The Quiltmaker's Gift

by Jeff Brumbeau

Book Overview

In this enchantingly told original folktale, a wise quiltmaker makes the most beautiful quilts in the world - but she will give them only to those who have nothing. When a rich, dissatisfied king insists that she give him one of her quilts, she gives him what seems an impossible task: to give away all he owns. One by one, the king gives away his many possessions, and finds that the more he gives away, the happier he is. Finally, when the king has...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439309107
• ISBN13: 9780439309103
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.4" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The Quiltmaker's Gift is a story that touches the materialistic streak in all of us.

This book shows that greed doesn't make us happy. That the Bible axiom, "It is better to give than to receive. " is so true. Beautiful artwork! You could look for days and not see all the depth of the pictures. They are amazingly colorful and detailed. It is a book that children will want to read and have read to them frequently.

Not Just for Children - A Gift for the Giver in Your Life

I'm not surprised to find this book listed as a Children's Book - who else is supposed to enjoy beautiful illustrated fables?The answer, of course, is the grown-up who reads it aloud. The detailed illustrations in this book will fascinate the fortunate child who hears the tale. The fortunate adult reader and the child will enjoy following this story about an unhappy king, laden with "things" he thought would make him happy. A classic consumer, he "gets" more and more - his closets and rooms are burdened with beautiful treasures that bring him little joy. He thinks the only thing he doesn't have - one of the quiltmaker's quilts - will bring him that elusive happiness. But she only gives to the poor - despite his threats and angry attempts to show her who has the power - she will not give him a quilt.She tells him how he can get that quilt - the answer of course is simple, once he figures it out. A wonderful gift for that person you know who always gives (s/he might like reading it to children or grandchildren) or the quilt-lover on your list. The colorful quilt patterns shown and named inside the front and back covers, and inside the dustjacket(! ) are fantastic. Like "Old Turtle," this is a beautifully illustrated book with rich layers to be enjoyed by children and adults, year after year.

a valuable treasure

Though my children are grown, I still enjoy brousing the children's book section of the local bookstore. I was drawn to remove The Quiltmakers Gift from it's resting place on the shelf because of the beautifully rendered, inviting illustrations on it's cover. And what a pleasant surprise when I opened the book to find a wealth of the same along with a most touching and tenderly written story about a king living in unhappy greed amongst the finest of splendor. Yet this same greed allows his path to cross with that of a loving, giving soul who has the gift to help the king learn how to find his own happiness. It is apparent that both author and illustrator have a deep understanding of the gift of giving, and have given us a wonderful story to share with our loved ones. I found myself sitting in the bookstore wiping away the tears from my eyes and I knew this book was a must even though I may save it for years before having grandchildren to read it to.

A Tale of Generosity

I have two boys, five and eight, and I have read to them nightly since they were born. My mother, a children's librarian, has instilled the love of books in myself and my children. This year for Christmas she gave us The Quiltmaker's Gift. It immediately became one of our favorites. The illustrations are outstanding and the text creates visual pictures of it's own. The tale of the joy of giving instead of receiving is an excellent teaching tool for parents. My eight year old cried when the Quiltmaker covered the poor, cold, homeless with breathtakingly beautiful quilts. This book also is a tribute to those talented individuals who make quilts and give them to others. Both of my boys received quilts when they were born and I have one made by my grandmother and grandfather, both whom have passed on. These quilts are treasures as is this book. Buy it!

What a beautiful book, both emotionally and visually!

I bought this book for my mother, a quilter, because of the simply gorgeous artwork. After I read it, however, and had a chance to examine the artwork in even closer detail, I bought another copy for myself! The story is beautiful and heartwarming; it brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. The bright artwork contains a story within the textual story, inspiring you to find the names of the quilt patterns shown. The dust jacket contains a wonderful seek-and-find puzzle with further quilt blocks. This is a book that will be enjoyed by people of any age. I can't say enough good things about it!

An excellent book with beautiful illustrations and a lesson

This book is one I would recommend to all who have children in their lives. I am a teacher and read it to my students in grades 3,4,and 5. They all liked the story and were spell-bound by the illustrations. Many these days are interested in character education, and this book does a lovely job of making an important point about giving.