply moving tale, narrated in older sister Lily's thoughtful voice. A straightforward text and a heartwarming story make this chapter book a compelling read-aloud; the handsome red-and-gold jacket is all the wrapping this gift requires.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
August 1, 2009
Grades 2-4 Chapter-book readers in search of a cozy, heartwarming read will find MacLachlans latest even cozier and more heartwarming than expected. Its the story of Lily and her younger brother, Liam, who are spending the few days leading up to Christmas on the farm with Grandpa and Gran. Its a beloved annual tradition, only this time Liams concern for the farms sole remaining cow threatens to overwhelm everything. He will spoil our vacation, frets Lily. I know this. But after Liam researches the emotional lives of cows and puts up flyers reading WANTED: A cow friend for a lonely, sad cow, Lily finds herself engaged in his mission. If it sounds saccharine, its notMacLachlan knows just when to drop realistic details that give the narrative a grounding weight. Meanwhile, Flocas black-and-white illustrations are mysterious enough to avoid sapping the imagination kids will need to fill the gaps between the spare prose. The gramd ending, though over the top, will still draw forth the awed whispers parents especially like to hear around Christmas.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2010
Lily and Liam love visiting their grandparents' farm, but this year Liam can't stop thinking about Gran and Grandpa's lonely cow. When Liam comes up with a plan to find a friend for White Cow, everyone's Christmas is made merrier. Floca's realistic black-and-white illustrations reflect the solemn tone of MacLachlan's moving tale, narrated in older sister Lily's thoughtful voice.
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)