The Handkerchief Quilt

Written by: Carol Crane

Illustrated by: Gary Palmer

Published by: Sleeping Bear Press 2010

Ages: 6 and up

Theme: community, coming together, raising funds, helping those in need.

Opening lines: The town always started its day with the 7am factory whistle. Its long, shrill blasts hung as if suspended in air, and then, just for a moment, everything was quiet before the world of work started.

Synopsis: From front cover- For many years Monday through Friday, Miss Anderson has walked to Parkland School, eager to begin her day’s work in her classroom. She is a devoted teacher, beloved by the many children she has taught over the years. The school and her students mean everything to her.

After one holiday weekend, Parkland School suffers a devastating flood. Burst pipes send water pouring into classrooms and the library. The school must close for repairs. But it’s not just the building that has been damaged. New supplies and materials, especially books, are needed. But there isn’t enough money to do it all.

Miss Anderson cannot bear to think of her beloved school closed and her students left without materials. What can she do to help? And when the answer comes to her, Miss Anderson knows what to do and whom to ask for assistance.

Why I like it: This is a lovely story with so many themes. Immediately when I read this I thought of how it reminded me of the earthquakes we have had, not only here but around the world. Or even small disasters that happen, even within our own towns, cities or villages. How like in this book people come together to help, a community responds in creative ways to help themselves and others. It also showed how one creative gesture no matter how small can become such a lifesaving opportunity. The text is lyrically written and what is even more interesting is that it is based on a true story of Carol’s mother. Set in the 1950’s the soft watercolour illustrations give it that period feel and charm. Both; Carol, who has written over 14 books for Sleeping Press, and Gary who is a freelance illustrator, live in North Carolina.

Resources/Findings:  This is a great resource from the book in getting kids involved in fund-raising, cooking, how to report or write-up a disaster news, etc…   http://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/SleepingBearPress/HandkerchiefQuilt_Guide.pdf

How to make a Handkerchief Quilt..   http://www.ehow.com/how_2077800_make-handkerchief-quilt.html

Here is another neat craft idea…   http://www.planetfun.co.nz/Rainbow-Loom_515.aspx?gclid=CMr28vbkr8ICFYmVvQodAYkAbg

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view.  So pop over  and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.    Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.