What do you think?
Rate this book
The Heavenly Tenants
This supernatural tale was originally published in 1946. In the story, the Marvell family goes away on vacation, leaving their farm, pets, and livestock home alone, to be taken care of by August, the hired man. But August fails to come. That night, the neighborhood is roused by an unusual glow. When August goes to the farm to investigate, he finds that it is under the care of mysterious beings-the twelve signs of the zodiac. This story sparkles with fantasy and humorous realism that both adults and children will appreciate.
58 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1946
About the author
William Maxwell
126 books372 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
William Keepers Maxwell Jr. was an American novelist, and fiction editor at the New Yorker. He studied at the University of Illinois and Harvard University. Maxwell wrote six highly acclaimed novels, a number of short stories and essays, children's stories, and a memoir, Ancestors (1972). His award-winning fiction, which is increasingly seen as some of the most important of the 20th Century, has recurring themes of childhood, family, loss and lives changed quietly and irreparably. Much of his work is autobiographical, particularly concerning the loss of his mother when he was 10 years old growing up in the rural Midwest of America and the house where he lived at the time, which he referred to as the "Wunderkammer" or "Chamber of Wonders". He wrote of his loss "It happened too suddenly, with no warning, and we none of us could believe it or bear it... the beautiful, imaginative, protected world of my childhood swept away." Since his death in 2000 several works of biography have appeared, including A William Maxwell Portrait: Memories and Appreciations (W. W. Norton & Co., 2004), My Mentor: A Young Man's Friendship with William Maxwell by Alec Wilkinson (Houghton-Mifflin, 2002), and William Maxwell: A Literary Life by Barbara Burkhardt (University of Illinois Press, 2005). In 2008 the Library of America published the first of two collections of William Maxwell, Early Novels and Stories, Christopher Carduff editor. His collected edition of William Maxwell's fiction, published to mark the writer's centenary, was completed by a second volume, Later Novels and Stories in the fall of 2008.'
William Keepers Maxwell Jr. was an American novelist, and fiction editor at the New Yorker. He studied at the University of Illinois and Harvard University. Maxwell wrote six highly acclaimed novels, a number of short stories and essays, children's stories, and a memoir, Ancestors (1972). His award-winning fiction, which is increasingly seen as some of the most important of the 20th Century, has recurring themes of childhood, family, loss and lives changed quietly and irreparably. Much of his work is autobiographical, particularly concerning the loss of his mother when he was 10 years old growing up in the rural Midwest of America and the house where he lived at the time, which he referred to as the "Wunderkammer" or "Chamber of Wonders". He wrote of his loss "It happened too suddenly, with no warning, and we none of us could believe it or bear it... the beautiful, imaginative, protected world of my childhood swept away." Since his death in 2000 several works of biography have appeared, including A William Maxwell Portrait: Memories and Appreciations (W. W. Norton & Co., 2004), My Mentor: A Young Man's Friendship with William Maxwell by Alec Wilkinson (Houghton-Mifflin, 2002), and William Maxwell: A Literary Life by Barbara Burkhardt (University of Illinois Press, 2005). In 2008 the Library of America published the first of two collections of William Maxwell, Early Novels and Stories, Christopher Carduff editor. His collected edition of William Maxwell's fiction, published to mark the writer's centenary, was completed by a second volume, Later Novels and Stories in the fall of 2008.'
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 11, 2020
This was a strange story. A few parts were quite striking, a little girl saying she wanted things to stay as they are for ever and her father agreeing but sadly explaining how you never step in the same river twice. Arriving at their Grandmother's for their summer holiday finding some toys they kept there and saw each year they came. A strange story about someone who climbed down a well to sit there which made me wonder if a book I read by Murikami had been inspired by this. The illustrations were really beautiful. For all the books oddness and disjointed feeling, it left you with a happy but melancholy feeling of a dream about something magical or a half remembered memory.
December 17, 2019
In addition to his excellent works for adults, William Maxwell wrote a couple of children’s books, likely inspired by stories he told his two daughters. I read this one because I could get it through the library. It’s an e-book, so I have no doubt I missed out by not seeing the illustrations by Ilonka Karasz in all their glory. I can make them bigger on my Kindle, but it’s not the same as seeing them on the pages of a large-format book.
In Maxwell’s tale Mr. Marvell, through various stories, teaches his four children about the zodiac constellations. The family then heads off on a trip to visit relatives, thinking the animals on their Wisconsin farm are being taken care of by a hired man. In Virginia, while viewing the sky, Mr. Marvell notices the Crab and the others are missing. An answer to the mystery is revealed, but the ending drifts off rather unsatisfactorily -- though I suppose it is the ultimate Deus [deorum] ex machina.
In Maxwell’s tale Mr. Marvell, through various stories, teaches his four children about the zodiac constellations. The family then heads off on a trip to visit relatives, thinking the animals on their Wisconsin farm are being taken care of by a hired man. In Virginia, while viewing the sky, Mr. Marvell notices the Crab and the others are missing. An answer to the mystery is revealed, but the ending drifts off rather unsatisfactorily -- though I suppose it is the ultimate Deus [deorum] ex machina.
October 19, 2015
In this children's book, the personified Zodiac come down from the sky to look after the Marvell family farm while the Marvells are on vacation. And that's kind of it. The idea is interesting but is never really developed, and the prints didn't do it for me (though I could see why others might be fonder of them.)
Available online from the following location: http://digital.library.upenn.edu/wome...
2.3/5
Available online from the following location: http://digital.library.upenn.edu/wome...
2.3/5
September 22, 2016
A very odd story, but glorious illustrations.
February 13, 2020
This is a lovely children's book. William Maxwell's lyrical writing translates beautifully to this level. There are also interesting illustrations by Ilonka Karasz
January 8, 2019
When the Marvell family goes on vacation in this 1947 Newbery Honor book, they think they are leaving their home in the care of their hired man, August. When August falls ill, however, the constellations in the sky come down to take over the household chores in his stead. When the family returns, they find some unusual signs that indicate who has really been looking after their home.
The plot of this book is not just far-fetched, it's also not that interesting. But you can tell me almost any story you want if you're going to illustrate it with the beautiful pictures that appear in this book. Ilonka Karasz's pictures of the night sky filled with constellations and of the Marvell family's home glowing with starlight from within are among the most intricate illustrations I have ever seen in a children's book. (The book is online - click and you'll see what I mean. Just beautiful!) I would have sooner guessed that book would have received a Caldecott Honor than Newbery recognition! The writing isn't memorable, but those pictures really make an impression, and they certainly wouldn't have been out of place amidst the five honor books chosen by the 1947 Caldecott committee.
This book might appeal to the child who has a strong interest in astronomy and learning about the constellations. I'm considering reading it to my five-year-old, perhaps the next time we plan to visit the planetarium. But it isn't a book with a lot of meat to it, or even a clear point, and I can imagine my younger self becoming frustrated with it, even if the subject matter appealed to me initially. I definitely recommend spending some time looking at the pictures because they are just so well-done, but if you don't read the whole story, I can't say you'll be missing much.
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
The plot of this book is not just far-fetched, it's also not that interesting. But you can tell me almost any story you want if you're going to illustrate it with the beautiful pictures that appear in this book. Ilonka Karasz's pictures of the night sky filled with constellations and of the Marvell family's home glowing with starlight from within are among the most intricate illustrations I have ever seen in a children's book. (The book is online - click and you'll see what I mean. Just beautiful!) I would have sooner guessed that book would have received a Caldecott Honor than Newbery recognition! The writing isn't memorable, but those pictures really make an impression, and they certainly wouldn't have been out of place amidst the five honor books chosen by the 1947 Caldecott committee.
This book might appeal to the child who has a strong interest in astronomy and learning about the constellations. I'm considering reading it to my five-year-old, perhaps the next time we plan to visit the planetarium. But it isn't a book with a lot of meat to it, or even a clear point, and I can imagine my younger self becoming frustrated with it, even if the subject matter appealed to me initially. I definitely recommend spending some time looking at the pictures because they are just so well-done, but if you don't read the whole story, I can't say you'll be missing much.
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
March 13, 2018
I saw the title and read the blurb on this book and I thought it was cute.
The Marvells live in the country and they were going to go to Virginia to visit relatives. Before they went, Dad showed the kids and explained to them about the stars, mainly the zodiac constellations that travel the way the sun does.
The next morning the Marvells were waiting for their hired hand, August, to come help with the work. But they had to go before he showed up. So off they went on their trip.
That night, very bright lights were seen all through the area. Even August finally made it to where the bright lights were. They weren't firelight or sunlight, nor lights like you find in your house. The lights were almost like starlight. No one knew what they were.
When the Marvells came home, they found some strange things......
This was a delightful book and I think most kids and adults would enjoy it. And the illustrations were spot on with the story. It was a good short read.
The Marvells live in the country and they were going to go to Virginia to visit relatives. Before they went, Dad showed the kids and explained to them about the stars, mainly the zodiac constellations that travel the way the sun does.
The next morning the Marvells were waiting for their hired hand, August, to come help with the work. But they had to go before he showed up. So off they went on their trip.
That night, very bright lights were seen all through the area. Even August finally made it to where the bright lights were. They weren't firelight or sunlight, nor lights like you find in your house. The lights were almost like starlight. No one knew what they were.
When the Marvells came home, they found some strange things......
This was a delightful book and I think most kids and adults would enjoy it. And the illustrations were spot on with the story. It was a good short read.
August 19, 2019
2.5-3 stars but I really wanted to like it more. It's great for what there is, but it's more a vignette than a novel or even a story. The Marvell family are going to visit family in VA and leave their WI fame in the capable hands of the hired hand...or so they think. I really wanted more about the family, especially Heather whom we find in the first chapter in her thinking place on the stairs. What is clear is that the father has always had an affinity for the stars (boyhood telescope in attic in VA) which he is sharing with his children (mother is completely clueless). Not spoiling anything (because it's in the book's description), when the the hired hand doesn't show up, the Constellations come down to take care of the farm. I read this for my 2019 Reading Challenge and my Newbery Challenge (Honor Book 1947).
March 17, 2019
A family whose members all enjoy studying the stars leaves for a three-week vacation, and while they're gone the signs of the zodiac come down to take care of their farm.
A strange little story that would have been made much better had it been expanded. As it is, it feels like a sketch of a much longer, much better book.
A strange little story that would have been made much better had it been expanded. As it is, it feels like a sketch of a much longer, much better book.
June 1, 2020
This is another curious recipient of the Newbery Honor, one about which I should look up what other books were considered that year. The premise of the story is quite creative, but it never really developed into much. It holds a few interesting facts about the zodiac, and definitely held some promise, but overall, nothing too special.
May 13, 2023
If you have a young reader that is interested in the constellations and the stories behind them- this short book would make a great read aloud. I like how they had all the separate stories and then it came together in the end. It was better than a lot of the Newbery winners of this decade- 1940's. Illustrations were terrific.
Read
August 15, 2025Had wanted to read some William Maxwell, and even though it was a children’s book I had been interested. Not sure what I really think of the story, it was published in 1946. I can’t imagine children connecting with the story, but it was published about 80 years ago so maybe they did?
February 5, 2019
Excellent short story. This book is not in his 2 volumes: Early, and Late Works of Maxwell; so I am glad I found this. Billed as a children's tale it goes far beyond that verging on mystical.
July 10, 2020
For Maxwell completists only.
Wonderful "woodcut-stye scratchboard" illustrations by his friend of decades, Ilonka Karasz. She did close to 200 covers for the "New Yorker".
Wonderful "woodcut-stye scratchboard" illustrations by his friend of decades, Ilonka Karasz. She did close to 200 covers for the "New Yorker".
March 26, 2023
This is a strange little story, but it does a good job of introducing the constellations of the Zodiac.
Want to Read
June 14, 20251947 Newbery honor book
November 18, 2025
It’s a clever premise, especially for 1946, but it never really fully works as a story. 2.5 stars.
December 8, 2017
Read the full review here: http://newberyandbeyond.com/newbery-r...
July 5, 2010
"The whole secret is something very few people ever discover."
—The Heavenly Tenants, P. 57
There definitely is a lot about this book that remains securely within the realm of the mysterious, even after the final page has been read. The basic story is of the Marvell family, who live on a farm in Wisconsin, and the father's fascination with the zodiac positioning of the stars as they have been commonly categorized for thousands of years.
When the Marvell family goes on vacation and leaves their farm to the care of a neighbor for three weeks, a mixup in planning causes there to be no one to take care of the farm or its animal residents after all, for that entire span of time. A mystical, unexplainable happening related to the specific zodiac signs—a happening that none of the story's characters can ever completely piece together—provides luminous caretakers for the Marvell farm; when the family returns, the magic of the miracle is still very much evident, clearly seen by its unmistakable yet esoteric residue.
The Heavenly Tenants is a short book (fifty-seven pages in the edition that I have, with a number of full-page illustrations) and highly unusual in every respect, differing greatly from most other books that have received a Newbery Honor citation. The story is interesting, though, and very direct. The original illustrations created by Ilonka Karasz also do much to commend the book for modern readers.
—The Heavenly Tenants, P. 57
There definitely is a lot about this book that remains securely within the realm of the mysterious, even after the final page has been read. The basic story is of the Marvell family, who live on a farm in Wisconsin, and the father's fascination with the zodiac positioning of the stars as they have been commonly categorized for thousands of years.
When the Marvell family goes on vacation and leaves their farm to the care of a neighbor for three weeks, a mixup in planning causes there to be no one to take care of the farm or its animal residents after all, for that entire span of time. A mystical, unexplainable happening related to the specific zodiac signs—a happening that none of the story's characters can ever completely piece together—provides luminous caretakers for the Marvell farm; when the family returns, the magic of the miracle is still very much evident, clearly seen by its unmistakable yet esoteric residue.
The Heavenly Tenants is a short book (fifty-seven pages in the edition that I have, with a number of full-page illustrations) and highly unusual in every respect, differing greatly from most other books that have received a Newbery Honor citation. The story is interesting, though, and very direct. The original illustrations created by Ilonka Karasz also do much to commend the book for modern readers.
December 17, 2018
Really not sure how to respond to this older Newbery book. It starts off sweet with a late-40s vibe, rather like you're reading about the contemporaries of The Moffats, then you suddenly have a grave foreboding that it will turn out to be the world's worst kill-the-dog story, greatly amplified, and then it suddenly leaves the people and goes supernatural. Catastrophe magically averted. Locals gather around, but never grasp exactly what's going on, the family returns and encounters various wisps of leftover visitations, and it's gone.
Yes - you know, that captures the feeling of this book, exactly.
The few illustrations it has are marvelous, but if it's a picture book, there ought to be a lot more of those. Not a bad book, but neither is it a stellar Newbery. Then again, it may be quite a magical tale for a young child. Too bad I don't have one nearby to read it to and find out!
Yes - you know, that captures the feeling of this book, exactly.
The few illustrations it has are marvelous, but if it's a picture book, there ought to be a lot more of those. Not a bad book, but neither is it a stellar Newbery. Then again, it may be quite a magical tale for a young child. Too bad I don't have one nearby to read it to and find out!
December 10, 2022
The Marvells are packing for a trip when the children go outside with their father to look at the stars. Mr. Marvell tells the children more about the constellations when they are at their grandmother's in Virginia. While the Marvells are away, their house starts shining in the night, and the neighbors all come to see what's going on. August was supposed to be looking after the farm, but his hip has been bothering him. He finally goes, and he sees strange animals and people (which he doesn't realize are the zodiac creatures) on the Marvells' property. When the Marvells come back home, they realize things on their farm are different, but they can't quite explain it.
I did not like this book. I didn't see a purpose in it, and I didn't find the plot very interesting.
I did not like this book. I didn't see a purpose in it, and I didn't find the plot very interesting.
December 2, 2019
Picked up off library shelves. Rather strange -- basically just about the zodiac and how it comes to life. There's not much else than that, and overall, it was rather disappointing. While I do find magic in the stars, I don't in astrology. All that being said, there was one really nicely written part that stuck in my head: "When [Heather] pushed open the screen door it was like Virginia. The warm honeysweet air made her want to lean against somebody the way the cats were leaning against her."
December 11, 2014
Fun. Quick read about the zodiac characters staying on a farm while the family who lives there is away.
I think the start is a bit rough going and the parts of the story don't connect all that well.
I think the start is a bit rough going and the parts of the story don't connect all that well.
July 19, 2016
I was surprised to see when this book was published. I would have thought it was from long ago. There is not much to the story and left me thinking there could or should have been so much more. I am surprised again to see it is a Newbery Honor book.
Read
October 22, 20148d312367-fd38-43aa-961d-9b28bcb42f6c
October 7, 2016
Read the digital at UPenn. See group discussion for reactions.
Read
February 28, 2019I guess there weren't very many Newbery authors in the 1940's because this was a winner. It was interesting to me because it lets me get a view of life at that time, but the story was not of the quality and interest level there are nowadays.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews