about the book
Once again, fifth-grader William’s dad walks out on the family, leaving a huge hole in his and his four-year-old sister Elinor’s heart.
To fill that hole, their mother takes them to the local animal shelter, where they pick out not one but four dogs and a cat! They are Bitty, Bryn, Grace, and Neo, and their cat friend Lula. Though Will knows nothing can replace his dad, their new animal friends slowly help his heartache.
Then something magical happens.
One day, Will and Elinor realize they can hear the dogs talking to one another—and they want to help their new family get back together!
However, when their father does come back, will Will, Elinor, Lula, and the four dogs be enough to convince him to stay this time for good?
about the author
Patricia MacLachlan was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and spent her earliest years in Minnesota. An only child, she often played out favorite scenes in books and had an imaginary friend that was so real her father had to negotiate with her to get the couch after dinner! Both of Patricia’s parents died when she was young. Forced to move out east, she always carries a small bag of prairie dirt with her.
Although she loved books, the thought of writing was intimidating. She once completed a school writing assignment on a 3×5 index card. The teacher was not amused. That night, Patricia wrote in her diary, “I shall try not to be writer.”
After attending the University of Connecticut, Patricia taught English, married Robert, and had three children. They lived in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, in a house built in 1793 that had mice and snakes in the basement.
Patricia didn’t start writing until she was 35 years old. After living and working with foster care and adoptive families, she knew she wanted to write about families and children. She won the Newbery Medal for her book, Sarah, Plain and Tall. She also won a National Humanities Medal for her distinguished intellectual achievements in the humanities.
After moving to a new house (one with no mice or snakes), Patricia had trouble writing. As she talked about what home is with young readers one day at the library, she remembered her little bag of prairie dirt, which helped her reconnect!
Sources:
Author interview : Publishers Weekly
Author interview : Mainline Media News
Author interview : Mackin
Author page : Amazon
Also by Patricia MacLachlan:
The Truth of Me. Katherine Tegen Books. 2013.
White Fur Flying. Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2013.
Kindred Souls. Katherine Tegen Books. 2012.
Word after Word after Word. Katherine Tegen Books. 2010.
The True Gift : A Christmas Story. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 2009.
Edward’s Eyes. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 2007.
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