Good Books
A Big Heart in a Wee House
Ivy F. DeShield, contributing editor
One may never have considered it, but it is truly a magnificent thing to be the daughter of a former librarian. I not only possess a natural love of literature and all things bookish, but I was given a treasured collection of old library books from the nostalgic days of “date due” slips inserted in card pockets on the inside of book backs (dating myself even thought it wasn’t so long ago). So, it was no real surprise, but still a delight, to rediscover a very worn and much loved children’s book in one of my many storage bins recently.
The subject of my happy discovery is a softcover copy of the original 1965 version of the old Scottish folktale (or folksong) Always Room for One More, retold by American author Sorche Nic Leodhas and beautifully illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian, earning her the 1966 Caldecott Medal for best illustrations in a book for children. Preserved by oral tradition, this classic folksong was passed down to Leodhas from her father, who sang it to her when she was a child as his father had done to him in his youth, and so on. Some of the song’s* original language had to be altered slightly to adapt to an American audience, but I love that Leodhas left just enough of the Scottish phrasing to remain faithful to tradition and retain the charm and authenticity of this timeless children’s tale.
Though brief in its entirety, this short piece of celebrated literature and striking blend of smudged and cross-hatched pen and ink drawings is chock full of good, strong morals for young children. Leodhas retells the story of a kind and generous man, Lachie MacLachlan, who opens his small, humble home to passing travelers during a rainstorm in the Scottish countryside, even though his tiny hut is already overflowing with his wife and bairns to the number of ten (ten children). But due to his endless charitable spirit, Lachie MacLachlan doesn’t heed the growing numbers and continues to invite every passerby to rest at his hearth, saying
“There’s room galore.
Och, come awa’ in! There’s room for one more,
Always room for one more!”
As a child, I always wondered how long Lachie MacLachlan’s wee cottage would be able to withstand his giving nature and provide room for yet another weary traveler, and your tiny bairn will most likely wonder the same and be even more thrilled by Leodhas’ surprise ending. As this charming folktale concludes, it is not only Lachie MacLachlan who deserves our thoughtful consideration for his sincere compassion but his visitors as well, who are given the opportunity to show their gratefulness in return for his kindness in a rather extraordinary way.
As Lachie MacLachlan’s guests were thankful for a place to take shelter from the storm, I am indebted to my mother for sharing her love of literature and storytelling with me at such a young age. I will treasure her gift always and hope that you enjoy sharing this priceless tale with a young reader very soon.
*Original song lyrics and sheet music is included in this publication and the reissue, along with a glossary and story background.