UNRAVELED

Love is a hand-knit baby blanket.

Mama knits a blue blanket for her newborn son, Cole, and boy and blanket become inseparable. The blanket, knit during Mama’s pregnancy, is a perfect fit and texture for a baby’s touch. And it continues to be a constant companion as the baby grows into a boy, becoming, in turn, a plaything, a hero’s cape, and a makeshift reading cave. Knit garments, alas, do not last forever when so physically loved, and the blanket comes undone, a handful of tightly curled yarn that no longer is a playful friend. Cole returns it to Mama, who is a very dedicated knitter, indeed. At nighttime, she fashions the yarn into a new gift—a sweater—and once more boy, mother, and knitwear “bond.” The colorful, delicate cartoon illustrations depict a round-faced White boy and mother with softly drawn features. The action unfolds in full-page spreads and panels. Observant readers will immediately notice the ever present cat, the third member of the household, who never speaks but always expresses itself quite delightfully. Clearly, the message here is that a baby blanket is the perfect gift, especially from mother to offspring. The response can only be—knitters! Grab your needles!

A sweetly appealing story.