What do you think?
Prairie Days
A delicate, stunning account of life on the prairie from Newbery medalist Patricia MacLachlan.
Cool summer mornings begin with the rose orange sun and the smell of earth, and fade into hot summer nights with a yellow moon, covered in a quilt of stars. There are wagon rides, farm dogs, trips into town, and games of kick the can. These are prairie days.
Patricia MacLachlan applies her lyrical, sparse voice and vibrant, tender art from Micha Archer to transport readers to the prairie of her youth in this stunning celebration of the beauty in the world.
Cool summer mornings begin with the rose orange sun and the smell of earth, and fade into hot summer nights with a yellow moon, covered in a quilt of stars. There are wagon rides, farm dogs, trips into town, and games of kick the can. These are prairie days.
Patricia MacLachlan applies her lyrical, sparse voice and vibrant, tender art from Micha Archer to transport readers to the prairie of her youth in this stunning celebration of the beauty in the world.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2013
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
139 books827 followersPatricia 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
May 22, 2020
The comforting past of growing up on a farm delivers a sense of warmth, comfort and relaxation.
This book is told from a narrator's perspective, one who grew up on a farm and reflects on how life was as a child during that time. While starting at the farmhouse and flower-filled setting, the tale glides through what a day might have looked like for a child in the summer months (away from school) and offers a glimpse at those experiences in an inviting way.
The writing is almost poetic as the book follows the summer life of a farm child. The atmosphere is calm and displays the simple life, which is mostly brought outdoors until the end of the day. It is a lovely way to introduce listeners to growing up on a farm and give a peek at what life was like without falling into a heavier history lesson. This book will especially have an impact if read by an adult who had these are similar experiences themselves, since it will create a special bond and also allows the chance to open discussions on how things were.
The illustrations are my favorite part of this book. The mood comes across wonderfully, while allowing important details not to be forgotten. It is artistic and yet, portrays reality nicely, so listeners have the chance to visualize the life being portrayed. I was a bit disappointed that some terms mentioned in the text weren't identified with some sort of tags in the illustrations, since several items will not be familiar to listeners or necessarily, the readers (flower types, birds, etc).
For anyone wanting to expose the younger generation to the experiences of growing up on a farm in years past, this is a lovely book to grab up. It is nicely written, a joy to flip through, and simply a comforting read.
I received an ARC and enjoyed it as we ourselves live on a farm and much of our family also grew up in this time frame and had these same experiences.
This book is told from a narrator's perspective, one who grew up on a farm and reflects on how life was as a child during that time. While starting at the farmhouse and flower-filled setting, the tale glides through what a day might have looked like for a child in the summer months (away from school) and offers a glimpse at those experiences in an inviting way.
The writing is almost poetic as the book follows the summer life of a farm child. The atmosphere is calm and displays the simple life, which is mostly brought outdoors until the end of the day. It is a lovely way to introduce listeners to growing up on a farm and give a peek at what life was like without falling into a heavier history lesson. This book will especially have an impact if read by an adult who had these are similar experiences themselves, since it will create a special bond and also allows the chance to open discussions on how things were.
The illustrations are my favorite part of this book. The mood comes across wonderfully, while allowing important details not to be forgotten. It is artistic and yet, portrays reality nicely, so listeners have the chance to visualize the life being portrayed. I was a bit disappointed that some terms mentioned in the text weren't identified with some sort of tags in the illustrations, since several items will not be familiar to listeners or necessarily, the readers (flower types, birds, etc).
For anyone wanting to expose the younger generation to the experiences of growing up on a farm in years past, this is a lovely book to grab up. It is nicely written, a joy to flip through, and simply a comforting read.
I received an ARC and enjoyed it as we ourselves live on a farm and much of our family also grew up in this time frame and had these same experiences.
May 6, 2022
I loved this. It is so warm and lyrical and nostalgic. It's the whole feeling of childhood summers wrapped in 32 gorgeously illustrated pages. For most children today, this is but a glimpse into yesteryear rather than anything relatable. If I squint hard, I can still see some of our rural Idaho (beyond all the sprawling expansion that's happening in our immediate vicinity!) in these pages, but of course most children today are indoors in front of screens instead of swimming in the pond or playing kick the can. But that's all the more reason to share this book with them.
April 20, 2026
I really enjoyed the story but the art work was just okay for me.
January 3, 2021
I’ve been hearing a lot about this book lately so I had to have a look. The cover didn’t do much for me but what’s inside the cover, caught my attention. I felt myself slowing down as I read, the text had its own song. Written in the author’s own lyricism and unique book spacing, a peaceful and whimsical feeling came over me. I found myself out in the country, where the clock didn’t matter and the sun, set the time. The scenic countryside was painted, each layer told a story that set with the changing of the seasons, and it was hard to believe that someone actually created these beautiful illustrations.
Let me get lost in this countryside where the kids played kick the can and they cooled themselves off by lifting the lid of the cold-water, lift-top tank to grab a drink. Herding cattle, resting on the front porch, and swimming in the farm pond were all just part of a normal day. Author Patricia MacLachlan does a fantastic job showing us a glimpse of prairie days.
You have to look at these illustration as they are just beautiful. I had to know how Micha Archer created such works of art and these are actual multilayers created with origami and tissue paper and pattered papers that she makes with homemade stamps. Wow, I mean wow! I found it amazing that she was once a kindergarten teacher for 15 years and then, was a carpenter for another 15 years, and now she writes and illustrates children’s books. That does make sense, looking at this book. I’m going to look and see what other books she has illustrated. This book was definitely a keeper! 5 stars
Let me get lost in this countryside where the kids played kick the can and they cooled themselves off by lifting the lid of the cold-water, lift-top tank to grab a drink. Herding cattle, resting on the front porch, and swimming in the farm pond were all just part of a normal day. Author Patricia MacLachlan does a fantastic job showing us a glimpse of prairie days.
You have to look at these illustration as they are just beautiful. I had to know how Micha Archer created such works of art and these are actual multilayers created with origami and tissue paper and pattered papers that she makes with homemade stamps. Wow, I mean wow! I found it amazing that she was once a kindergarten teacher for 15 years and then, was a carpenter for another 15 years, and now she writes and illustrates children’s books. That does make sense, looking at this book. I’m going to look and see what other books she has illustrated. This book was definitely a keeper! 5 stars
October 14, 2020
This is a beautiful book, where the lyrical words mesh wonderfully with the gorgeous illustrations in acrylics, inks, collage, and textured, hand-stamped papers. I especially loved the actual lace curtains in the little girl's bedroom. It is a pity that not many children nowadays can experience the wild freedom that these children experience on their prairie farm--riding horses, swimming in the pond, playing most of the day, etc.
October 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this MacLachlan book - brought back some really nice little house vibes.
June 2, 2021
I'll confess, I had low expectations for this book. I was like: prairies, big sky, rural, whatever, snooze. And I can't put my finger on why, but I found this book incredibly effective. There was great alignment between the words and the images which felt homespun and expansive throughout. There is just a sense of place and freedom and youthfulness in this story. I loved the repeating theme of the train going through, visible in almost every image (I guess cuz it's just so damn flat out there). I really enjoyed the pages about playing kick the can (believe it or not!) they somehow did such a good job of evoking that excitement and intensity of being a kid and playing games into the dusk hours. Definitely worth a read. My 4 year old really enjoyed it as well and sat attentively throughout.
September 9, 2020
"Where I was born, there was a sky
so big, there was no end of it.
The summer mornings were cool,
and the sun rose orange."
And thus begins the story of a life on the prairie, long ago, idyllic really, with the scent of wild roses and of earth and hyssop, small towns "with names we loved," with prairie birds, and horses to ride, and kick the can.
Lovely, poetic recollection of a childhood. With lovely illustrations made with hand-stamped paper and tissue papers and origami.
so big, there was no end of it.
The summer mornings were cool,
and the sun rose orange."
And thus begins the story of a life on the prairie, long ago, idyllic really, with the scent of wild roses and of earth and hyssop, small towns "with names we loved," with prairie birds, and horses to ride, and kick the can.
Lovely, poetic recollection of a childhood. With lovely illustrations made with hand-stamped paper and tissue papers and origami.
December 5, 2020
I am a huge fan of Patricia MacLachlan books (both picture books and chapter books) and this one was no exception. MacLachlan’s childhood in Wyoming can be seen in the story and illustrations in this book. The story is basically the observations of a young girl growing up on a farm where “there was a sky so big, there was no end of it”. This young girl reflects on what makes this part of the country so special to her. This includes the smells of cattle and bluegrass, the towns with unusual names such and Rattlesnake and Spotted Horse, the cold drink she would get on hot days, all the different prairie birds such as grouse and magpies, the horse she would ride, the trips to the granary, cooling off in a pond, visits to the country store, and relaxing on the porch with her three-legged dog. She and her cousins would play outside until dark and then it was time to be tucked into her quilt for a peaceful night’s sleep--all under a beautiful summer moon.
The illustrations provided by Micha Archer are absolutely stunning and so perfect for this story. She uses a combination of drawings and collage work so the illustrations almost appear three dimensional. There is texture and depth in every animal, person, or item in the illustration. For example, the wood of the shop counter has several different tones, the grass is shown with various shades of green with darker colors added to show shadowing, and the sheep in the field look like fluffy clouds with sprinkles of cinnamon on top.
This book is perfect for children between the ages of four and eight years old. This is a great resource for showing life in this environment during this time. I would recommend this book to children who have enjoyed Patricia MacLachlan’s other picture books such as Nora’s Chicks, Fly Away, and Dream Within A Dream.
The illustrations provided by Micha Archer are absolutely stunning and so perfect for this story. She uses a combination of drawings and collage work so the illustrations almost appear three dimensional. There is texture and depth in every animal, person, or item in the illustration. For example, the wood of the shop counter has several different tones, the grass is shown with various shades of green with darker colors added to show shadowing, and the sheep in the field look like fluffy clouds with sprinkles of cinnamon on top.
This book is perfect for children between the ages of four and eight years old. This is a great resource for showing life in this environment during this time. I would recommend this book to children who have enjoyed Patricia MacLachlan’s other picture books such as Nora’s Chicks, Fly Away, and Dream Within A Dream.
September 28, 2020
Sweet, and probably more memorable for those growing up on the prairie or a farm. But it was nice to see this varied artwork and get a glimpse of a different time and different way of life. More relaxing here - we could all use a bit of balance and find time for more relaxation around my pad.
October 14, 2020
4.5 stars-- Stunning collage-style illustrations and evocative words capture a time and place gone by, the Midwest of the author's childhood.
August 16, 2020
The master of prairie-based books offers this picture book glimpse of life on the prairie. It is a land of huge skies that change color at dawn. It smells of “cattle and bluegrass and hyssop” with wild roses too. There are small towns with fascinating names, filling stations with cold drinks, and farm horses to ride. There are all sorts of prairie birds and creatures. There are farm dogs to cuddle and admire, rides on grain carts heading to the mill. There are trips to town and in the summer, swimming in the pond. Games at dusk and into the dark until you are called in to bed. As the huge sky changes colors once again.
Newbery medalist MacLachlan’s text captures the beauty of growing up on a working farm in the prairie states. Through a series of small moments, she shows the incredible beauty of the land and sky. She also shows how these small moments string together to form a day, a summer, a life. It is a quiet picture book, with glimpses of wildlife and time spent on horseback or snoozing on a porch.
Archer’s illustrations are deep and beautiful. They are done in collage with acrylics and inks combined with handmade papers. They fill the pages with the textures of grasses, the epic sight of sunrise and sunset, the golds and greens of summer, and the deep blues of the sky.
So many of us will recognize our own childhoods here on the page, whether we grew up on the prairie or in another sort of farming community. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Newbery medalist MacLachlan’s text captures the beauty of growing up on a working farm in the prairie states. Through a series of small moments, she shows the incredible beauty of the land and sky. She also shows how these small moments string together to form a day, a summer, a life. It is a quiet picture book, with glimpses of wildlife and time spent on horseback or snoozing on a porch.
Archer’s illustrations are deep and beautiful. They are done in collage with acrylics and inks combined with handmade papers. They fill the pages with the textures of grasses, the epic sight of sunrise and sunset, the golds and greens of summer, and the deep blues of the sky.
So many of us will recognize our own childhoods here on the page, whether we grew up on the prairie or in another sort of farming community. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
February 3, 2021
This book is a portal to another time and place - that of the American prairie in the middle of the 20th century, when kids bought penny candy from the general store and said hello to cowboys hanging around the diner. Although it isn't clear if the book is autobiographical, the story feels like it is because it is written in first person and recounts the protagonist's childhood, which was clearly a happy one. There is horseback riding, games of kick the can, lazy afternoons spent cuddled up with a farm dog on the porch, and time spent floating in the pond to beat the summer heat. While the text, which is written almost as free verse, is beautifully descriptive, the collage illustrations are the real jewel of this picture book. They are rich in detail and color and some pages will take readers' breath away. Because of the content this probably won't garner much attention from young library patrons, but it would make an engaging read aloud in the classroom, especially as a mentor text for descriptive language or as supplemental text for a social studies unit on prairie life.
Read
January 23, 2021Gorgeous. Archer's bold, multilayered illustration/collage is breathtaking in this wide formatted book showcasing the art. The back flap explains that Archer uses acrylics, inks, and collage along with her multilayered pieces created with origami and tissue papers and patterned papers made with homemade stamps. The effect is amazing. The days are long and sweet under the sunshiny summer places on the prairie from farm to field to pond to town and back home. There are horses and dogs and birds and prairie dogs and all the lovely moments on the farm from waking to dusk to nighttime when the yellow moon rises. A wonderful homage to the prairie homesteads in its own context.
I also do not want to mythologize the lands that originally belonged to native people and the tragedy of the loss. I'm not sure how to reconcile this except to keep remembering and doing better.
I also do not want to mythologize the lands that originally belonged to native people and the tragedy of the loss. I'm not sure how to reconcile this except to keep remembering and doing better.
January 24, 2024
What a beautiful picture book this is! The spare prose is just enough to move the story along, but the illustrations are amazing. The illustrator, Micha Archer, created three-dimensional pictures using origami, tissue papers, and patterned papers she makes with homemade stamps.
Of course I loved the story as well. Growing up on the wide open plains, where "the sky is so big there's no end of it" pretty much spoiled me for any other life. I can spend days in the mountains, but I always want to return to the prairie. The memories of the children in this book are precious and relatable to many adults: A cold pop from the ice chest at the country store, riding a load of hay or grain to the elevator, swimming in the farm pond, playing kick the can until dark, and reading by flashlight under the covers until we fell asleep.
I may buy it as much for myself as for my grandchildren!
Of course I loved the story as well. Growing up on the wide open plains, where "the sky is so big there's no end of it" pretty much spoiled me for any other life. I can spend days in the mountains, but I always want to return to the prairie. The memories of the children in this book are precious and relatable to many adults: A cold pop from the ice chest at the country store, riding a load of hay or grain to the elevator, swimming in the farm pond, playing kick the can until dark, and reading by flashlight under the covers until we fell asleep.
I may buy it as much for myself as for my grandchildren!
September 14, 2020
It's a new marvelous and nostalgic story from Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by the amazing Micha Archer with acrylic, ink, and collages. With a large book full of horizontal double-page spreads, readers immediately get a sense of why those earliest words are "Where I was born, there was a sky so big, there was no end of it". Scene after scene shows that broad view and the fun there, lying in the fields smelling Mama's roses, traveling to favorite towns with names like Chugwater, and riding the farm horses, Lyddie and Blue and Joe. Town scenes and porch scenes and finally night scenes make one want to move and be there, right now! It's beautiful! The endpapers, from sunny days to starlit night also "shine".
February 18, 2023
As a former farmgirl I find much to relate to in this gorgeous and evocative book from the same author/illustrator team who brought us Snow Horses: A First Night Story. The long summer days filled with caring for animals, fields, and a garden. Playing with neighbor friends after dark and getting called in for bed. Working dogs and companion cats. Horses for transportation and for recreation. The multi-layered illustrations by Micha Archer perfectly complement the lyrical text by Patricia MacLachlan. Experience growing up on the prairie where "there was a sky so big, there was not end of it."
July 23, 2020
This book just came through to our library today as being new and the title and the cover art caught my immediately. As I read it I was reminded of many of my summers growing up on the high plains of Colorado. The grain harvest, playing in the river and small ponds near our house, playing outside until it got dark and our parents came looking for us. Simpler, fulfilling summers.
The art work that is used for the illustrations is wonderful and I paged through the book several times enjoying it before I put it on the shelf to be checked out. I will be recommending it to young and old because I think it can be enjoyed no matter your age. I may be purchasing this for myself!
The art work that is used for the illustrations is wonderful and I paged through the book several times enjoying it before I put it on the shelf to be checked out. I will be recommending it to young and old because I think it can be enjoyed no matter your age. I may be purchasing this for myself!
August 8, 2020
A lovely, spare, quiet book about days on the prairie, with simple text contrasting with lush, colorful illustrations, a feast for the eyes...but it felt kind of like being overfed with visual stimulus. From a distance, the illustrations look like lovely watercolors, but up close they seem to be made out of lots and lots of strips of paper. I can't fathom how many hundreds of hours of work might have gone into them, and I appreciate the complexity of form, but my 7 year old and I both found ourselves really distracted by them at times. He said, "If you blur your eyes, it's really pretty" and that pretty much sums it up.
January 14, 2021
Newbery winner MacLachlan depicts days gone by and harkens readers back to much simpler times (Wyoming, 1940s) when the sky was big, life was slow, families were close, dogs slept on front porches and horses grazed in nearby fields. Farm life as the author remembers it is tranquil and lovely.
Mixed media illustrations done in ink, acrylic, tissue paper and origami create a unique texture in the art by Micha Archer. This little picture book could win it all!
Heartfelt, lyrical prose capture moments in time and childhood bliss. Every childhood should have memories of complete happiness!
Highly, highly recommended. Prairie Days is the most beautiful picture book of 2020!
Mixed media illustrations done in ink, acrylic, tissue paper and origami create a unique texture in the art by Micha Archer. This little picture book could win it all!
Heartfelt, lyrical prose capture moments in time and childhood bliss. Every childhood should have memories of complete happiness!
Highly, highly recommended. Prairie Days is the most beautiful picture book of 2020!
August 17, 2020
For anyone who loves living in the country and life on the prairie or just dreams to be there, this book will capture your heart! Patricia MacLachlan has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read Sarah, Plain, and Tall in 3rd grade and her simple but vivid descriptions in this book will take you away to the prairie! As much as I love the story, the illustrations kind of steal the show! The illustrator uses origami and tissue papers along with patterned papers she makes with homemade stamps - you have to see it to believe it!
September 22, 2020
MacLachlan isa consummate author with a strong storytelling history that shines through this large-format memoir-like retrospective of live on the prairie in mid-century America.
The images are lush, even luxurious in their portrayal of sun-soaked expanses, gentle adventures, sensory immersion, and joyful memories.
I tagged this as a possible bedtime book, because the text and images are subversive and soothing in an almost Zen-like way.
The images are lush, even luxurious in their portrayal of sun-soaked expanses, gentle adventures, sensory immersion, and joyful memories.
I tagged this as a possible bedtime book, because the text and images are subversive and soothing in an almost Zen-like way.
June 15, 2023
What a beautiful story about simpler times. A great book to introduce rural living during a completely different era. Ideal for 4-8 years. The author was born in Cheyenne, WY and obviously has fond memories of her early childhood. I will read this to my grandson when he is older and amend this review, but from an adult perspective I think the story, illustrations and greater meaning of joy in the simple things makes this a favorite for me.
April 8, 2025
This story is about childhood on a farm some time ago. They looked like good days. Days of being able to just be kids and having all sorts of fun things to do.
The artwork is a collage cone with acrylics, inks and textured papers. It creates some lovely artwork and scenes. There are beautiful sunrises and colors. It makes you want to spend a few days just hanging out. The world looks beautiful and dry there.
Kids who love farms or are interested in a farm will love this.
The artwork is a collage cone with acrylics, inks and textured papers. It creates some lovely artwork and scenes. There are beautiful sunrises and colors. It makes you want to spend a few days just hanging out. The world looks beautiful and dry there.
Kids who love farms or are interested in a farm will love this.
June 16, 2020
A truly stunning book about life on the prairie. Written in short, but lyrical phrases this book is beautiful to read aloud but oh the pictures. The illustrations are incredible. Glowing and textured and so loving in the way that they capture long, slow days in the country. If you need a lot of action or humor in your books then this is not for you, but I loved it.
June 18, 2020
I've loved Sarah MacLachlan's word paintings ever since reading Sarah, Plain and Tall (and all the more with its sequel, Skylark). And then you add to her poetic phrasing Micha Archer's lush multitextured collages with acrylics. You can feel the wind and hear the animals in every glorious spread.
August 24, 2020
From the cover and end pages to the text of the book, this is a stunning package. Caldecott possibility? I love Patricia MacLachlan's prose and the collage that Micha Archer, the illustrator, uses is many layered and delicate. It also brings back summers spent on an Indiana farm when I was growing up, so it holds personal meaning for me, too.
August 26, 2020
Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott awards. A lovely book that brings back the simpler days of growing up in the country with less hubbub and more nature. I loved the illustrations which appear to be textured collage with soft, muted colors. I love my current life but this made me nostalgic.
January 3, 2021
Beautiful artwork. Color! Remember a happy childhood growing up on a farm in the Praire. Loved the little girl reading under her covers with a flashlight when she should have been sleeping- I did that. Also, reminder of playing outside for hours in the evening....no electronics needed. Love this picture book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews