One of the things I often love about books not published in the U.S. is how they clearly put an author and/or illustrator’s obsessions on display. In contrast, U.S. picture books can feel a little too similar or too familiar.

BUT, surprise!!! This book WAS written and published in the U.S. and is a testament to the author and illustrator’s passions and the dedication of an editor to do this brilliant manuscript justice. I’m just sorry that my photos are lacking.

Clack. Clack.

Swish-

PULL BACK.

Bobbin and heddle,

foot pedal, no slack.

This is the rhythm of the weaver’s loom, the lines and rhythm that open and close the narrative. It’s an inspired way to enter into the world of weaving, a world that thrives on the creativity of the weaver, even as the process is one of familiar repetition.

The child narrator is weaving and as she weaves, her body listens to and feels the rhythm of the loom while she imagines weaving through the history of those who came before her. The reader travels with the girl to see silk spinning and weaving in ancient China, cloth spun for Egyptian pharoah shrouds, textiles on the Iberian peninsula and more. It’s a fascinating journey through time and around the world, accompanied by a curious purple cat. I love the addition of the cat for young readers, and I smiled when it found balls of string or yarn to play with.

Along the way, readers also learn about the implements used for weaving, that are then described in more detail in the back matter, along with an in depth description of the locations and types of textiles included in the book.

I particularly love Katey Howes’ author’s note about how she and the illustrator worked to celebrate and honor the ancient tradition of weaving by creating their own tapestry with words and images. And that “like most fabrics, it may have weak spots…” But if there are weak spots in this book, I didn’t see them. That said, aren’t imperfections a sign that a work of art has been made by a human being, not by a machine? That someone experiencing a work of art should feel the hand of the artist in the work? Humans are perfect in our imperfections are we not?

And fittingly, Howes concludes her note by saying:

“Reader: I imagine that your pattern and purpose are unfolding, too….Like me, you probably don’t know yet how you will turn out. But you are certainly a work of art, tied to the world by many threads, your warmth and strength and beauty growing to the rhythm of the loom…”

The illustrator, Dina Mirtalipova (born and raised in Uzbekistan), spent three years buried in research, and the meticulously rendered illustrations in intricate patterns are a testament to her diligence. One of the weaving traditions she includes is a woven ikat robe that is part of a bride’s traditional dowry in Uzbekistan. Another shows the weaving traditions of the Coastal Salish and a thank you and acknowledgement for the use of a Musqueaum pattern in the book. Folks, this is a visual and cultural treat!

Activities:

Weave a wall hanging. Try these other weaving activities.

Write a poem that resembles weaving in some way. Perhaps take the rhythm of the short poem that starts this book, and change the words while keeping the rhythm. Or, write a poem using the vocabulary of weaving used in this book. Or, perhaps you could write words on strips of paper and then weave the strips together to make a poem.

Pair this book with Cloth Lullaby by Amy Novesky, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. How are the two books similar? How are they different? Can you find old articles of clothing of your own and make something new from them, too?

Title: Woven of the World

Author: Katey Howes

Illustrator: Dinara Mirtalipova

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2023

Ages: Elementary School

Themes: weaving, world cultures, traditions

For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.