- a girl’s family travels west to California in the mid-1800s
- pet hen, Josefina, helps the family and the girl sews those memories into quilt blocks
- convo: mentions 2 “old people” die (from unnamed family in same travel group), emotions that come with loss of a pet
Type: long picture book / bridge book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Eleanor Coerr
Illustrator: Bruce Degen
Readers will get to know this family of four as they traverse a long and hard journey. The hen is a bit of a nuisance at first, but, ultimately, they are grateful she came with them.
I love the idea of memory quilts and think that many young readers will, too. The illustrations show several of the girl’s designs, and the book ends with her cozied underneath the final product.
A nice little story for American history studies or for girls interested in sewing. 🙂 Happy reading!