The Patchwork Quilt [Hardcover]

Valerie Flournoy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1985

Twenty years ago Valerie Flournoy and Jerry Pinkney created a warmhearted intergenerational story that became an award-winning perennial. Since then children from all sorts of family situations and configurations continue to be drawn to its portrait of those bonds that create the fabric of family life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This story will leave children moved and satisfied. (School Library Journal, starred review)

Pinkney interprets the story with warm family scenes that glow. (Booklist)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: FBApowersetup; 1st edition (1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803700970
• ISBN-13: 978-0803700970
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers it all book! - Multicultural/Family/Art/Death September 13, 2000

By Alison H

Format:Hardcover

I have read this book many times and as an educator I can not say enough good things about the book. "The Patchwork Quilt" has great illustrations, touches on multiculturalism b/c of the people included in the story, does not exclude other cultures b/c the book is also about family, confronts dealing with death in a healthy manner, and is easily a lead-in to an art lesson. This book can lead to discussions on family, death, and classroom community (each student makes a patch representing themself and bind them together to make a classroom quilt)! :) Have fun and educate with this book!

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable multicultural children's book. October 22, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Valerie Flournoy, Author. Jerry Pinkney, Illustrator. THE PATCHWORK QUILT 29 pp. Dial Books for Young Readers 1985

Tanya's grandmother had begun to make a patchwork quilt using scraps from old shirts, Halloween costumes, and any other materials that had meaning to them. Tanya was so interested in how her grandmother so carefully cut pieces of material and sewed them together so she spent much of her time watching and helping her grandmother produce this "masterpiece." On Christmas morning, Grandma becomes sick and is no longer able to work on finishing the quilt. With the help of her mother, Tanya takes it upon herself to help finish the quilt for her grandmother. Finally, when Grandma is able to begin working on the quilt again, she finishes it by stitching on the last square, which reads, "For Tanya From your Mama and Grandma."

This story is not necessarily about any one culture in particular. This story line could take place in any culture. However, all of the characters in the book are African-American. There are no specific references in the book to African-Americans, however this is a situation in where the illustrations play a major role in the story. The story probably would be read the same; regardless of the race of the characters; however, the multicultural characters help the readers get a grasp on the many different cultures that surround them.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart warming, loving, a family tale April 9, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

The story starts out with Tanya recovering from a bad cold, setting restlessly on the chair by the kitchen window, and anxious to go outside. Since her mom won't let her go out yet, she decides to go talk to her grandma. Grandma was setting in her favorite chair with a pile of worn scraps of material that appeared to be dirty old rags to Tanya. Tanya soon finds out that these dirty old scraps could become a thing of great beauty and an expression of great love. She and her grandma set out on a growing adventure building this wonderful patchwork quilt, but only after Grandma explains the difference in a store bought quilt and a patchwork quilt. The project grows and before long is a family project that continuos through the Christmas holiday with Mama sewing and Grandma cutting. Only once did Mama put it aside and that was to make a special gold Christmas dress. Tanya knew where those special scraps would go as well. Then Grandma got sick. The quilt was about half finished. Tanya feared it would never be finished. Grandma's masterpiece lay neatly folded and waiting. This saddened the family and before you know it, they were all working on it. Jim even picked up the blue material from his own clothing and started cutting scraps. The family worked and remembered. It took a whole year for the quilt to be completed. At last the last square was attached. Grandma, Tanya and the whole family was very proud and excited as they thought back. It was decided that this quilt would make a very special gift for someone very special. The right hand corner of the last row holds the secret of who. You'll have to read the book for all the fun and the secret of who gets the quilt. I loved it! It is a very special book and one of my favorites. I think it is an asset to my library and will be to anyone else's.