Rating: 5 stars
This book is a little gift of a tale about Babba Zarrah, a wonderful old lady, giving gifts to everyone in her village. And, in return for her generosity, they give her gifts in return. There are so many wonderful things about it I don't know where to start.
Babba Zarrah is a beloved story-teller, and kids come from all over to sit on her story blanket and listen to her stories. One day she notices one of the little boys has a hole in his shoes, so she decide to knit him some socks. But the winter snow is too deep to allow new supplies to come to the village; she can't find any new wool. She says, wisely, "Every question has an answer. I just have to think of it." (What wonderful thing to say to my kids, and to have them say to themselves!) She looks at the story blanket and finds the answer...she unravels it to make socks for the little boy. And then a scarf for the chilly postman. And then mittens for the headmaster. Pretty soon everyone has mysterious, warm gifts delivered on their doorstep, and the story blanket becomes smaller and smaller, forcing all the kids to squash together. When the villagers finally realize where they gifts are coming from--and you see the villagers wearing the warm gifts, the beautiful story blanket shared with all--they decide to return the favor to Babba Zarrah by unraveling all of their blankets and giving her their wool.
Such a sweet, sweet story! The images from Elena Odriozola are simple and whimsical. They help make what could be a pretty heavy story into a light, approachable one. It is definitely one for teachers and grandmas (our Grammy would give it ten stars and tear up while she read it), but one for parents as well. There are so many lessons to draw from the tale, especially those of sharing and generosity and thoughtfulness. But also of recycling and creativity and resourcefulness. An all-round winner!
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