Mooshka: A Quilt Story by Julie Paschkis

Karla's quilt, Mooshka, is a very special quilt. It not only keeps Karla warm, it also talks to her! It whispers words in her ear and tells her stories. But when Karla's baby sister moves into her room, the stories stop...and the baby is loud! What's Karla going to do?

The first time I read this book, I was so distracted (in a wonderful way) by the design and illustrations that I barely paid attention to the story. The quilted panels frame the pages as the stories behind the different fabrics are revealed. It's busy and active, but not overwhelming. Then, when the quilt stops talking, the pages change to a solid, dark background. It's jarring and unsettling and a great visual cue that something is not right. When Karla shares the quilt with her sister, though, the frames return and things are bright again. When I finally did read the text, I found a sweet story that celebrates family and family history. This is more than a 'new baby' story, but it can be a comforting story to encourage big brothers and big sisters to open their hearts to a new sibling.


Check out Julie Paschkis' website.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Peachtree Publishers.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman
Here Comes Grandma by Janet Lord
Fat Cat by Margaret Read MacDonald