The Promise Quilt--Quilting in Children's Literature

The Promise Quilt is a picture book set in Virginia during and just after the American Civil War. 

Ransom, Candice F. The Promise Quilt. Illustrated by Ellen Beier. Walker, 1999.

Addie's Papa promised: "When you are bigger, Addie, I'll take you to school on the other side of the ridge . . . You'll learn to read and write and make your mark in this life." But then the War came, and like so many others, Addie's father never returned home. A lady from Pennsylvania, where Papa had died in a hospital, sent the family his red flannel shirt, and Mama gave it to Addie. 

 

The school had been burned during the War, so education seemed impossible. However, Mama was determined to find a way, for the children to learn. She arranged for a building to temporarily house the school, but there were no books or slates for the children to use. Could Papa's promise ever come true?

The Promise Quilt (illustration)

The Promise Quilt (illustration)

Ellen Beier's soft watercolors set just the right mood for this story. They are simple and clear, yet full of detail.

This book uses a quilt to represent hope and healing in the face of personal and national loss. The book also illustrates the importance of education in the face of hardship.

Happy Quilting! 😺

A reminder--you can find my posts on Quilts in Children's Literature by clicking "Children's Literature" in the list of labels on the right-hand pane of this blog.

NOTE: I found my books used from BetterWorldBooks.com. I can highly recommend this site. Not only do they always have free shipping, but they also contribute a book to someone in need for every book you buy. I was not compensated for this recommendation--I just love doing business with them.