Story Rug

PreS-Gr 1–A book that is colorful and ­vividly illustrated, depicting a diverse class of young students learning the art of braiding. As they practice, they experiment with strands of fabric and ultimately work together to create a braided “story rug” for their classroom. The narrative highlights collaboration, persistence, and the satisfaction that comes from developing a new skill. Each student contributes fabric from home, allowing their rug to become a­ ­tapestry of personal histories, cultural ­heritage, and shared ­experiences. The simple, clear ­language makes the text accessible to young readers, while the illustrations offer rich visual detail that brings both the process and the ­community of the classroom to life. The back matter provides helpful context about the significance of story rugs, explaining their cultural roots and the meaning ­embedded in their creation. The narrative doesn’t make clear why the ­students began the rug in the first place, leaving emotional ­resonance at the surface and a weaker narrative arc. ­