What a sweet book!
A Hat for Grandma, a Knitting Story by Madalina Hubert
available for $12.99 on Amazon
I don’t think there are many children’s books that feature Knitting so prominently!
I absolutely love that the knitted item is colorful and stylish too. It seems more modern and fresh that way. The book is teaching kids that the fiber arts are normal. And we know that familiarity breeds comfort too!
It doesn’t talk about knitting as being just for grandmas. It’s really teaching kids that it’s normal to knit.
Good Terminology
I love how it teaches about a Slip Knot and casting on. And that it has her knit a square to start her learning.
It talks about working with two needles, and even ACCURATELY illustrates knitting needles (I still remember that commercial that called it knitting but showed someone doing embroidery. Ugh.)
Some Realistic Mistakes
It’s great that the book shows that she makes some common mistakes when starting out with knitting. Raise your hand if you added some unintentional YOs in your work.
I still will do that occasionally (usually when trying to knit without looking). But still, it’s normal to expect YOs in your Knitting.
Frogging is Normal, too
In yet another way to show Knitting realistically, the book talks about unraveling her work because she wanted it to be right.
How cool is that? Talking about frogging as just a part of the process, and that it’s normal, goes a long way to setting expectations!
It Doesn’t Complicate It with Knitting in the Round
I love how, once Amy finishes the hat, that her mom sews it up. They don’t complicate either the story or Amy’s learning. And let’s face it, almost no new knitters tackle in-the-round for their first project.
And again, that’s A Hat for Grandma, a Knitting Story by Madalina Hubert and available for $12.99 on Amazon
About the Reviewer: Jody Richards
Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).
She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.
And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns. You’ve been warned.
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