Thirteen poems pay tribute weaving by describing the work of one weaver, Aneesa Lee, whose own multiethnic heritage embodies the universality of this fabric art. Grimes’s poems focus both on the specifics of weaving, as well as some of the dreaming that goes into the choice of colors and pattern. Uplifting as the poems themselves are, Grimes never romanticizes the hard work that goes into it all. Her central metaphor is of connectedness and community of “a people’s art.” Ashley Bryan’s brightly colored illustrations emphasize the many different strands, both literal and metaphorical. (Ages 6-9)

Thirteen interrelated poems and as many radiant illustrations create not only a celebration of the ancient art of weaving but a joyful exploration of how love and hard work can mesh separate threads--or separate people--into a harmonious whole.