My Life Begins!: A Humorous and Heartwarming Story About Brothers and Triplets for Kids

by Patricia MacLachlan

From the celebrated author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, Patricia MacLachlan, comes another humorous and poignant early middle grade novel. My Life Begins! explores how life begins for Jacob when his triplet sisters are born, and how siblings get to know each other as time, and love, evolve. Jacob is nine years old when his life changes. He wants a litter of puppies. But instead his parents have a different surprise. Jacob will be an older brother soon. And there won’t be only one new baby. There will be three! When the triplets are born, Jacob thinks puppies are cuter. The babies look identical to him and he gives them a “the Trips.” For a school science project, Jacob decides to study the Trips. It feels like magic as they begin to smile, talk, and grow. Slowly, he gets to know each of them. They call his mother “Mama” and his father “Da.” But what will they call him? One day, one of the Trips calls him “Jay.” As each of the triplets become unique and more special with each day, Jacob starts to wonder if “the Trips” is still a good name for them. They aren’t puppies, or a bunch of bananas, and they aren’t just “the Trips” anymore. What should he call them that will show what they mean to him? Can he figure out their “forever name?” And will he ever get a puppy?

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Family, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Juvenile

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2022

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

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In what is likely the last Patricia MacLachlan book ever, Jacob does a year long research project with his newly arrived triplet sisters (The Trips) as his topic. Told in simple prose with Jacob’s short poems interspersed, younger elementary readers will feel the family’s love for each other and see new arrivals as a blessing instead of the trouble usually present in books with the presence of young siblings. The warmth felt in other MacLachlan books such as White Fur Flying and Just Dance is evident throughout and make this one perfect to reassure others that such changes in family can be happily anticipated. Solid choice for libraries serving children in grades 2-4.

Thanks for the print arc, Harper Collins Children.

[Jessie_Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple yet elegantly written the way only Patricia MacLachlan can. Dealing with changes in the family for a young child. Nine year old Jacob goes from an only child to the hesitant big brother to triplets. The story is told in an interesting way, with Jacob wanting to write a report on his sisters and notes of his findings sprinkled throughout. Showing the positives of being in a growing family while not shying away from the struggles. A delightful quick read perfect for kids in growing families!

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patricia MacLachlan passed away at age eighty-four in 2022, the year My Life Begins! was released, but what a legacy of gentle, unassuming literature she left. From Grandfather's Dance to Edward's Eyes, Journey to Snowflakes Fall, she authored some all-time favorites. My Life Begins! is the story of nine-year-old Jacob Black, whose desire for a puppy is met instead by the arrival of triplet sisters: Char, Kath, and Lizzie. They aren't fun like puppies and Jacob can scarcely tell them apart, but his family life will now be all about them.

Jacob's schoolteacher assigns a year-long project. The subject? Whatever each student wants to do it on. Jacob opts to write about "the Trips", the collective name he pins on his sisters. He still doubts they're better than a puppy, but Jacob is charmed by Lizzie's attachment to him soon after birth, the way she smiles and grips his finger. Over the next months the Trips develop separate personalities Jacob can relate to. As he records his evolving thoughts for the school report, it dawns on him that no puppy could equal the gift of his sisters. Char, Kath, and Lizzie mean everything.

We don't get to know Jacob before the Trips are born, but we see he was lonesome. Being by yourself in the world is rough, whatever stage of life you're in. Having loved ones depend on you satisfies the heart's yearning for purpose, and the Trips do that for Jacob. It’s as though his life only started when Char, Kath, and Lizzie were born and he could care for and teach them. Over the course of a good life, we repeatedly find meaning in those who need us. As the book’s final line puts it, "My life begins again and again."

My Life Begins! is a soothing read. I'll give two and a half stars, but it could have been more. The story needs adversity; Jacob has doubts about the Trips in the first couple pages, but they dissolve so quickly as to be inconsequential. Had there been conflict to overcome, the story's emotion and themes would be more memorable. It’s a lovely book regardless, and I'm thankful we had Patricia MacLachlan as long as we did. I will read and reread her books all my life.

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: g
recommend: 2nd and up

SUCH a sweet story of growing as a family, growing as a person, accepting change and realizing that it's ok when things move around in our lives. AND that we sometimes need the time and space to figure out those changes. A gentle, lovely little tale, just what I would expect from the fabulous MacLachlan.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: I am nine year old when my life begins.

Premise/plot: Jacob, the protagonist, really wants a litter of puppies, OR, at the very least a single dog (or puppy). But alas, it is not to be. Instead, the family will be adding TRIPLETS. Jacob makes "the trips" (his special name for his siblings: Charlotte, Katherine, Elizabeth) his school project. He'll be noting their progress. (Perhaps observing is the better word choice). As the school year progresses, the triplets' development does as well. Soon each one becomes a unique, special, lovely individual whom Jacob has come to love, love, love. The term "trips" now seems derogatory and rude. Can Jacob find a better word for these three?

My thoughts: I wanted to love, love, love, love this one. I didn't. Not quite. I really adored the scene where one of the babies--Lizzie, I think?????--says "Jay" for the first time. He'd been a wee bit jealous that da da and ma ma were getting all the usage.

It is my personal opinion that it's written more for adults than actual children. Just my opinion, mind you. But Jacob's reflections and the glamorizing of having THREE baby sisters...makes this one feels a little out of sorts. I mean these are perfectly perfect, idealized, dream babies. Everything just seems a little bit too syrupy sweet to be realistic. I think a little gritty realism of what it is really like to live with newborns and infants would make all the difference.

I did like it. I don't regret reading it at all. There are some lovely passages. It is just an almost book for me.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob, 9, is an only child, and while he thinks his picture hanging on the living room wall by itself looks lonely, he's pretty sure that loneliness could be cured with a litter of puppies. Instead, he is reminded that soon there will be new babies in the house - three little ones named Charlotte called Char, Katherine called Kath, and Elizabeth called Lizzie, or the Trips as Jacob refers to them.

At school, his teacher announces that Jacob's class will be learning to do research and that each student should choose something that interests them, which could even be "a subject that is surprising and new." Since the finished project isn't due until two weeks before school ends, Jacob decides his topic will be "A Litter of Trips - From Birth On," diligently observing and recording how the triplets change and grow over the school year.

Seeing how tired caring for his sisters has made his parents, Jacob becomes not just an observer but a real helper, quickly learning how to change diapers, warm bottles, and can even pick up and comfort a crying Lizzie. Eventually, Jacob's parents hire a nanny, a French woman named Mimi who brings experience, peace and order to the chaos of having triplets. And it is Mimi who helps Jacob understand the importance of names, calling him dear Jacob, which he loves. The triplets calls their mother Mama, their father Da, but what will they call Jacob? What will be the forever name they give him, and what will be the forever name he calls them? This turns out to be the most important part of his research project and it is Lizzie who gives him the answer.

What is interesting about this small chapter book is not so much how the triplets change and grow, but how the experience of observing and recording their first year changes Jacob as he goes from being an only child to being a big brother. MacLachlan has poignantly captured the way Jacob's sibling relationships form and grow depending on the personality of each of his sister's, inviting readers into Jacobs thoughts and feelings to show how all this all unfolds.

However, the first year of the triplets lives may feel somewhat unrealistic at times. The babies are unusually happy, Jacob has no sibling jealousy, although he continues to hope for at least one puppy, if not a litter, and those sweet little girls never get sick, throw up, or produce one of those unforgettable poopy diapers. But young readers won't care about these things. The story uses simple language age appropriate for Jacob, the chapters are short yet full of information told from Jacob's point of view, and it is all complemented with Daniel Miyares rough sketches in black and white ink.

My Life Begins! is a very sweet, very tender story about family and sibling relationships and is sure to bring on more than one smile and perhaps a tear or two. It is an excellent choice for a read aloud, at school or as a family book, and will definitely appeal to fans of Kevin Henkes' Billy Miller series.

Sadly, Patricia MacLachlan passed away on March 31, 2022 at age 84 a few months before the release of My Life Begins!

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful children book by the well know author Patrica MacLachlan. The story of Jacob who only wants a puppy but gets triplets sisters instead. So to try to understand them he writes a report about them and discovers their more than the ‘trips’ their his sisters.
I can see why this is author books are so well known, the story is delightful. Jacob was a joy and his sisters were as well. I think this story would be a wonderful story to be read to your children and I wish I had it when my son was younger. I can’t wait to read more from this delightful author!! Highly recommend!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This sweet story follows the changes in Jacob’s family after the birth of triplets. It’s a sweet story about adjusting to change, and it’s also bittersweet knowing that this is probably the final book from this prolific author.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute easy chapter book about a boy who wants a litter of puppies. Instead he gets baby triplet sisters! He calls them the "trips" throughout the novel. He writes about them and how they grow. He knows he needs a better name for them though. In the end he comes up with something to call them, and he has something new to write about in his next journal.

This is perfect for the older sibling who is expecting a new family member. It gives a great understanding of the responsibilities they can take and the changes that are coming to their household.

Thanks to #netgalley for the early copy.

#MyLifeBegins #PatriciaMacLachlan #easychapterbook #earlychapterbook

[Rachael Marsceau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that Patricia's last book has a life-filled title! I will miss her sweet words. RIP

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the voice of the narrator Jacob (I listened to this) who keeps having new, big changes in his life.
His mother gives birth to triplet girls, a nanny is hired to help, and eventually he is able to have a dog.
The last sentence of the book is "My life begins and my life begins and my life begins." I love that he works through many of his feelings toward the triplets by writing compositions about them in school.
Great!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet book!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading summary of what happens when you have triplet sisters.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book depicts accurately how a child may feel when twins are born into the household.

[Bret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final novel of Patricia MacLachlan, who died earlier this year. Her wit and charming characters get me every time. Pair this with my favorite of hers, Baby. Lovely.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sweetest book about triplets. Of course I loved it.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
While not written in verse, the narrative has a poetic sound to it. The words ebb and flow as nine-year-old Jacob relates his experiences with having newborn triplet sisters. Short sentences and phrases are blended with longer ones to express his range of emotions as he adapts to no longer being the only child. “But I smile instead. I smile. Like Lizzie.” At the end of each chapter, Jacob records his observations of the Trips in a journal for a class research assignment. His reflections are listed in a poetic manner that reinforces the feeling of verse, and the presentation of his journal to the class helps form the book’s climax.
The author captures the highlights of child development as the Trips grow from newborns to Trips unleashed, the father’s term for toddlers learning to crawl and walk. Jacob first views them as one addition to the family, the Trips, all of them crying, eating, sleeping, and needing new diapers. Their sounds and facial expressions begin to differentiate them and first words and first steps are celebrated. The author captures the innocent fascination young children have as they discover the world around them.
Jacob’s character transforms as he adjusts to living with his three new sisters. Before and after their birth, he keeps asking his parents for a new puppy and saying how a puppy would be easier to care for than three babies. His attitude changes one night when he hears Lizzie crying and cuddles her for comfort. Although the Trips are identical, their behaviors slowly reveal developing personalities. Jacob realizes he’ll need to find a forever name for them since the term Trips labels them as one thing. However, each sister is a blossoming individual.
What didn’t work as well:
I’m not sure of the universal appeal of the book since babies and toddlers are the focus. Young readers may not gravitate to it, but the story is expertly crafted by the author. Readers with a passion for literature should appreciate the artistry of the narrative and the tender feelings of love and family shared.
The Final Verdict:
The book can be read fairly quickly; it depends on how long readers want to savor the language and emotions. Readers with younger siblings will especially enjoy the story as they’ll be able to share similar experiences with Jacob. I can easily recommend this book for your reading pleasure.

[Richard Propes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia MacLachlan's "My Life Begins!" is an absolute charmer, an early middle grade novel that poignantly and humorously explores the very changing life of one nine-year-old Jacob, a boy who wants nothing more than a litter of puppies but who instead ends up with what he semi-affectionately calls "The Trips," newborn baby girls Kath, Char, and Lizzie.

Not quite sure what to make of "The Trips," Jacob turns them into a science project and begins to watch their first days, weeks, and months of life as they go from things not really even as cute as a puppy to tiny beings learning how to smile, talk, grow, and connect with the world that surrounds them.

Maclachlan, author of the Newbery Medal winning "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and other memorable books, has once again crafted a remarkably memorable tale with gentle, deeply connecting prose and richly developed relationships that feel loving and honest and true and more than a little funny.

As Jacob gets to know "The Trips," we get to know Jacob, his parents, his nanny Mimi and, of course, these adorable little girls. There comes a time, of course, when it becomes apparent that these little girls are more than just "The Trips." They deserve a forever name that commemorates the special role they've taken in Jacob's life.

Watching as this scene unfolds? Oh my, this 50+ year old cynical heart may have shed a tear or two. Okay, Okay. I did. I did shed a tear or two.

"My Life Begins!" is a beautifully told story about how sibling relationships grow and develop and how we come to truly love one another. It's a simple yet meaningful story about how life changes, love evolves, and babies eventually become just as beautiful as puppies.

"My Life Begins!" is a rather short book, a fact that feels surprising given just how much remarkable substance MacLachlan places beneath its covers. An absolute delight from beginning to end, "Patricia MacLachlan's "My Life Begins!" is all the more delightful because MacLachlan so sublimely writes through the lens of a child and treats as sacred this journey we call childhood and this organized unit we call family.

[Emily McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book shortly after it was published in fall 2022. About a month later, I found out I was pregnant with triplets. Wait?! Does this book cause triplets?? I dare you to read it…

Now that my triplets are two, I decided it was time to read again, this time with my nine year old son.

This is classic Patricia MacLachlan—first person, sparse prose, full of emotion. 10ish year old Jacob was an only child until his parents have identical triplet girls.

I really wanted to know how these triplets were conceived, but no hints were offered. The age gap leaves so many questions. Not to mention, how many weeks were they, what types of complications, time in the nicu??? Jacob answers none of these questions.

That said, he manages to capture the tone of the early days with newborn triplets. His parents actually seem like all the triplet parents I know—they pull themselves together and figure it out, and if they have a meltdown, Jacob never sees it.

He gradually matures into his new role in the family and learns to accept the triplets as individuals—his life begins. This is quite an optimistic title. And it’s a very subtle message on how to accept adversity and reframe it; because even happy things can be hard things. So while Jacob’s experience is unique (as in 1 in 10,000…still processing how I was the 1), what reader won’t benefit from that message?

[Gabby Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life Begins by Patricia MacLachlan is a contemporary realistic fiction book for children ages eight through twelve years old. The story follows Jacob, a former only child after his triplet sisters are born. The story explores the evolution of his relationship with his sisters as they grow and as they get to know each other. I loved this story. MacLachlan elegantly tells a story of a growing family, not shying away from the struggles that are faced while also highlighting heartfelt moments shared by the family. This book is very short but still portrays deep messages of love and family. One thing I really appreciated about this story was the subtle use of illustrations on some pages. The style and texture of the illustrations are so lovely! The story was already pulling on my heartstrings but the illustrations, especially on pages 22 and 23, add such a soft and comforting feeling. I feel like this story is perfect for young children who are in growing families and can relate to this story. It gives this message that although it can be rough, there is something beautiful and heartwarming about watching your siblings (or even children) grow up gaining their own identities, interests, and personalities. Ah! It is such a simple story yet so gentle and intricately told.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sad to say this is probably going to be the last book by MacLachlan we will have. Unless, she had things in the works. Either way, this book does not disappoint. It is an adorable book about siblings without the drama. It is an adorable book about finding who you are not only to yourself but to others. It is a cozy (short) story about Jacob and the Trips (his three triplet sisters). Told from the point of view of Jacob, he wanted a litter of puppies, not siblings (I feel ya, Jacob, I wanted chocolate cookies), but he learns through his school project they are not "dolls" or "the girls" or even "the Trips" they are three unique people. Part of the adult me felt "awe that's sweet" the other adult part was "oh boy that was WAAAAY too sugary sweet, I have cavities." But the kid me was, "I like this book." There is nothing bad such no emergency trips to hospitals, no fighting with friends, no sibling jealousy. It is "grandmother approved" and bookseller/reader/kid-at-heart recommended. Can be read to any age, but ages six to eight probably best readers.

[MrsK Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in the sweetness of discovering a story so "good" you must share it with others? Can you remember an author from your youth? Have you tried to pass on that type of a story to a new generation? Whether you answer a yes or even a no... this is a story that must be shared!

Jacob was rather disappointed when he was told that he wouldn't be getting a puppy. Who wouldn't be feeling sad, cheated, or even a little bit mad? Why would he want a new baby instead? Well, it won't be a new baby... it is going to be three new siblings!

Given a school assignment, Jacob decides to "study" the Trips. What he learns is just how unique his sisters are, as well as how much he has grown beyond his wants.

Once again, Patricia has crafted a story that will become a classic in classrooms, in homes, and in the hearts of readers. This is her final story... yet, it is just as touching as Sarah, Plain and Tall. Don't miss this story of family, love, growing up, and learning the value of being unique.
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/

[Joy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

MY LIFE BEGINS

By Patricia Maclachlan

This is a story of a boy who wishes for a dog. He knows dogs are born in litters. Instead, his mom gives birth to triplets, whom he names the trips, and his life is reborn in ways he did not expect.

Why I liked this book. Told in first person I am immediately drawn into the character of Jacob. He describes the first days and week of living with a full household, of how the Trips change and grow, of how the family begins to tell them apart, and of the changes he sees in his parents.

For school his is given homework on how to do research. Jacob decides to write his paper on the Trips. They become his research. In the course of writing his paper and researching about the Trips weave their way into his heart. In the end he is rewarded with dog.

[Diane Yliniemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I was smiling the entire time I read this book. It is as cute and charming and irresistible as a litter of puppies. The young boy in our story wants a litter of puppies and not triplet baby sisters. But, alas, he finds that life is about to change with these three babies in his life. He nicknames them The Trips and does a school research paper about them. You also meet the father, mother, and a French nanny who are delightful. This was a huggable book.

Patricia MacLachlan passed away at the end of March. I was sad to think this was her last book. Her writing is unlike any children's author. I wonder what gave her the idea for this book? I tried searching for information but didn't come up with anything. I hope an editor gives some insight when this book is published.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
MacLachlan's light touch captures the joy and challenges of this family. Jacob wants a litter of puppies; what he is getting is triplet sisters. Readers see how he and his family cope with three babies. Each develops their own personality but Jacob continues to refer to them as the Trips. With help from the family nanny, he starts to see that they are more than a "litter of triplets" and figures out their forever name. Readers learn this name when he presents his class research project on the triplets from birth on. I appreciate the lighter moments interspersed with seeing Jacob mature and learn about himself and the rest of his family. Before the book ends, he gets a birthday surprise that completes his family wishes. A great read aloud.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book!

Is it saccharine? Maybe.

But I have loved Patricia MacLachlan's books my whole life -- from when I was a young child myself until I had children of my own. I have happy memories of reading Sarah, Plain and Tall aloud to each of my classes of elementary students. So I was predisposed to love My Life Begins!

I have seen too many of my favorite children's authors pass away: Andrew Clements, Beverly Cleary, Tomie dePaola, Eric Carle...and now Patricia MacLachlan. My Life Begins! will always have a special place in my heart for being the last story she shared with the world.

Maybe, as another reviewer says, this is a book for adults, one last memory to put on our shelves. <3

(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

[Christina Ensling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia MacLachlan writes a touching family narrative about a young boy whose life is transformed by the arrival of his triplet siblings. Jacob is 9 and determined to write up his observations of his baby sisters for a school science project. With the help of his understanding parents and a French Nanny, Mimi, Jacob learns about what it means to grow up and the special importance of names. I recommend this book for only children and those with lots of brothers and sisters. In deceptively simple prose MacLachlan shares some powerful truths that would benefit all children and indeed readers of all ages.

[Donna Yliniemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book about a boy named Jacob who has been an only child his entire life and now is nine years old and his life is changing because he is having triplet sisters! He decides to do a year-long report about the birth and babyhood of the "trips" for a school report due at the end of the year. He describes getting to know their personalities and learning to love them and how they are changing the family he once knew. He discovers a new name for himself and for the babies that invaded his life. This would be great for very young readers and is short at 75 pages. This will be coming out in August 2022.

[Shella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet book. Would make a good read aloud. This wound be a good mentor book about theme. An only child finds that he will have triplet sisters- he does a school project chronically them growing during their first year. He really wanted a puppy. As the reader we see a wonderful sibling bond grow, as an only child myself, I was so happy to read about these sibling relationships. Very authentically sweet. It is a very short book, but really unfolds a beautiful story in a small package. I’d love to see some Newbery recognition for this title. It is geared toward the younger age for this award.