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About The Book

American Booksellers Association Pick of the Lists
Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Book Award
Carnegie Medal Honor Book

This beloved and bestselling picture book tells the story of one family’s history through the generations and the powerful bond of their love.

“We will make a quilt to help us always remember home,” Anna’s mother said. “It will be like having the family in backhome Russia dance around us at night.”

And so it was. A basket of old clothes, Anna’s babushka, Uncle Vladimir’s shirt, Aunt Havalah’s nightdress, and an apron of Aunt Natasha’s become The Keeping Quilt, passed along from mother to daughter for almost a century. For four generations the quilt is a Sabbath tablecloth, a wedding canopy, and a blanket that welcomes babies warmly into the world.

In strongly moving illustrations that are as heartwarming as they are real, Patricia Polacco tells the story of her own family and the quilt’s further story that remains a symbol of their enduring love and faith.

About The Author

Photo Credit:

Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists. They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. She grew up to be an illustrator, a designer, and creator of many beloved children’s books, including The Keeping Quilt, The Blessing Cup, Fiona’s Lace, The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Babushka’s Doll, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, Sticks and Stones, and Palace of Books. She lives in Union City, Michigan. Visit her at PatriciaPolacco.com and follow her on Facebook.

About The Illustrator

Photo Credit:

Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists. They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. She grew up to be an illustrator, a designer, and creator of many beloved children’s books, including The Keeping Quilt, The Blessing Cup, Fiona’s Lace, The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Babushka’s Doll, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, Sticks and Stones, and Palace of Books. She lives in Union City, Michigan. Visit her at PatriciaPolacco.com and follow her on Facebook.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (February 20, 2024)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665962650
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Awards and Honors

  • ABA Pick of the Lists
  • AJL Sydney Taylor Book Award
  • Carnegie Medal Honor Book

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Patricia Polacco