All year long Lily and Liam look forward to Christmas on their grandparents' farm. It's always the perfect trip -- walking to the lilac library, trimming the tree, giving gifts. But this year, thanks to a white cow alone in the meadow, things will be different. This Christmas, Lily and Liam will find out the meaning of a true gift.
From one of our most beloved authors comes a brand-new holiday classic that rings in the season by celebrating the joys of family, community, and true giving.
Download and start listening now!
"This is a quick read and a sweet Christmas story. Is it true that cows have feelings and are capable of grief, loss, and loneliness? I had no idea! I recommend this for all fans of Patricia MacLachlan and anyone looking for a sweet Christmas story set on a farm. "
— Luann (4 out of 5 stars)
“Sweetly engaging…A poignant story with a classic feel.”
— Publishers Weekly“Newbery Medalist MacLachlan tells a contemporary story about a brother and sister who react with compassion to a patient white cow who is all alone in their grandparents’ meadow. Aya Cash’s gentle voice pulls listeners into this engaging tale of the kids’ efforts to hook the cow up with a bovine companion.”
— AudioFile“The simple, elegant prose tells a warm family story with a classic holiday theme.
— School Library Journal“MacLachlan uses her typical taciturn style featuring dialogue and minimal description to convey the intense feelings of the sensitive little boy trying to accomplish a seemingly impossible task.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I love Patricia MacLachlan's writing and I love Christmas stories. This one is a little gem. "
— Pam, 2/12/2014" Reading this with Meg and Emma for our Holiday Book. "
— Kathy, 2/7/2014" One of those short, sweet holiday stories by one of my favorite authors. "
— Jespera, 2/4/2014" This was a really cute story about a white cow who needed a friend. "
— Jennifer, 1/31/2014" Rosa & I enjoyed this one together. A brother and sister were trying to find a friend for the cow on their grandparents' farm because they thought he was only. The gift they find at the end of the story is really cool! "
— Laura, 1/26/2014" I remember loving the author's Sarah, Plain and Tall and a few of her other books, so was excited to read this small Christmas tale. It's a sweet story, but I found it a bit contrived. "
— Jo, 1/23/2014" This is a quick read and a sweet Christmas story. Is it true that cows have feelings and are capable of grief, loss, and loneliness? I had no idea! I recommend this for all fans of Patricia MacLachlan and anyone looking for a sweet Christmas story set on a farm. "
— Luann, 1/20/2014" Lovely holiday story for all ages. The writing is full of sensory details and vivid images of the small town countryside. If you liked "Sarah, Plain and Tall", you will enjoy this story as well. "
— Susan, 1/8/2014" Sweet Christmas story that you will want to share with every child you know. "
— Glenna, 1/5/2014" Kind of a slow starter, but a sweet, gentle story. (Took me a while to realize it was written as a beginning reader, which was really nice once I caught on!) "
— babyhippoface, 12/29/2013" What a beautiful Christmas story about the meaning of giving a gift! What I really liked about this story is how the children figure it all out themselves. Quick, easy read. Perfect for the whole family! "
— Marguarite, 12/25/2013Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal.