The braid craze has not only taken over the students in Story Rug, but also me! A story that blends community, culture, and fabric scraps, the art of craft and storytelling that is shown in this is just remarkable. Blackall’s gentle voice with humor looped in, paired with Wahl’s daydreamy, folky illustrations, makes this an unbeatable children’s book. New top contender for a picture book I wish I could live in, and I can’t wait to show this to anyone who has ever questioned my rag collection.
Story Rug by Sophie Blackall, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316535380, July 2026)
Reviewed by Grace, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA