Barnett, M. and Klassen, J. (2012). Extra yarn. New York: Balzer + Bray.
Summary:
In a bleak, winter landscape, Annabelle finds a box of yarn. The yarn is every color, and Annabelle begins to knit sweaters: first, for herself and her dog, then for friends, classmates, other adults, and even “for things that didn’t even wear sweaters.” The amazing thing is that Annabelle never seems to run out of yarn from her special box. When a greedy archduke hears of this magical yarn, he offers to buy it and, when Annabelle refuses, turns to more nefarious methods. After this brief, but dramatically illustrated point of tension, the tale ends happily, and Annabelle keeps on knitting.
Curriculum Connections:
This book could be an excellent writing prompt for 7-8 year-olds, or a discussion starter for younger listeners. Why did the yarn never run out for Annabelle? And why was the box empty when the archduke stole it? This might also be used as a mentor text for young writers to model their own story after. The themes of generosity and creativity could be tied into a unit on the true meaning of giving, perhaps during the month of December.
Personal Reflections:
As a knitter, I delighted in the unique illustrations that show the knitting stitches. The illustrative style is lovely and readers will enjoy watching Annabelle’s town turn from dull grays into a colorful rainbow from her knitting. The dramatic moments during the archduke’s treachery are ominously rendered.
Awards:
PreK-9
Genre/Themes:
Generosity, Creativity, Fantasy
Read-Alikes:
A book that addresses similar themes of generosity and creativity is The Quiltmaker’s Gift (Brumbeau and DeMarken).
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