On a snowy New Year's Eve, two black horses pull a sleigh through town, spreading love and joy to the community. - (Baker & Taylor)
"Intricate cut paper illustrations follow two black horses as they ride about town on New Year’s Eve, spreading light to their beloved neighbors, bidding farewell to the last night?—?and saying hello to the first morning. Illustrations." - (Baker & Taylor)
From Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan comes a cozy picture book of love, light, and community during New Year’s and taking the past with us as we step into the future, brought to life with tender and intricate cut paper illustrations.
On the very last evening before the new year, when the snow is falling soft and thick, two black horses wait for the jingle of their sled. As they ride about town, they will spread light to their beloved neighbors, bidding farewell to the last night—and saying hello to the first morning. - (Simon and Schuster)
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.
Micha Archer illustrated The Wise Fool, Lola’s Fandango, Prairie Days, and Snow Horses, and wrote and illustrated Daniel Finds a Poem. Working in collage and oil, her use of color and pattern is influenced by the folk art, crafts, and architecture of the countries she has visited and lived in. She realized the importance of the book as a teaching tool after teaching kindergarten and raising two children. Micha divides her time between Costa Rica and western Massachusetts, where she lives in the house she and her husband built, surrounded by gardens and forest to roam in. - (Simon and Schuster)
Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* On New Year's Eve, two large, gentle horses named Tim and Tom greet Jenny's arrival with excitement. Leading them out of the barn, their driver puts on their bridles, hitches them to a large, red sleigh, and turns on its twinkling lights. They walk toward town to the sound of jingling bells and take on their passengers. Children, dressed for the cold night, enjoy riding through town, over the bridge, and back home again. Next, the older residents from "the manor" climb aboard to ride, while talking, laughing, and sharing childhood memories. Afterward, Jenny, Tim, and Tom return home. And the next morning, the townsfolk awaken to a sunny day and trumpets proclaiming a "happy New Year." In the subtitle, "First Night" refers to the custom in certain communities of celebrating New Year's Eve with local cultural events. MacLachlan's lyrical text is a pleasure to read aloud and it works beautifully with the vibrant collage illustrations, created "with handmade papers and inks." Magical in its ability to conjure the brightness of the snow-covered hills, the crisp clarity of cold air, and the upbeat spirit shared by young and old alike, Archer's artwork recreates classic winter landscapes, brightened at night by sparkling lights. A brilliantly colorful, seasonal picture book. Preschool-Grade 3. Copyright 2022 Booklist Reviews.
