Last week I reviewed a soon-to-be-released nonfiction picture book about reusing old things in new ways. I thought I would stay with the theme and feature a new fiction Perfect Picture Book that features reusing old fabric in a unique and heartfelt way.
Title: Story Rug
Written By: Sophie Blackall
Illustrated By: Phoebe Wahl
Publisher/Date: Little Brown Young Readers/2026
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: braiding, recycling, reusing, fabric, story time, braided rug, rag rug, cooperation, community
Opening:
Class 201 is shouting state capitals, Class 202 is playing the drums, but Class 203 is silent.
Brief Synopsis: As students learn how to braid, they come together to create a memorable rug.
Links to Resources:
· Learn how to make a braided rag rug by following the steps in the back matter;
· Discover how to make different types of braids;
· Grab a friend or two and some yarn and make friendship bracelets for each other.
Why I Like this Book:
In Story Rug, Blackall and Wahl weave together a story of young students coming together to create something useful as a community.
As readers learn after that cryptic opening spread, the students in Class 203 are up to something. We discover that all but one student is braiding. Braiding hair. Braiding the tails of toy horses. Braiding shoelaces. “Left over center. Right over center. Left over center.” A fitting refrain that is repeated throughout the story.
And that one student? Noah rejects suggestions that he do something else. After all, he trusts that his teacher will have an idea that will enable him to braid, too. Neither he nor the readers are disappointed. And the other students? They want to join him.
I won’t spoil the ending by telling what Noah braided, how the others joined him, and the end result. But observant readers may notice clues on Wahl’s colorful cover and in the title itself. And speaking of Wahl’s illustrations, she scanned in swatches of real fabrics to impart an authentic aspect to the product the students create. And check out the many details she adds to the homey classroom.
For home and classroom reading and to spur a creative project, I heartily recommend Story Rug.
A Note about Craft:
I love the double entendre of the title: a rug for story time at school that’s crafted from worn clothing and fabrics that tell stories about the students and their families.
I also love how that first sentence grabs readers’ attention. Why is only one classroom silent? We have to turn the page to find out!
Finally, were you, like me, wondering why Blackall, a two-time Caldecott Medal winner, did not illustrate Story Rug? For the answer and for further insight into Wahl’s illustration process, check out this recent NPR interview.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 