This delightful picture book, about an elderly woman who uses bits of her story blanket to help out the needy people of the village, has the feel of a European folktale. However, there is no author's or illustrator's note to give any sources or describe the media used. (The illustrations appear to be watercolor and ink.) Lest you think the endlessly sharing nature of the main character leads to a one-sided story like _The Giving Tree_, the villagers are inspired to return her favors. It could be used in a classroom unit on sharing or on storytelling. The Lexile Measure is 930, which makes it a good read aloud for a young audience. What a lovely story. A woman who doesn't have much beyond her handmade story blanket, wants to help a neighor who needs warm socks. She unravels part of her blanket and knits him socks. The woman continues to find people (and animals) in need, and knits until her blanket is gone. The neighbors help her in return by bringing her yarn for a new blanket. The art by Odriozola is magnificent in its simplicity, and I will now look for other works by her in the future. Beautiful.
What do You think about The Story Blanket (2008)?
Can't outgive Babba Yarrah....even if you try. What a generous soul.
—naysialove
