All the Places to Love

by Patricia MacLachlan, Michael Wimmer (Illustrator)

Overview

A picture book celebration of love by the Newbery Medal–winning author, Patricia MacLachlan, with luminous paintings by Mike Wimmer.

Within the sanctuary of a loving family, baby Eli is born and, as he grows, learns to cherish the people and places around him, eventually passing on what he has discovered to his new baby sister, Sylvie: “All the places to love are here . . . no matter where you may live.” This stunning picture book is the perfect gift for parents of a new baby.

“This loving book will be something to treasure."' –Booklist

"The quiet narrative is so intensely felt it commands attention. . . . a lyrical celebration." –Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780060210984
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/22/1994
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.33(d)
Lexile:	920L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Patricia MacLachlan (1938-2022) was the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. She was also the author of many beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily.

Mike Wimmer is the illustrator of a number of highly acclaimed picture books, including All the Places to Love, written by Patricia MacLachlan, and Train Song, written by Diane Siebert. He lives in Norman, Oklahoma.

Editorial Reviews

An earnest, tender family portrait that parents will want to share with their children, especially when a new baby is due. MacLachlan conjures up an idyllic rural backdrop and introduces the members of a close-knit, extended family whose devotion to one another is part and parcel of their love for the rolling hills and woods that encircle them. Within this sanctuary, baby Eli is born, grows into childhood, and learns to cherish the people and places around him, eventually passing on what he has discovered to his little sister, Sylvie: "All the places to love are here . . . no matter where you may live." MacLachlan's lyrical narrative fixes the setting, lovely and quiet, while it tugs at the heartstrings. Wimmer's radiant, full-page paintings, a few so realistically detailed they look like color photographs, take us to the stream, across the fields, and into the barn, where Eli, with his grandfather, awaits the birth of baby Sylvie. But it's a flawless world that's pictured--not a real one. There's not a speck of dirt on Eli's nose, or a thunderstorm to break the peace. Still, both text and art will captivate parents longing for an affirmation of tradition and stability, and the heartwarming story will enchant children and grownups who understand the world as a safe and beautiful haven, filled with affection. For them, this loving book will be something to treasure.

Stephanie Zvirin