The Poet's Dog
Published on 26. October 2017
Book
Hardback
96 pages
978-1-78269-168-6 (ISBN)
Description
From the Newbery Medal-winning author, a poignant story about two children, a poet and a dog, and how they help one another survive loss and recapture love
Teddy is a gifted dog. Raised in a cabin by a poet named Sylvan, he grew up listening to sonnets read aloud and the comforting clicking of a keyboard. Although Teddy understands words, Sylvan always told him there are only two kinds of people in the world who can hear Teddy speak: poets and children.
Then one day Teddy learns that Sylvan was right. When Teddy finds Nickel and Flora trapped in a snowstorm, he tells them that he will bring them home - and they understand him. The children are afraid of the howling wind, but not of Teddy's words. They follow him to a cabin in the woods, where the dog used to live with Sylvan... only now his owner is gone.
As they hole up in the cabin for shelter, Teddy is flooded with memories of Sylvan. What will Teddy do when his new friends go home? Can they help one another find what they have lost?
Teddy is a gifted dog. Raised in a cabin by a poet named Sylvan, he grew up listening to sonnets read aloud and the comforting clicking of a keyboard. Although Teddy understands words, Sylvan always told him there are only two kinds of people in the world who can hear Teddy speak: poets and children.
Then one day Teddy learns that Sylvan was right. When Teddy finds Nickel and Flora trapped in a snowstorm, he tells them that he will bring them home - and they understand him. The children are afraid of the howling wind, but not of Teddy's words. They follow him to a cabin in the woods, where the dog used to live with Sylvan... only now his owner is gone.
As they hole up in the cabin for shelter, Teddy is flooded with memories of Sylvan. What will Teddy do when his new friends go home? Can they help one another find what they have lost?
Reviews / Votes
A really beautiful story, sparingly written with gentle, affectionate humour. Although it is the perfect stocking filler, this is a book for all seasons * The School Librarian * Magical. A quiet, elegant, poignant story suffused with humor, heart, and goodness * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * A spare, moving tale. Using simple words that even youngest readers will understand and enjoy, MacLachlan tackles subjects such as death and mourning with understated grace * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * Readers will find their own jewel in this gem of a book * Booklist (starred review) * A tender story of love and grief, The Poet's Dog perfectly illustrates how special friends can heal a broken heart * Jo Knowles, author of <i>See You At Harry's</i> * This enchanting tale of friendship - of the canine and poetic kind - will warm your heart like a firelit cabin on a snowy night. I loved it! * Laura Resau, author of The Lightning Queen * Though this contemplative fantasy explores grief, it is also about overcoming loss and is resolved in a way that will comfort sensitive readers. A strong purchase for larger fiction collections * School Library Journal * A master storyteller in gorgeous form. The Poet's Dog is a joy from page one * Emily Jenkins, author of Toys Go Out * An evocative gem, laced with the power to nurture every reader's inner poet * Leslie Connor, author of All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook * Dog-lovers and budding poets with a taste for quiet whimsy, or fans of MacLachlan's measured and lyrical writing, may want to check this out * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * A book to be read out or to be savoured in silent mystification, this is a new, true find * Bookanista *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pushkin Press
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 7 years
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78269-168-6 (9781782691686)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Patricia MacLachlan
The Poet's Dog
E-Book
10/2017
Pushkin Children's Books
€5.99
Available for download
Persons
Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. She is also the author of countless picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily. She lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.