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Table of Contents
About The Book
People may drift apart, but love can hold them together. A touching tale of pets and family told in the “venerable spare and moving style” of Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan, author of Sarah, Plain and Tall (Booklist).
When William’s father leaves, his mother promptly goes out and adds four dogs and a cat to their lives. William’s sure that nothing can fill the hole left by his father, but the new additions to the family are determined to help. With his sister, Elinor, and his mother, William will learn that “family” can come in all shapes and sizes, because sometimes we find love through magic, and sometimes that magic is all around us.
When William’s father leaves, his mother promptly goes out and adds four dogs and a cat to their lives. William’s sure that nothing can fill the hole left by his father, but the new additions to the family are determined to help. With his sister, Elinor, and his mother, William will learn that “family” can come in all shapes and sizes, because sometimes we find love through magic, and sometimes that magic is all around us.
About The Author
Photograph by John MacLachlan
Patricia MacLachlan (1938–2022) 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; Edward’s Eyes; The True Gift; Waiting for the Magic; White Fur Flying; Fly Away; and Snow Horses. She lived in western Massachusetts.
About The Illustrator
Provided by the author
Amy June Bates has illustrated books including the Sam the Man series; Sweet Dreams and That’s What I’d Do, both by singer-songwriter Jewel; and Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan. She is the author-illustrator of The Big Umbrella, about which Booklist raved, “A boundlessly inclusive spirit...This open-ended picture book creates a natural springboard for discussion.” She lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three children.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (September 13, 2011)
- Length: 160 pages
- ISBN13: 9781442431256
- Ages: 8 - 12
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Awards and Honors
- Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee (MN)
- Iowa Children's Choice Award Nominee
- Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Nominee
- Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best
- Nutmeg Book Award Nominee (CT)
- Volunteer State Book Award Nominee (TN)
- Sunshine State Young Readers' Award List (FL)
- Texas Bluebonnet Master List
- Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award Master List (VT)
- Gryphon Award Honor Book
- Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Waiting for the Magic eBook 9781442431256
- Author Photo (jpg): Patricia MacLachlan Photograph by John MacLachlan(2.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
