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By Patricia Polacco
Recommended for ages 4-8
This is a heart-warming story of
the strong bonds of love within a family. Beginning
with the immigration of Great-Gramma Anna from
Russia, 'The Keeping Quilt' traces the lives and
changes of the author's family. Anna's dress and
babushka, her only reminders of her homeland, become
too small.
Her mother transforms them, along
with Uncle's shirt, and Aunt's old apron and
nightdress, into a quilt. This quilt 'will be like
having the family in back-home Russia dance around
us at night', according to Anna's mother.
The quilt accompanies Anna
throughout her adulthood, and welcomes her daughter
Carle to the world. Likewise, Carle becomes the
quilt's caretaker over time, and welcomes her
daughter with it. Some things change from generation
to generation, but the quilt is always a symbol of
the love and faith that bind this family.
The passing of loved ones is
addressed with sensitivity, too, as the surviving
family members strengthen their dedication to each
other despite their loss.
'The Keeping Quilt' is a
heartwarming story with gorgeous illustrations. It
is a wonderful lesson in the timelessness of family,
faith and tradition.
 By Patricia Polacco
Reviewed by Catie Gosselin of WomanLinks.com
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