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“Author, artist, and designer Sanae Ishida melds her literary talents with her sewing prowess to create the exquisitely empowering picture book Sashiko’s Stitches…Sashiko is overwhelmed by “so many feelings” that sometimes all she can do is cry. Her mother embraces the girl, then reminds her about the origins of her name…Ishida is a masterful storyteller, symbiotically pairing words and images…Ishida adroitly presents Sashiko’s gradual, determined emotional mending through her first cautious stitches on small pieces of cloth, to eventually creating a protective, comforting quilt enabled by “the love and care of sashiko.””

– ShelfAwareness

Sashiko’s Stitches

Written by Sanae Ishida
Illustrated by Sanae Ishida
Published by WorthyKids

Sashiko is a young girl with very big feelings. When her mother teaches her about her namesake—the traditional Japanese practice of mending through embroidery—she finds an outlet for some of those emotions. With each stitch, the dark cloud around her lightens, until her big fears begin to feel less scary. As she heals tears in the fabric, she begins to find a sense of calm and hope.

This deeply resonant picture book explores the transformative power of creative expression, as Sashiko finds threads of peace in her newfound craft. Children and parents alike will take away an appreciation for this beautiful artistic tradition, and for the great potential creative practices have to help us cope with difficult emotions.

Primary ISBN: 9781546005339
Publication Date: April 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: North America

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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