Sarah, Plain and Tall, Skylark, Caleb's Story- Audio CD Collection

by Patricia MacLachlan, Glenn Close (Narrator)

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 Skylark, Caleb’s Story, More Perfect than the Moon , and Grandfather’s Dance .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Historical

Audio CD

Published October 9, 2001

About the author

Patricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She 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; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely trilogy of books with outstanding narration by Glenn Close. (Note: Because of voice fluctuation volume adjustment may be needed.)

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years after the death of their mother, Anna's and Caleb's father decides to send for a mail-order bride. Anna and her brother anxiously await Sarah's arrival and then nervously observe her transition to life with their family in the rural Midwest. Will she stay after her one month trial period is over? Or will she return home to Maine?

Sweet and wholesome without being pollyanna or annoyingly pious.

This story tackles the topic of parental death, adjustment to change, and loneliness in a sensitive way easily accessible to children. The narrator really understood the minds and emotions of the child characters.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this collection. <3

[Eric Sullenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

First this book was incredibly short and I am kind of surprised that it won the Newbery. It isn't that it is a bad book, it just didn't seem to be stellar. Having said that, I am sure my early elementary daughter would enjoy it and I suppose it is good to have quality literature at a younger audience level. This is another Newbery winner that my wife recommended I read.
Anyway, I didn't relate to the book, but I can imagine that students would, especially if their parents had separated or if one had passed away and they were nervous about having a step-parent. Essentially that is the plot of the book. It was predictable at times, but a sweet story, but I doubt I read or listen to the sequels.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

It goes almost without saying that this book is indispensable. The narrated version by consummate actress Glenn Close is as close to perfect as an audiobook can be. Okay, her little kid voice almost threw me at first, but a few minutes into the recording I was lost in the story and the persuasive vocal acting. Trust me...get both the cd and the paper edition.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such sweet stories. Always a joy to re-read.

[Steph G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book is so charming and delightful. The second and third books are not quite as delightful. The second book has really fun aunts. I would have loved to read a book of just their adventures. Third book doesn’t have the aunties so that was disappointing.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the clear and beautiful picture of life on the plains that is created in Sarah, Plain and Tall. This was a delightful collection narrated by Glenn Close - she is so talented. I am going to need to read these to my daughter soon.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on Chirp.

Glenn Close was spectacular in the Hallmark movie based on this series. She’s just as awesome narrating the books. How I wish Hallmark still made movies based on books like this, and did little to alter the storyline. I’m not sure if you can find the movie versions of this series any longer, but this audiobook will definitely satisfy your hunger for a dip into prairie life in the late nineteenth century.

[Anne Hayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remembered loving the first book years ago, but when I came across the series on audio I was drawn to a reread. Great nuanced characters, quiet but intense drama, powerful sense of place (both prairie and Maine), and lyrical narration by Glen Close.

[CH_Emily Scholnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newbery Medal (1986), Scott O'Dell Award (1986) (Book)
Grade Range 3rd through 6th
(Audio CD) narrated by actress Glenn Close

This is the story of a family living on the midwestern prairie in the late 19th century. The story begins when Anna and Caleb, missing their mother who passed away, wish for another woman to make their father Jacob, happy once again. 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. From across the ocean and into their lives comes Sarah, with her own baggage of loneliness and searching, to help them create a whole family. The story also illustrates Sarah's difficulty in adapting to life on the Praire, which is much different than her old life back in Maine. The children fear she will become unhappy and leave, as life on the prairie can be harsh and lonely.

Beautifully written with the rhythm of poetry, this book became the first of three tales about love, loyalty, loneliness, and family.

Based on a true story in the author's own life, Sarah, Plain and Tall is a delight to read and to listen to on Audio CD, narrated by actress Glenn Close.

A great book for students to explore the above themes, as well as learning how hard life on the Praire "back in the day," really was!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacLachlan does a fantastic job of describing midwest farm life in the late 19th century to early 2oth. (At least, that's the time period I believe it is, since in the third book, Anna's boyfriend is "away fighting the war in Europe.") The work, the dedication, the fear, the fragility, the resiliency, the loss, the love.

I thought it would be a cute little kids' miniseries, but in each of the three books I found myself tearing up at least once, choked with unexpected emotion at this "silly" story that was actually incredibly deep and meaningful for all ages.

The child's perspective in each story was touching in its innocence, yet full of thoughtfulness and wise discernment. In each book, the adults learn more from the children than the other way around. The love the family members have for each other is tangible, and threads through everything they do, say, and think.

I love that MacLachlan makes it okay for men to cry, hug, and talk about emotions. I love that something nearly breaks them in every book--they aren't perfect, and they aren't untouchable--but they hang on, and love, faith, and determination pull them through.

This series isn't just for kids. It's beautiful and should be part of every family's library to be read and re-read by everyone.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

We listened to this while driving around. It is a great look at the American historical prairie life. I remember Sarah, Plain & Tall and the movie from my childhood but hadn't read the two following books. First of all, the stories are sweet. The girls were interested the whole time. Glenn Close read them which is fun as she plays Sarah in the movie.
BUT they are really built on interpersonal conflict and drama, which got a little old for me. "I miss the sea..." X 4 billion. Then, "I hate this place" during the drought so they go to Maine and waste the whole time there..."I miss the prairie and Papa!" We watched the movie which PML helped with the screenplay and they really downplayed missing the sea and added drama about the dead mom.
Anyway, everyone should read it, so don't let me thoughts stop you :)

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This edition contains the first 3 stories in the series and an interview with the author. Glenn Close reads the 3 stories and is good for the first and second, but doesn't seem right to me for Caleb's story. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a boy speaking. I liked the style of writing, the contrast of the sea and the prairie, and the hardships and conflicts that the family overcomes. Good choice for 1986 Newbery.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story that was made into the TV movie "Sarah Plain and Tall." Jacob is a widower with 2 children and puts and ad in the newspaper in the Eastern U.S. Sarah answers the ad and comes to marry Jacob and fall in love with him and his children. The other 2 books in the series continue to story. The plot does a good job describing what it was like to live on the prarie in olden times. The characters are truly brought to life by Ms. MacLachlan.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family audiobook listen. I can't help but be frustrated with Sarah's lack of open mindedness. So much seems to focus on how much she misses everything and not on the good things in front of her. So much of the story is the kids fear that they are attached to her and they won't be enough for Sarah. Honestly it's kind of sad. I found myself not liking Sarah this time around and Caleb's voice on the audiobook is grating.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously LOVING these audiobooks with the girls. Maybe I am just having an extra emotional week or something - but it's certainly moved me to tears a time or two. This is a particularly great reading by Glenn Close with piano accompaniment in the background that has made for really meaningful listening. Another favorite on our bookshelf for sure!

[Story Revolution]

In this stunning sequel to Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall, Anna and Caleb travel with their new mother, Sarah, to Maine to take refuge from the prairie drought, a journey that teaches them the power of family to transcend distances.

Ages 8 - 10

 

 

[Teri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is book is on all the lists of best children's books, and I thought it was awful! Really lacking detail but high on emotion--we listened to all three books in this series and I definitely wouldn't recommend any of them!

[Dian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the first CD, "Sarah, Plain and Tall", and really enjoyed it.
Glenn Close has a marvelous voice. Tears came to my eyes while listening to this audio CD (in the car, driving home). A simple, touching story which is just good, really good.

[Maggie V · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! I finished a few weeks ago, and don't remember details, but it's very poetic and almost heartbreaking.

Glenn Close is a wonderful narrator, but the audio is very quiet at times, and then the characters voices become almost too loud for the volume I had it on.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely collection of the first three books in the Sarah Plain, and Tall series. The other two books are More Perfect Than the Moon and Grandfather's Dance. I love all three of these books and think they are classic children's books that adults can easily enjoy as well.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2016: Read a book originally published in the decade you were born

Simply wonderful. A brief, affecting book. Now I need to re-watch the Glenn Close TV-movie.

[Wasif · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caleb mother died after Caleb was born. Caleb ask his sister about mother. And daddy stop sing. They need a mother daddy realize. So he give a article in newspaper for a new mother. Will she be nice, will she like, does my face look dirty asked Caleb.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Sarah, Plain and Tall
- Skylark
- Caleb's Story
All read by Glenn Close

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

CD - with IAN!!! We are really enjoying it

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

AR test 90%. (11/09)

CD - It was good. (08/09)

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this series in like third grad e it was so good

[Allison]

A lovely audio production that adds appeal to this quiet book.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was wonderful listening to these stories again after having read them so long ago and enjoyed the filmed versions as well.