1995 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
1995 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
Notable 1995 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

The words of this book are beautiful. The child describes being born and his grandmother holding him next to the window so that the first thing he would hear is the wind. He describes his grandfather crying and carving his name in the loft. He describes growing up and all the places to love and various scenes of quiet beauty in a country setting. Here's a quote: "My grandfather's barn is sweet-smelling and dark and cool: Learther harnesses hang like paintings against old wood." Lovely, no? But it all comes off sounding "coached" because the reality is that no child would say these things. An adult looking back on childhood would say these things, and that's really what Ms. MacLachlan is doing in the interpertation of this character. Obviously that works for a lot of folks. The book has gotten great reviews. It doesn't work for me. What does work for me are the absolutely stunningly beautiful pictures throughout the book. Glorious color, absolute realism...this is museam quality art in my opinion.

Patricia MacLachlan is a wonderful writer for older readers. This picture book didn't hit the mark in my opinion. A few better choices of sentimental "country theme" picture books are "The Relatives Came" or "When I was Young in the Mountains" both by Cynthia Rylant.


Must read for every family!   April 19, 2000
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This is one of my favorite books to read to our family. We have had it for 5 years and are about to wear it out with all of our bedtime readings. It is a great portrayal of family heritage and finding your place. We have used it as a springboard to name our favorite "place to love". It has helped my children get to know their grandparents and community better. I must also mention that the memories that it conjures up of my own childhood are priceless.


One of the most beautiful books I have ever read to my sons   August 10, 1999
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I am a father of two boys. I am fully in love with parenting and with my two sons. It took me about 20 times before I could get through the book without crying with joy when Sylvie was born. One of the most touching, endearing, joyous books I have ever read. The artwork only ads to the story and completes this "must have" book. It is my new replacement for "Goodnight Moon".


A breathtaking tribute to simplicity, and the joy of birth!   December 2, 1998
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

"All the Places to Love" is a beautiful story of down-to-earth magic and miracles smudged with tiny handprints. It is the kind of book you want to read slowly and quietly, so that you can hear the heart-whispers inside of you recognize the dreams printed on the pages behind each word and each exquisite picture. When I first read the book, I was 19 and babysitting, and I was fascinated with the way the story mirrored my own heart. I now own a copy, a gift from my best friend in anticipation of the births of our first children. The story of young Eli and all the places his growing family loves is a rare amd refreshing view of how glimpses of the face of God really aren't so uncommon or so fragile after all: miracles are born every single day, and play-worn, work-worn, year-worn, love-worn legacies are the best kind.