Always Room for One More [Hardcover]

Sorche Nic Leodhas (Author), Nonny Hogrogian (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Lachie MacLachlan, the generous hero of this enchanting tale, is the exception to the rule that the Scots are a thrifty lot. In his "wee house in the heather," Lachie lives with his family of twelve, and he welcomes to his hearth every weary traveler who passes by on a stormy night. "There's always room for one more," says Lachie, and how his grateful guests say a wonderful "thank you" provides a delightfully warm and tender ending to this hilarious tale of kindness.

The story, derived from an old Scottish folk song, is reflected superbly in the charming illustrations of Nonny Hogrogian.

 

Always Room for One More is the winner of the 1966 Caldecott Medal.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Say you're traveling across Scottish fields and a storm breaks out. Where do you stay for the night? Whether you're a tailor or a sailor or a gallowglass or a fishing lass, you'll be relieved to hear good Lachie MacLachlan shouting from his doorstep, "There's room galore. Och, Come awa' in! There's room for one more, always room for one more!" In this sing-song story, derived from an old Scottish nursery tale, Lachie's boundless magnanimity, while well-received, backfires. The welcoming chap invites all passersby into his home, until the wee house literally explodes with his goodwill. Luckily, the grateful visitors devise a plan to help Lachie and his family (and themselves as well).

Sorche Nic Leodhas tells Lachie's story in the lilting, rhyming brogue of a time-worn Scottish folktale. A glossary helps readers through the less intuitive dialect, and Loedhas also provides a musical score so the main chorus of the legend can be sung as originally intended. Nonny Hogrogian's illustrations combine intricately crosshatched line drawings with sponge smudges of moss and berry hues. The effect, impressive enough to earn Hogrogian the Caldecott Medal, is one of a dreamy, watery heath, populated by jovial elfin sprites. The generosity of this tale is addictive, and readers will love being welcomed into Lachie's fold, time and time again. (Picture Book)

Review

"Lachie MacLachlan...generously extends a welcome to all who pass by. Soon, a tinker, a tailor, a sailor, a lassie, an 'auld' wife, a bagpiper, and others join him, until the jubilant dancing and singing literally bring the house down....With the help of his guests, [Lachie] builds a bigger house, where there is 'always room for one more.'"--Book Links

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); Stated First Edition edition (September 15, 1965)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805003312
• ISBN-13: 978-0805003314
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best, December 14, 2000

By 

Brett C. Seekins (Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always Room for One More (Owlet Book) (Paperback)

Without reservation, simply one of the best written and illustrated children stories ever.

This tale, based in Scotland, portends familial strife at a particular domicle. Their house is simply too small. Yet, the family is continually interrupted by uninvited strangers passing through their town with problems of their own, knocking on their door.

Although there is no physical room in the house, the family somehow makes room for the visitor. And then, the family experiences an ultimate discomfort.

Read the rest. A happy ending that will bring tears of enrichment every read.

I lost my first copy. I just ordered 5 more. 2 for me (in case I lose another) and a few for those friends that just had babies.

Hey, a Caldecott winner, too.....

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Always room for this book in my classroom, May 20, 2002

By 

Jay - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always Room for One More (Hardcover)

Adapted from a Scottish folksong, the text reads like a poem be-cause the words have not been changed. The illustrations are done with very simple techniques of hashing and sponge painting, but do a very effective job of supplementing the text which can be difficult at times due tot he Scottish dialect. However, a glossary is given as well as some background information on the folksong. The music is also provided so it could be performed by the class to better understand the story and broadening both the activities that can be done and the ages this book can be used with.

Why 5 stars?:
This book is a great introduction into the form of Scottish folksongs. The background information as well as the sheet music provided will enable it to be used in a much broader spectrum. The illustrations, while not stunning, will definitely catch the eye. Younger children may not appreciate the aesthetic qualities of the pictures or text, but will still enjoy the comical story.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can the house take in one more visitor?, May 14, 1999

By 

R. D. Allison ([e-mail]) (Gainesville, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always Room for One More (Owlet Book) (Paperback)

This book is a short children's version of an old Scottish folk song about Lachen MacLaclan and his family who always have room for visitors in their home. They keep letting visitors in until their house bursts. But, all is set aright by the end of the song, the music also being provided in the book. And, children always seem to like to sing. The illustrator, Nonny Hogrogian, won the 1966 Caldecott Medal for best illustrations in a book for children.