From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-- Paul provides information about pioneer life through speculation about the origins of 26 quilt patterns, one for each letter of the alphabet. At the top of each page is an object or situation that may have provided inspiration for the quilt design of that name. In the center of each page, the text elaborates on the importance of the item in early American life. The bottom illustration features a close-up view of a single section as well as a drawing of the entire quilt. The variety of colors and designs makes the quilts themselves the real stars of the book and will certainly inspire some readers to accept the author's suggestion to search for more patchwork schemes. Not only will the book serve as a resource for studies of pioneer life, but it will also be useful in encouraging students to develop their own creations in cloth or on paper. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MNCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The New York Times Book Review
"Like a quilt that grows old gracefully, this book promises to become well-thumbed over the years."
Booklist
"Attractive and informative."
Book Description
"Paul provides information about pioneer life through speculation about the origins of 26 quilt patterns, one for each letter of the alphabet. The variety of colors and designs makes the quilts themselves the real stars of the book [and] will [encourage] students to develop their own creations in cloth or on paper." —SLJ. Outstanding Books of 1991 (NYT)
Notable 1991 Childrens' Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
Books for Vacation Reading (NYT)
Card catalog description
Introduces the letters of the alphabet with names of early American patchwork quilt patterns and explains the origins of the designs by describing the activity or occupation they derive from.
About the Author
Ann Whitford Paul’s second book for children grew out of her long-time love of quilts.She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Jeanette Winter is the illustrator of more than a dozen children’s books, including Hinny Winny Bunco by Carole Greene.She has twice been the recipient of the American Illustrators Guild Award.She lives in Frankfort, Maine.
Eight Hands Round: A Patchwork Alphabet ANNOTATION
Introduces the letters of the alphabet with names of early American patchwork quilt patterns and explains the origins of the designs by describing the activity or occupation they derive from.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Outstanding Books of 1991 (NYT)Notable 1991 Childrens' Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)Books for Vacation Reading (NYT)
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin
I still have the patchwork baby-blanket Mrs. Somers made for me in 1934. Its pattern's name was the first thing I looked for when this delightful alphabet arrived. Suggest youngsters discover what designs they have on quilts at home, use the 26 patterns as models for paper patchwork projects, or just enjoy this simple, engaging history of one colorful aspect of women's creativity. In 1988, a retired schoolteacher and counselor initiated a project that included Kids Making Quilts for Kids (Quilt Digest, 1992). The quilting bee provides the time and place for the quilters to discuss AIDS and substance abuse; the finished quilts are donated to hospitals for babies born HIV-positive or affected by alcohol or drugs. 1996 (orig.
Art & Photography
Book Info
