Story Rug

Story Rug by Sophie Blackall, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl (Hachette Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780734424464

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Class 203 has fallen in love with braiding, but there is nothing for Noah to weave – so Ms Morena rips up a whiteboard rag. When Noah runs out of rag, his dad cuts up an old shirt for him to use. Eventually, everyone in the class contributes material – an old baby blanket, an unwanted skirt, a stained tablecloth and more – and they help to stitch the ends while Ms Morena reads books to them. When the braid becomes too long, Noah has an idea – they will coil it up to construct a classroom rug that holds the stories of their textiles and the stories that they heard. Ms Morena is surprised!

Sophie Blackall’s thoughtful narrative entwines the power of storytelling with the joy of communal creation. There is also a subtle nod to the significance of environmental sustainability – forlorn and faded fabrics are repurposed in a useful manner rather than thrown away to exacerbate the landfill crisis. Children aged four to eight will be inspired to make their own ‘story rug’, and Sophie has generously supplied simple step-by-step instructions at the back of the book.

A patchwork of patterns and hues abounds in Phoebe Wall’s fabulous illustrations. There is an almost naive style to the thick, crayon-like strokes and incomplete colouring that is sure to appeal to little kids. Although the images echo an American experience of school, every reader is sure to find themselves reflected among the diverse class members.

In lacing together literature and craft, Story Rug is literally a rags-to-riches tale that reveals the treasure to be found in creativity, community and cooperation. Charm exudes from every page, ensuring that youngsters will reach for this book again and again.