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amelody's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
From the Book Jacket: To his “wee house in the heather” where he lives with his wife and ten children, the good-natured Lachie MacLachlan invites every traveler who passes on a stormy night, assuring all that “There’s always room for one more.”
My reactions:
Sorche Nic Leodhas drew inspiration from a traditional Scottish song that has been handed down through the generations. Lachie is a generous host, and even when his house is literally full to bursting, he doesn’t despair, and everyone to whom he’s offered shelter pitches in to help him build a bigger and better house, where once again “There’s always room for one more.”
The author explains in a note at the end of the book that some of the words were changed to make it more understandable for American children, but other Scottish words were kept because there simply wasn’t a reasonable English alternative. There is a glossary at the end of the book. The book also includes the musical notes, so readers can plunk out the tune on the piano.
Nonny Hogrogian was awarded the Caldecott Medal for her illustrations. I appreciate her artwork, but they don’t really capture my attention or move me.
My reactions:
Sorche Nic Leodhas drew inspiration from a traditional Scottish song that has been handed down through the generations. Lachie is a generous host, and even when his house is literally full to bursting, he doesn’t despair, and everyone to whom he’s offered shelter pitches in to help him build a bigger and better house, where once again “There’s always room for one more.”
The author explains in a note at the end of the book that some of the words were changed to make it more understandable for American children, but other Scottish words were kept because there simply wasn’t a reasonable English alternative. There is a glossary at the end of the book. The book also includes the musical notes, so readers can plunk out the tune on the piano.
Nonny Hogrogian was awarded the Caldecott Medal for her illustrations. I appreciate her artwork, but they don’t really capture my attention or move me.
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like this is the first time I've come across a specifically Scottish picture book. Sadly, it's...not very good. Granted, it was published in the early 70s, so there wasn't such a refined history of picture books, as of yet, but I doubt this would interest pretty much any kid, nowadays. I think the only reason it warranted a more recent reprint is it's status as a Caldecott winner.
The main problem isn't the artwork--which is pretty flat, for a Caldecott winner--but the text. While I understand the author was trying to recreate a traditional Scottish song, it just doesn't work in the translated version, when using any sort of American accent. And, while the song is Scottish, as I said, the poem was translated and published for American audiences (the Caldecott is only given to American authors). The rhythm and rhyme break down repeatedly, meaning you never get up any sort of speed, merely stumbling along.
In general, I'd say the only modern readers of this book will end up being those studying the Caldecott medal.
The main problem isn't the artwork--which is pretty flat, for a Caldecott winner--but the text. While I understand the author was trying to recreate a traditional Scottish song, it just doesn't work in the translated version, when using any sort of American accent. And, while the song is Scottish, as I said, the poem was translated and published for American audiences (the Caldecott is only given to American authors). The rhythm and rhyme break down repeatedly, meaning you never get up any sort of speed, merely stumbling along.
In general, I'd say the only modern readers of this book will end up being those studying the Caldecott medal.
librariandest's review against another edition
2.0
Based on a old Scottish song about bringing the house down, this story is probably best sung. Music is provided in the back, and you're also going to need the glossary in the back to understand the Scottish/Gaelic thrown in.
a_manning11's review against another edition
5.0
Out of all the Caldecott Award winning books this was one of my favorites. The traditional story is like a breath of fresh air, completely unpredictable, and not in line with stereotypes.
Illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1966.
Illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1966.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
A pleasant Scottish tale and Caldecott Award Winner about a family that would would invite people in to their house whether there was really room or not. With clever enough writing and good enough art. And with dialogue to challenge but not all that hard to figure out.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
3.0
Rhyming text based on a traditional song. Enjoyable illustrations.