Woven of the World

by Katey Howes (Author)

Woven of the World
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Told from the perspective of a young girl learning to weave, Woven of the World is a lyrical meditation on the ancient art of weaving and what this beautiful craft can teach us.

As rhythmic as the swish of a loom, and as vibrant as a skein of brightly dyed wool, this lyrical picture book shares the history and practice of weaving through the centuries and around the world, as imagined by a young weaver learning her craft. Her family's weaving practice helps her feel connected to the past and hopeful for the future. It shows her that each of us is a tapestry: a unique, rich, and beautifully interwoven combination of traits and traditions, with a pattern that is still emerging.

At once a celebration of a time-honored art and a meditation on the ways we are interconnected, this artfully woven narrative gathers the threads of weaving as a technical skill, a cultural tradition, and as a metaphor for how our lives are knit together, into a radiantly intertwined whole.

WEAVING AROUND THE WORLD: The vignettes in this book give just a few glimpses into the world's countless weaving traditions. They highlight milestone moments in history, as well as ongoing, contemporary artistry. From the nomadic Fulani of West Africa to the Coastal Salish of North America, and from Uzbekistan to Peru to Egypt, this lush picture book celebrates eight moments in weaving history around the world.

GORGEOUS READ-ALOUD: This lyrical picture book is written in perfect rhyme, making it a satisfying read-aloud. The lush and eye-catching illustrations are filled with an abundance of decorative detail on every page, making it a rewarding re-read.

WEAVING AS A METAPHOR FOR LIFE: When weaving, there is uncertainty about how the pattern will unfold--just as there is uncertainty about how our lives will unfold.

INFORMATIVE BACKMATTER: Back matter includes nonfiction content on the history of weaving, how weaving works, as well as an Author's and Illustrator's Note.

Perfect for:

Parents and grandparents

Teachers and librarians

Fans of weaving or folk arts

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review
An exceptional ode to the music and art of the loom.

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

"Clack. Clack. Swish--pull back." Howes (A Poem Grows Inside You) and Mirtalipova (Leila in Saffron) explore the technology of weaving across space and time. Inventive spreads feature a patient elder and an affectionate child, both portrayed with brown skin, and a playful blue cat alongside a loose chronology of weaving: "I imagine skeins of history/ unfurled across the room--/ wrapping me in warm tradition, crossing borders, spanning years,/ as the clack then swish of loom song/ carries stories to my ears." Foregrounding decorative patterns and rounded human forms, Mirtalipova paints garments and textiles woven by artisans across China, Egypt, the Islamic civilization Al-Andalus, and many more. Meanwhile, the elder teaches the child how to weave, passing "much more than yarn between us/ as the loaded shuttle glides." Paralleling the intricate patterns discussed, Howes's rhythmically woven verse layers poetry and onomatopoeia. The beauty of decoration and embellishment, the multiplicity of practices, and the way knowledge is passed across generations and cultures are all celebrated in this story "of ties that bind us, one and all,/ no matter where we stand." Back matter includes a visual weaving glossary and contextualizes the weaving cultures described. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Essie White, Storm Literary. Illustrator's agent: Chrystal Falcioni, Magnet Reps. (Feb.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781452178066
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Chronicle Books
Publication date
February 20, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV048000 - Juvenile Fiction | Clothing & Dress
JUV039120 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Prejudice & Racism
JUV016020 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | Ancient Civilizations
Library of Congress categories
Stories in rhyme
Weaving
Hand weaving

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