Pockets for Two: A Collection of Girlhood

PreS-Gr 2–Ward’s (Jessie: Queen of the Road) love of pockets comes though in her new picture book. Two girls in the story go about their day collecting memories, bits of nature, and treasures as they play, attend school, and visit friends and family. Into their dress pockets go tangible things like food and acorn hats, but also more ephemeral items such as dreams and love. Pockets are mended with care and carry promises into the future as the friends say goodbye. The mixed-media illustrations have backgrounds that include schools (both inside and out) and holidays familiar to children, like Valentine’s Day, the first day of school, and summer vacation. The illustrations display a plethora of tiny pocket-sized things kids love to pick up and carry around, from ladybugs to rocks. This story might ignite a passion for pockets in kids who enjoy collecting things they find in their environments; it could also spark terrific conversations if used in a classroom before a hike or field trip.