The Quiltmaker's Gift

A kind seamstress makes beautiful quilts and gives them away to the poor and needy. When the greedy king hears about these lovely things, he demands that she sell him one. She refuses, but says she will make and give him one if he gives away all of his possessions. At first stubborn, the king eventually gives in, and is rewarded with a beautiful quilt. While the story is heartwarming, it is the illustrations by Minnesotan Gail de Marcken that bring this story to life. The colors are vibrant and include numerous quilt pattern samples. Although some pages have a busy appearance, overall it is visually fascinating. It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2000, and could be used either in a unit about values, or about quiltmaking.