The Patchwork Lady

Whittington, Mary K.

ISBN 10: 0152595805 ISBN 13: 9780152595807

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 1991

Synopsis

The Patchwork Lady prepares her colorful patchwork house for her birthday party.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- An eccentric young woman lives in a snug cottage that resembles a patchwork quilt: "no two windows or doors alike, rainbow walls of brick and wood and stone," furnished with an array of multicolored patterned fabrics. Her clothes, as well, reflect her passion for design, in her plaid dress, argyle stockings, and checkered slippers. Even her speech is in halting phrases that give a patchwork effect to the singular narrative line: "COMPANY . . . IS . . . COMING . . . FOR . . .MY . . . BIRTHDAY . . . PARTY."As she prepares for the party, decorating with festoons of silk scarves draped around the room, she worries about whether her company will approve. But as the guests arrive, each also wearing assorted fabrics, it is evident that they are kindred spirits. Illustrations in soft watercolors capture myriad details, and a pleasing layout with ample space allows for the insertion of small drawings opposite the full-page pictures. This rather quirky picture book has an offbeat appeal, but because of the woman's dialogue, one or two words of which are interspersed within the rest of the narrative, it will need to be read at least twice to be understood. Because of the size of the illustrations, it is best suited to one-on-one sharing or independent reading. --Sally R. Dow, Ossining Pub . Lib . , NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

The Patchwork Lady is an eccentric young woman who dresses in plaids, argyles and checks--all at the same time. Her house is decorated in a similar mismatched style; she even has a "spotted cat and . . . ring-tailed dog." One morning the Patchwork Lady gets a letter: "COMPANY," she announces, and, five pages later, "IS COMING." So she prepares for their arrival--cleaning, cooking, festooning "scarves of silk: lilac, pink, and apricot." Unfortunately, by the time her guests show up, readers will no longer care who they are or why they have come. The excessive recitation of the patterns and textures that make up the Patchwork Lady's life is, after just a few pages, dizzying and tiresome. Though Dyer's ( Baby Bear's Bedtime Book ; Piggins ) watercolors are country-style pretty--and certainly calmer than the overly detailed text--the Patchwork Lady and her home are, finally, just too precious. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0152595805
• ISBN 13: 9780152595807
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Dyer Jane