A box of yarn inspires a girl’s generosity

In Extra Yarn, Annabelle sets out to knit a sweater for everyone and everything in her dreary town covered in snow and soot. Among the geometric and linear shaped illustrations of sweater-clad animals and buildings, readers will discover a message of generosity in one young girl’s wish to share her bountiful box of yarn.

Annabelle knits the colorful yarn into sweaters for herself, then her dog, followed by neighbors, classmates, mailboxes, birdhouses, and “for things that didn’t even need sweaters” like wild animals, trees, and sooty black buildings. The magical quality of an endless box of yarn along with the cozy illustrations will appeal to children ages 3, 4 and 5. Preschoolers will relate to Annabelle who has pets, friends and goes to school.  The plot follows the traditional narrative arc: exposition, repetition, drama and a satisfying resolution. Industrious, creative Annabelle turns yarn into multi-colored sweaters but what will she do when a clotheshorse of an archduke wants to buy her box of infinite yarn?  Annabelle refuses the Archduke’s offer but he has the box stolen. Once back in his castle, the Archduke opens the box and finds it empty. At the story’s conclusion we find our self-assured Annabelle sitting on a limb of a knit-covered tree.

This folkloric tale by veteran picture book author and illustrator Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is about generosity, abundance and the power of one person –even a child – to change the world. Children of this age seek independence and purpose in their experiences and interactions. This story fosters purpose because the main character is an enterprising young girl who uses her energy in an active, involved way. She is a character and the story that will develop confidence and increase their competence.

I believe the book with its universal message of generosity, and illustrations that harken back to an older time will appear to any age child and adult.  This book could easily be read to a large group, small group or a single child. If read to a single child I would ask more open ended questions about the character’s initiative and reasons for knitting sweaters for everyone and everything.

Extra Yarn is suitable for ages: 3 - 8. Adults will delight in the story as well. Learn more about Extra Yarn's author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klassen and their other titles.