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
Katey Howes is an award-winning children's author and poet. Formerly a physical therapist, she now divides her time between writing, crafting, and raising three ravenous readers. You can usually find Katey under a big tree on a small mountain in eastern Pennsylvania, or get to know her better at www.kateyhowes.com, on Twitter @Kateywrites, or on Instagram @kidlitlove.
Dinara Mirtalipova is an award-winning folk illustrator and designer. Born and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, she studied Computer Science, but her true passion was always patterns and illustration. She works and lives in northeast Ohio. Learn more about Dinara at www.mirdinara.com or follow her on Instagram @mirdinara.
“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.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“[A] splendid mosaic of a picture book, lyrically written and lushly illustrated.” — Shelf Awareness
“In rhythmic and lyrical language and engaging illustrations, this book takes a historical journey around the globe celebrating the art of weaving.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“Woven of the World is a splendid mosaic of a picture book, lyrically written and lushly illustrated.” — Shelf Awareness, starred review
“Katey Howes’s lyrical verse follows an adult woman and a young girl through the warp of time and the woof of space as they illuminate the threads that bind us.” —The New York Times
“Author and illustrator notes include details about their intentions and research in this broad sweep of appreciation and respect for the craft of handmade textiles across cultures.” — The Horn Book Magazine
“Intelligent rhymes and handsome folk-art patterns spin a global story of weaving through the millennia. An exceptional ode….” — Kirkus, starred review
