Pistes d'exploration

Discuss the elements that make this story a fairy tale. Why isn’t the quiltmaker afraid of the king? What lesson did the king learn? Have you ever felt like the king? 

Discuss the meaning of the proverb: it’s better to give than to receive and relate how the old woman helped the king to learn this. Why is it important to lead by example? When have you donated or given something away?

Create an illustrated proverb quilt. Once completed, share your quilt with other classes, then display it prominently.

What is your most prized possession? If you had to give it away, who would you give it to and why? Write a letter to this person explaining your motives and how you hope they benefit from your gift. 

Use the illustrations to help you make a list of the presents the king received. With a partner/team, compare your lists and find a way to categorize the presents. 

In the text, find examples of generosity and greed, wants and needs, responsible and irresponsible consumption.

Write a character sketch for the quiltmaker or the king. Include physical appearance, personality and abilities. Give examples of what the character says and does that demonstrates his/her personality. Does the character change at end of the story? If so, how?

Discuss the story’s message. How do you give to others? 

Design your own quilt patch. Name your design and include a description of what the patch represents. 

Claire's Gift, The Keeping Quilt, Something From Nothing, Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed

Mots-clés

Picture book , community service , fairy tales , generosity , greed , quilting , sharing

Commentaire descriptif

This stunning book tells a lengthy tale of a collector-king and a dedicated quiltmaker who gives her quilts only to those in need. Children will likely recognize aspects of themselves in both the acquisitive king and the creative quiltmaker. The language is lush and inspired, building on its own repetitions: “Things that shimmered and glittered and glowed. Things whimsical and practical. Things mysterious and magical. So many, many things that the king kept a list of all the lists of things he owned.” Ravishing and intricate illustrations sparkle with jewel-like colours. Large scenes are embellished with spot images, increasing visual impact and enhancing the story. In one image, the quiltmaker is stranded on a tiny rock in the churning sea. In the next, she has been safely transported by grateful sparrows to the spreading boughs of a spring-green tree. Through this battle of wills between the powerful king and the determined quiltmaker, readers will see how kindness brings happiness to the giver. By the final spread, a partnership is born: as the quiltmaker’s intricate work cascades across the page, the king delivers her latest quilt, bringing warmth and happiness to the needy.