Woven of the World

By Katey Howes and Dinara Mirtalipova

Told from the perspective of a young girl learning to weave, Woven of the World is a lyrical meditation on the ancient art of weaving and what this beautiful craft can teach us.

As rhythmic as the swish of a loom, and as vibrant as a skein of brightly dyed wool, this lyrical picture book shares the history and practice of weaving through the centuries and around the world, as imagined by a young weaver learning her craft. Her family's weaving practice helps her feel connected to the past and hopeful for the future. It shows her that each of us is a tapestry: a unique, rich, and beautifully interwoven combination of traits and traditions, with a pattern that is still emerging.

At once a celebration of a time-honored art and a meditation on the ways we are interconnected, this artfully woven narrative gathers the threads of weaving as a technical skill, a cultural tradition, and as a metaphor for how our lives are knit together, into a radiantly intertwined whole.

WEAVING AROUND THE WORLD: The vignettes in this book give just a few glimpses into the world's countless weaving traditions. They highlight milestone moments in history, as well as ongoing, contemporary artistry. From the nomadic Fulani of West Africa to the Coastal Salish of North America, and from Uzbekistan to Peru to Egypt, this lush picture book celebrates eight moments in weaving history around the world.

GORGEOUS READ-ALOUD: This lyrical picture book is written in perfect rhyme, making it a satisfying read-aloud. The lush and eye-catching illustrations are filled with an abundance of decorative detail on every page, making it a rewarding re-read.

WEAVING AS A METAPHOR FOR LIFE: When weaving, there is uncertainty about how the pattern will unfold—just as there is uncertainty about how our lives will unfold.

INFORMATIVE BACKMATTER: Back matter includes nonfiction content on the history of weaving, how weaving works, as well as an Author's and Illustrator's Note.
 
Perfect for:
Parents and grandparents
Teachers and librarians
Fans of weaving or folk arts

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chronicle Books Digital
• Release date: Feb 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781452178462

Katey Howes

Katey Howes is thrilled to be writing books for children. She is the author of the picture books Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe, Grandmother Thorn, and Be a Maker. Katey lives in Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three adventurous daughters.

Book preview

Cover: Woven of the World by Katey Howes

To my children, for asking the big questions. And to my former neighbors, for generously sharing their traditions, values, holidays, and meals—and weaving a community of diversity and love.

—K. H.

To all global citizens, crafters, and folklorists. To my ever-curious kiddo, Sabrina, and our fluffy kitty, Matilda.

—D. M.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

Thank you to the sensitivity readers, librarians, and art consultants who went above, beyond, and down a few rabbit holes. Special thanks to Alexandra Hinrichs, author of Thérèse Makes a Tapestry, for her inspiration and guidance and to Betty O. of the Spinnery in Frenchtown, New Jersey, who patiently let me watch her weave, dig through her books, and ask a million questions when this book’s journey had barely begun.

—K. H.

Special thanks to Vanessa Drake Moraga for her expert