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Waiting for the Magic

Illustrated by Amy June Bates

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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.

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 StoryEdward’s EyesThe True GiftWaiting for the MagicWhite 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 18, 2012)
  • Length: 176 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416927464
  • Grades: 3 - 7
  • 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

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More books from this author: Patricia MacLachlan

More books from this illustrator: Amy June Bates