Our newest children’s book list is all about quilts! Books about quilts provide all kinds of opportunities to explore quality fiction and nonfiction and also inspire all kinds of math and art projects for kids. We share some of favorite picture books about quilts below!

Be sure to check out all our activities for kids inspired by children’s books!

 

 

Quilts make a fascinating topic to learn about with children. Kids are always intrigued by the various designs in different quilt patterns, providing all kinds of learning opportunities for both math and art. (Be sure to check out our 9 Square Math Activity, our Quilt Activity Using Triangles, and our Quilt-Inspired Family Tree Activity for Kids.)

I also love that many stories about quilts also share the common themes of tradition and story telling. You’ll find examples of this in many of the quilt-themed books in the list below.

I’ve provided an age range for each book to give you a general idea which kids the books are geared towards , but I’m a firm believer in listening to your child. You might be surprised which books your child relates to- even if they are not in the suggested age range! (This post contains affiliate links.)

 Children’s Picture Books about Quilts

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson

Clara is a slave who has been separated from her mother. She is taught to sew in order to work in the big house. Eventually she begins to stitch a quilt, which is really a map of the area around the plantation, that will aid her in one day finding the Underground Railroad. This book is based on a true story. (Ages 5 and up)

 

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

We love Patricia Polacco books (especially Rechenka’s Eggs,  Chicken Sunday and Babushka’s Doll, so we were excited to find this one she had written inspired by her own family. In this book a quilt is an heirloom that was created from many old items of clothing from various family members . The story shows how the quilt becomes a part of many important traditions and occasions over the years. (Ages 5 and up)

 

Luka’s Quilt by Georgia Guback

Luka and her grandmother, Tutu, have always been best friends. One day Tutu presents Luka with a traditional Hawaiian quilt she has made her. Luka is disappointed with the quilt and says some hurtful words to Tutu leaving them both feeling sad. Later in the story they attend Lei Day which inspires some changes that make them both feel better. (Ages 5 and up)

 

The Quilting Bee by Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons is one of our favorite nonfiction authors. In this book you learn about how quilts are made, the history of quilts, and even more facts about quilts. This book has lots of illustrations of different quilt squares and patterns perfect for inspiring some quilt artwork. This is one book we loved so much that we ended up buying it rather than checking out from the library. (Ages 4 and up)

 

The Quilt-Block History of Pioneer Days by Mary Cobb

This book not only teaches children about the life of the pioneers, but also has some fun, related projects for them to try at home! (Ages 7 and up)

 

The Quilt Story by Tony Johnston

One special family quilt comforts two little girls generations apart.  This book is full of beautiful illustrations by Tomie dePaola! (Ages 4 and up)

 

Stitchin’ and Pullin’ by Patricia C. McKissack

The author of this story was inspired by the unique quilts of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. In this book the main character grows up observing the women quilting together as they sing and tell stories to pass the time. One day years later, the time finally comes when she is able to take part in the special tradition herself. (Ages 7 and up)

 

The Elephant Quilt by Susan Lowell

I love that this book is based on the diary and journal entries of 19th-century settlers.  This story depicts a family’s journey by covered wagon from Missouri to California in the year 1859. As the family travels, the experiences throughout their journey are stitched into a quilt. You can see the finished quilt at the end of the story. My favorite quote from the book- “Every quilt tells a story. You write it with your needle and you read it with your heart.” (Ages 6 and up)

 

The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy

Tanya enjoys helping her Grandma make a special patchwork quilt, as Grandma tells stories behind the fabric she uses while they work. They work on it together for many months. One day Grandma becomes ill so Tanya picks up the pieces and to continue working on the quilt with the help of her Mama. When the quilt is finally finished the whole family is reminded of special events throughout the year that are now included in the quilt! (Ages 4 and up)

 

The Quilt by Ann Jonas

This book is perfect for younger children. In this story a little girl tells all about her new quilt and later uses it to tell an imaginative story. (Ages 3 and up)

 

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The main character in this story is a quiltmaker who makes the most beautiful quilts anyone has ever seen. After she has finishes a quilt, the quiltmaker gives it to the poor and homeless and will not sell the quilts for any amount of money. A greedy king wants one of the quilts, but the quiltmaker will not sell him one. As the story progresses the greedy king eventually learns, with help from the quiltmaker, that you can actually find happiness through the gift of giving. This is another book worth owning. (Ages 5 and up)

 

The Josefina Story Quilt by Eleanor Coerr

Faith’s family is beginning a journey to California in 1850, and Faith wants to bring her old hen, Josefina. Despite her father’s protests, Josefina gets to go on the journey west. All the events that ensue over the journey inspire different squares of a quilt that Faith works throughout the trip. The finished quilt reminds Faith or her journey with Josefina after her hen passes away. This is a great book for children just starting to read chapter books! (Ages 4 and up)

 

Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts by Anna Grossnickle Hines

This book contains nineteen poems arranged by season. Each poem is illustrated with photos of real quilting. This book is great for exposing your child or students to a different genre of writing, as well as perfect for inspiring quilt-themed artwork! (Ages 5 and up)

 

Eight Hands Round: A Patchwork Alphabet by Ann Whitford Paul

Both Theo and Lucy (ages 3 and 6) enjoyed this book.  Theo loved it because it was an alphabet book (he’s super interested in letters right now), and Lucy enjoyed learning about pioneer life. (Ages 3 and up)

 

 

Love using children’s books to encourage a love of learning and creating? Be sure to check out our book, Exploring Books Through Play!