One-line summary:

Sarah, Plain and Tall is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the story of Sarah, a strong and independent woman who travels from Maine to the prairies of the Midwest to become a mail-order bride and join a new family.

Life on the Prairie

In Sarah, Plain and Tall, written by Patricia MacLachlan, the story is set in the late 19th century and revolves around the Witting family, consisting of widowed farmer Jacob, his two children Anna and Caleb, and their lives on the vast prairies of the Midwest. The family is incomplete, and the children yearn for a mother figure to fill the void left by their deceased mother. In response to Jacob’s advertisement for a mail-order bride, Sarah Wheaton, a strong-willed and independent woman from Maine, responds, expressing her interest in joining their family.

Sarah’s arrival brings a mix of excitement and apprehension. The children are eager to meet her, but they are also uncertain about whether she will stay. Sarah is plain and tall, as she describes herself in her letters, and the children are curious to see if she will fit into their lives. Sarah’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Witting family, as they navigate the challenges and joys of blending their lives together.

A Journey of Discovery

As Sarah settles into her new life on the prairie, she and the children embark on a journey of discovery. Sarah introduces the children to the wonders of the sea, sharing stories of her life in Maine and teaching them about the vastness of the ocean. She also introduces them to new experiences on the prairie, such as riding a horse and tending to the farm animals. Through these shared experiences, Sarah helps the children develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them and a sense of belonging within their family.

Love and Loss

While Sarah brings joy and love into the Witting family, she also carries the weight of her past. Sarah lost her own mother at a young age, and her longing for her is a constant presence in her life. As the story unfolds, Sarah’s vulnerability and strength shine through as she opens up to the children about her past and her fears of losing the people she loves. Through these moments of vulnerability, Sarah teaches the children the importance of cherishing the ones we love and the resilience that can be found in the face of loss.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of family.
• The book highlights the beauty of the natural world and the power of shared experiences.
• It emphasizes the importance of open communication and vulnerability in building strong relationships.

“Did Mama sing every day?” Caleb asks, “Every-single-day?”

Sarah, Plain and Tall is a touching story that captures the essence of family, love, and resilience. Through Sarah’s journey to the prairie, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. It reminds readers of the beauty of the natural world and the power of shared experiences. Ultimately, Sarah, Plain and Tall teaches us that love knows no boundaries and that family is not defined solely by blood, but by the connections we forge with one another.