Sarah, Plain and Tall, Skylark, and Caleb's Story: An Audio Collection

by Patricia MacLachlan, Glenn Close (Read by)

Overview

This beloved Newbery Medal–winning book is the first of five books in Patricia MacLachlan's chapter book series about the Witting family.

Set in the late nineteenth century and told from young Anna's point of view, Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of how Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton comes from Maine to the prairie to answer Papa's advertisement for a wife and mother. Before Sarah arrives, Anna and her younger brother Caleb wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she sing? Will she stay?

This children's literature classic is perfect for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie books, historical fiction, and timeless stories using rich and beautiful language. Sarah, Plain and Tall gently explores themes of abandonment, loss and love.

Read the rest of the Sarah books by Patricia MacLachlan: Skylark, Caleb’s Story, More Perfect than the Moon, and Grandfather’s Dance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780694526024
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/09/2001
Series:	Sarah, Plain and Tall Series
Edition description:	Unabridged, 3 CDs
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	0.00(w) x 0.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 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.

Glenn Close starred in the Emmy-nominated Hallmark Hall of Fame version of Sarah, Plain and Tall. An Academy Award nominee, Ms. Close has distinguished herself in such critically acclaimed films as The Big Chill, Fatal Attraction, and Dangerous Liaisons.

Editorial Reviews

Here is another superb performance in this newest book of the SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL saga. Introducing the characters of Grandfather and Cassie, the oldest and youngest of the family, Close remarkably changes her voice to make them utterly come alive. From the gruff old man, who materializes after so many years, to the sweet little girl whose innocence wins over Grandfather, the listener is treated to a wonderful interpretation of this touching drama of family and togetherness. Close makes Caleb’s voice shine as he becomes the lead storyteller. As a special treat, an interview with the author is included at the end of the story. D.L.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

DEC/JAN 02 - AudioFile

Gr 3-6-Glenn Close narrates Patricia MacLachlan's beautiful novels on this fine audio collection. Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of Sarah, who came from Maine to answer Jacob's advertisement for a wife and mother, all from the point of view of young Anna. The classic story continues in Skylark, as Anna and her brother, Caleb, must travel with their new mother, Sarah, to Maine when a terrible drought threatens their home. Caleb picks up the story several years later in Caleb's Story, telling of the return of his grandfather, who had abandoned the family when Caleb's father was a young boy. Close, who played the role of Sarah in the Hallmark Hall of Fame production of the first book, creates distinct voices for each character without ever resorting to theatrics. Anna and Caleb's voices mature as listeners progress through the stories, and Close's carefully unobtrusive narration showcases MacLachlan's simple yet poetic words. An interview with Patricia MacLachlan at the end of the collection gives students more information about the author's life and writing process, and about the real-life inspiration for Sarah. A beautiful collusion of an excellent story with a perfect narrator, and a treat for all listeners.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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