As most rabbit hole falls go, this one started off innocently enough. I was searching for books about Shibori on the library website and one of the search results was this charming children’s book.
I clicked on it, scrolled down and there was another recommended children’s book about indigo. I clicked again. Before I knew it, I had a dozen textile-focused children’s books saved to my library account.
At the end of the day, I had requested six children’s books with some relation to textiles. Let’s take a look at the books I discovered!
My Indigo World by Rosa Chang: A Korean-American author gives the history of indigo along with her current work using the plant dye.
Blue by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, illustrated by Daniel Minter: Gorgeously illustrated history of indigo around the world that doesn’t shy away from some of the more sinister history of indigo cultivation.
Before Colors by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer: Such a fun and informative book about pigments used throughout history. I learned a lot from this book, and I have spent a fair amount of time learning about natural dyes and pigments!
The All-Together Quilt by Lizzy Rockwell. More appropriate for younger readers, tells the story of a multi-generational quilting group.
Louise Bourgeois by Amy Guglielmo, illustrated by Katy Knapp. Engaging biography of the artist for older children, really nice illustrations.
A Line Can Go Anywhere by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Jamie Green. Another great biography, I especially loved all the quotes from the artist. I saw a Ruth Asawa retrospective several years ago so it was very insightful to learn more about her childhood and creative process.
Overall, I was impressed with how all the authors shared such in-depth information in a fun and age-appropriate way. Even though I’m well out of the target age range, I found all the books highly engaging. Definitely check them all out or add them to your own library!
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I’m back to work on another quilt! I don’t have all the colors cut yet, but I’m really excited to piece this one!
What are your favorite children’s books? Let us know in the comments or reply to this email!
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