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The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books |
| The Bulletin Dozen is a monthly theme-based list of titles available only on-line.
Since we're awfully fond of bakers here at the Bulletin, we thought we'd adopt
their philosophy of generosity and throw in an extra one or two when we have them to
offer--so don't expect an even dozen. Please feel free to copy, download, or link to these
lists. We ask only that you cite the source. See the archive
for lists from previous months.
Stitches and Stories: A Dozen Books About Quilts for Elementary-Graders Mention quilts and quilting and many different thoughts and associations come
to mind. Quilts are functional, perfect for keeping us warm on cold February
nights, but they are also a unique form of art. Quilts give us a sense of
history, whether they are heirlooms handed down from previous generations or
new quilts made from scraps of our own family's clothing. When I think of
quilts, I think of the pantyhose-stuffed ones my grandmother used to make and
of my mother snipping and piecing shapes together amid piles of brightly
colored cloth while I made doll clothes with the scraps. Quilts are tangible
links to memories of the people, places, and things of our pasts and their
patterns and designs tell us stories. In fact, quilts and stories have much
in common-both are made up of scraps and pieces stitched together (the seams
of the best-made ones are invisible); they are practical and ordinary, yet at
the same time they are extraordinary art; strong and warm, they represent an
enduring gift of love to their recipients; and at best they outlive their
makers and preserve our histories. Use the following books to help introduce
this traditional handicraft to children who may never have picked up a needle
and thread, or spread a quilt on the floor, gather the kids, and hold a cozy
read-aloud session. |
Bial focuses on the process of quilting and the value of quilts, particularly to the many women involved in their making. A brief historical overview of quilting in America is provided as well as a multicultural look at quilts produced by African-American, Amish, and Hmong quilters. Clear color photographs provide both up-close views and visions of individual quilts in their entirety. (BCCB 2/96)
When Emily's Oma (grandmother) unhappily moves into a retirement home, Emily and her mother create a quilt out of old clothes and blankets that Oma has saved. Though the quilt doesn't fix everything, it does help Oma to begin to accept and adjust to her new situation. (BCCB 12/01)
In this historical fiction easy reader, pioneer girl Faith sews quilt patches to chronicle her family's journey west. On the way, Faith must deal with the death of her beloved pet chicken, Josefina, who caused trouble on the trail but also helped the family by laying fresh eggs and warning them of robbers. (BCCB 5/86)
When Tanya's grandmother decides to make a new quilt, Tanya and Grandma are the only ones enthusiastic about the project. However, eventually the whole family joins in and helps out through Grandma's illness, until Grandma is finally able to complete the quilt. The finished quilt is presented with love to Tanya because she saw its making through from beginning to end. Jerry Pinkney's realistic watercolors show a warm, middle-class African-American family in a contemporary setting. (BCCB 4/85)
Luka's warm relationship with her grandmother ("Tutu" in Hawaiian) cools after a disagreement about a special quilt that Tutu has made for Luka; Tutu has created a beautiful traditional two-color quilt but what Luka wanted was a quilt made up of all the colors of the flower garden. The two eventually come up with a unique compromise that repairs the hurt feelings in this inviting tale of a Hawaiian family. (BCCB 7/94)
Short seasonal poems are accompanied by a variety of striking quilted illustrations; poems and patchwork work together to describe and depict elements of the natural world, from dandelions in the lawn to falling autumn leaves. Notes on the quilting process are included at the end. (BCCB 2/01)
After young slave girl Clara learns to sew, she pieces together a unique quilt which maps out the way to the Underground Railroad; after she escapes to the North, others continue to use to quilt to find their way to freedom. James Ransome's full-page and double spread paintings are rendered in warm earth tones with plenty of sunny yellows and greens and touches of sky blue. (BCCB 7/93)
When an unexpected cold spell hits, pioneer girl Elvirey saves the day by stuffing her grandmother's cloth scraps in between the logs of their cabin to keep out the wind. Granny dubs the result a "log cabin quilt" and the sight of the brightened cabin walls causes Elvirey's father to begin to thaw out of the frosty grief he's been troubled by since his wife's death. Ronald Himler's style is as plain and simple as a log cabin, his palette a subdued mix of browns, golds, and grays, and his images convey plenty of sincere emotion. (BCCB 10/96)
Ten-year-old Ariel must adjust to both the coming of a new sibling and her grandmother's sudden stroke; the quilt that Ariel and her grandmother create together helps to ease the difficulty of both situations in this touching short chapter book. Leslie W. Bowman's pencil drawings lend additional power and atmosphere to the text. (BCCB 1/90)
In this unusual biography, Lyons tells the story of one-time slave Harriet Powers and her remarkable quilts which depict both Bible stories and weather lore. Though Lyons must sometimes rely on educated guesses and openly fictionalizes some of her telling, she effectively uses the quilts themselves (many photos included) and Harriet's own recorded explanations of their images to help flesh out her tale. (BCCB 12/93)
Paul offers a peek into early American life by tying quilt patterns together with descriptions of the activities or situations they may have represented, all of which are arranged seasonally. A sample quilt block and arrangement of four such blocks are shown for each pattern; excellent scratchboard illustrations provide a further look at the settlers and their milieu. (BCCB 5/96)
An applique quilt is made from the clothing of a Russian Jewish immigrant family, then handed down through four generations of weddings, funerals, and births. The brilliant hues and patterns of the quilt stand out against Polacco's warm sepia drawings on cream paper.
Based on one of Ringgold's story quilts, Tar Beach tells the story of eight-year-old African American Cassie, who imagines that she can help her family get the things they need by flying over the city with her little brother Be Be. A bright patchwork border edges the pages while the penultimate illustration shows the original story quilt itself. Older kids who are particularly interested in Ringgold's life and art may also want to check out the video, Faith Ringgold: The Last Story Quilt (L&S Video, 1991). (BCCB 3/91)
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This page was last updated on February 1, 2002.