Mooshka: A Quilt Story

Paschkis, J. (2012) Mooshka: a
quilt story. Atlanta: Peachtree
Publishers. 

Mooshka: A Quilt Story
Written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Published by Peachtree Publishers
Atlanta, Georgia
2012
32 pages

Mooshka is Karla's quilt. But Mooshka isn't any old quilt - she can talk! At bedtime, Mooshka tells Karla stories that go along with each scrap of fabric, or "schnitz", that were collected and added to the quilt from many members of Karla's family. Each schnitz holds a story that belongs to Karla's ancestors and Karla loves hearing the stories at bedtime; one day, however, after Karla's sister Hannah is born, Mooshka falls silent. Only when Karla shares Mooshka with baby Hannah does Mooshka start to speak again...

The illustrations in this book are vibrant, patterned, and elegant, resembling a quilt. On each page that tells one of the schnitz's stories, the border represents the color and pattern of that schnitz. The illustrations enhance the story and the reader's level of comprehension; they are sure to spark a child's interest with their many colors and simple yet beautifully unique patterns. 

This story wonderfully portrays how a quilt can connect past and present. Discuss family relationships with your students. What are ancestors? What do ancestors mean for your present family? Do you have anything in your house that connects your past to your present? 

Teach an art lesson that shows how fabric, quilting, and storytelling can all be woven together.

Have students make their own quilts that represent them, their families, their interests, etc. Make the quilts out of actual fabric, or just by connecting pieces of paper that the students have decorated.

This book is in the contemporary realistic fiction genre category because even though the quilt tells stories, the story itself is realistic. Children will be able to relate to the experience of growing up, having a new sibling, and/or having to share.  

Purchase the book here. 

Happy reading!