Waiting for the Magic Waiting for the magic is a concept that often plagues our minds in various aspects of life. Whether it be waiting for a breakthrough in our careers, for love to find us, or for our dreams to come true, this theme of waiting for something extraordinary to happen is a common thread that runs through our lives. At times, this waiting can feel agonizingly slow and frustrating. We yearn for instant gratification, for immediate success, and for the fulfillment of our desires. We become consumed with the idea that we are just one magical moment away from achieving all of our hopes and dreams. However, the reality is that waiting for the magic is not a passive process, but rather an active one.
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.
I have to confess that, despite the fact I have been dedicated over the last three years to searching out well written, thoughtful and entertaining books written at the second and third grade reading levels, I continue experience a sense of apprehension each time I begin to read one, even if it is by Newbery Award winning author Patricia MacLachlan with illustrations by the charming and wonderful Amy June Bates. I have to confess that, despite the fact I have been dedicated over the last three years to searching out well written, thoughtful and entertaining books written at the second and third grade reading levels, I continue experience a sense of apprehension each time I begin to read one, even if it is by Newbery Award winning author Patricia MacLachlan with illustrations by the charming and wonderful Amy June Bates.
However, the reality is that waiting for the magic is not a passive process, but rather an active one. It requires patience, dedication, and hard work. It requires us to persevere through the challenges and setbacks that come our way.
Waiting for the Magic (Paperback)
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
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.
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.
- Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Pets
- Juvenile Fiction / Family / Marriage & Divorce
- Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
- Kobo eBook (September 13th, 2011): $6.99
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).
While it is important to have dreams and aspirations, it is equally important to understand that they will not materialize overnight. We must put in the effort and make the necessary sacrifices to bring our dreams to fruition. We must embrace the process and trust that each step we take, no matter how small, is moving us closer to our desired outcome. Waiting for the magic also involves an element of surrender. It involves letting go of the need to control everything and accepting that there are certain things that are beyond our sphere of influence. Sometimes, the magic comes in the form of unexpected opportunities or serendipitous encounters that we could never have predicted or planned for. It is also important to remember that the magic may not always look the way we imagined it to. It may come in a different form, but it can still bring us the fulfillment we seek. It is up to us to recognize and appreciate the magic when it appears, even if it is not what we initially expected. In conclusion, waiting for the magic is a part of life. It requires patience, perseverance, and surrender. It is not a passive process, but an active one that requires us to put in the effort and make the necessary sacrifices to bring our dreams to fruition. When we embrace the process and trust in the journey, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing the magic that can transform our lives. So, let us not simply wait for the magic, but actively seek it out and create it ourselves..
Reviews for "Waiting for the Magic: Lessons from Historical Figures and their Patience"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Waiting for the Magic". The plot was slow and predictable, and I found it hard to stay engaged. The characters were also quite one-dimensional and lacked depth. Overall, I found the whole book to be underwhelming and not worth the time.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Waiting for the Magic". The writing style was boring and lacked any sort of excitement or emotion. The story seemed to drag on without any real purpose, and I found myself losing interest quickly. I was hoping for a magical and captivating read, but unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I really wanted to enjoy "Waiting for the Magic", but I just couldn't get into it. The pacing was off, and the story felt disjointed. The magical elements were not fully explored or explained, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 2 stars - "Waiting for the Magic" didn't live up to my expectations. The writing was lackluster and didn't draw me in. The characters felt cliché and lacked development, making it hard to connect with them. The premise had potential, but the execution fell short. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable read that didn't leave a lasting impression.