When a generous quiltmaker finally agrees to make a quilt for a greedy king, but only under certain conditions, she causes him to undergo a change ...
read full description
reviews
Jul 13, 2010
Elfdart
rated it: 
this is anti materialist propaganda!!! i’m just joking (those people bother me), this was a nice little story about a greedy king who demands more and more presents from everyone in his kindgom, but no matter how many presents he has he’s never happy, hence the constant demand for more. then one day he sees a quilt this quiltmaker gave someone as a present and the person seems pretty happy so he demands that the quiltmaker make him a quilt. the quiltmaker refuses to do this however and says that
More...
Mar 10, 2010
Janine
rated it:
The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau, with pictures by Gail deMarken
One summer, when I was a little girl...in fact, I was just about your age...I spent a tremendous amount of time exploring in my grandmother's attic. It was while I was up there, poking around in the dust and the must, that I found this quilt. [unfold:] I was amazed at how beautiful it was...
When I asked my grandmother about the quilt, she said she had received it as a gift from her grandmother, who re More...
One summer, when I was a little girl...in fact, I was just about your age...I spent a tremendous amount of time exploring in my grandmother's attic. It was while I was up there, poking around in the dust and the must, that I found this quilt. [unfold:] I was amazed at how beautiful it was...
When I asked my grandmother about the quilt, she said she had received it as a gift from her grandmother, who re More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Mar 04, 2010
This entire book stays true to a quilting theme, which i am sure you could have guessed from the title :) The endpapers are decorated with differetn quilting patterns and the inside of the book jacket is also decorated entirely with quilt patterns. The quilting continues in the pages of the story becaus ethe text is set "inside" a quilt square, being bordered with stiching and a few fabric wrinckles. even the pictures themselves are split up into many seperate squares all showing a dif
More...
Jan 05, 2010
In this vividly told story, a wondrous quiltmaker teaches a materialistic king about generosity by refusing to give him one of her colorful patchwork quilts. She tells him, "They are not for the rich. . . . they are for those who are poor or homeless." Despite threats, the only circumstances under which the quiltmaker will give the king a quilt is if he makes presents of everything he owns. "With each gift that you give, I'll sew in another piece." The king balks at first, bu
More...
Jun 25, 2011
Mary Lou
rated it: 
Everything about this book is gorgeous, the cover art, the endpapers, the rich and colorful illustrations by Gail de Marcken on every page enliven the tale of compassion and generosity in The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau. Definitely geared toward the older child, the story tells of a King who has everything he could possible want to own but is still unhappy. When he hears there is a quilt maker who makes the most beautiful quilts, he is determined to own one. The quilt maker does not sel
More...
Jul 14, 2011
Lani
rated it:
This book is wonderful. . . Jeff Brumbeau sure can tell a good story. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and tells the story of a greedy King who seeks everything. He orders everyone in his Kingdom to give him a gift yet he is still unhappy. There is one thing he wants, he want the quiltmaker to make him a quilt. She refuses and states that once he gives away all his gifts that maybe then she will make him a quilt..... This is a great lesson in giving and being happy while giving. It
More...
Sep 07, 2009
Tako
rated it:
The King has everything and nothing. He is deeply unhappy despite all the money and power in the world. Under the Quiltmaker's mentorship, he learns how to give up all he has and receive true happiness in return.
One unusual and welcome element in this book is the presence of a female spiritual mentor for an apparently powerful male character. The Quiltmaker carries a distinctly non-masculine air of authority about her. She is a great role-model for girls and boys who wish to exert th More...
One unusual and welcome element in this book is the presence of a female spiritual mentor for an apparently powerful male character. The Quiltmaker carries a distinctly non-masculine air of authority about her. She is a great role-model for girls and boys who wish to exert th More...
Dec 14, 2011
Carey
rated it:
copyright 2000
I chose this book because I love to quilt. I would love a copy of it. The quiltmaker only gives gifts to those in need. The king is greedy and many have given him gifts on his birhtday and at Christmas. One of the quiltmaker's quilts is the only thing he doesn't have and he wants one. But she will only make him one if he gives away all his presents - for every present he gives away, she will sew a quilt square. When the gifts are gone, the quilt will be done.
I chose this book because I love to quilt. I would love a copy of it. The quiltmaker only gives gifts to those in need. The king is greedy and many have given him gifts on his birhtday and at Christmas. One of the quiltmaker's quilts is the only thing he doesn't have and he wants one. But she will only make him one if he gives away all his presents - for every present he gives away, she will sew a quilt square. When the gifts are gone, the quilt will be done.
Jul 04, 2011
Joan
rated it:
When working on a quilt theme in my classroom we used this book to talk about how quilts are made and colors can be combined to make patterns and how patterns are combined to create pictures. The preschoolers also enjoyed the story line and at times even expressed empathy for the main character in the story. It is a good book to share with young readers about how kindness really works and also helps to reinforce that circumstances should not force anyone to be unkind. The colors and patterns d
More...
Nov 14, 2010
Wendi
rated it:
The Quilt Maker’s Gift
Written By Jeff Brumbeau & Illustrated by Gail de Marcken
Published by Orchard Books
A beautifully written, delightfully illustrated children's book; The Quilt Maker’s Gift is a meaningful tale about the rich rewards that come from giving to others. Enchanting in its simplicity, children will marvel at the abundance of dazzling imagery and be inspired by the Quilt Maker’s example of kindness and compassion.
Written By Jeff Brumbeau & Illustrated by Gail de Marcken
Published by Orchard Books
A beautifully written, delightfully illustrated children's book; The Quilt Maker’s Gift is a meaningful tale about the rich rewards that come from giving to others. Enchanting in its simplicity, children will marvel at the abundance of dazzling imagery and be inspired by the Quilt Maker’s example of kindness and compassion.
Nov 06, 2010
Tricia
rated it:
Great story for a storyteller, great story to read as is...a quiltmaker creates gifts of her quilts. They are not for sale--even for the King who owns everything without happiness and demands that she make one for him. She requests that he give all his things away and she will add, one by one, a quilt square for each item. A story about true happiness and generousity. My preschool audience LOVED it but it would work for elementary as well.
Oct 19, 2010
Barbara
rated it:
The illustrations of this book far exceed the predictable text. I loved the explosions on color on each page and how the illustrator includes quilt blocks to match the narrative. For example, a Northwind block appears when the Quiltmaker goes into town while it is cold and dark, and Bear Paw illustrates the scene with the bear in the cave. The pictures seem to have an Eastern European flavor, so I was not surprised to find that Gail de Marcken modeled the King on a head she found in a Latvia
More...
Dec 31, 2008
Christiane
rated it:
Once there was a King who was so greedy he passed a law that he would have two birthdays a year; after awhile he owned nearly all the beautiful things in the world, but was he happy? Of course he wasn't! He was miserable, and it wasn't until he learned generosity that he would ever be happy. This is a sweet, moral story for our I-want-it-all age, and the bright, detailed illustrations are worth spending time pouring over.
Jun 10, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
My favorite quote from the book:
"But I am not poor. I may look poor, but in truth my heart is so full to bursting, filled with the memories of the happiness I've given and received. I'm the richest man I know."
Lucy loves this book and we read it at bedtime at least once a week. After the last time we read it she asked if I could teach her how to quilt so that she too could make blankets for the poor.
"But I am not poor. I may look poor, but in truth my heart is so full to bursting, filled with the memories of the happiness I've given and received. I'm the richest man I know."
Lucy loves this book and we read it at bedtime at least once a week. After the last time we read it she asked if I could teach her how to quilt so that she too could make blankets for the poor.
Jun 16, 2010
Cassandra
rated it:
This book is absolutely beautiful in both story and illustrations. It tells of a greedy king who finds true happiness and wealth as he accepts the challenge to give away his belongings. Of course, it is also about a quiltmaker, who uses her talents to bless those who are less fortunate. Most pages have a fair amount of text so it is probably best to share this with children who are at least older toddlers.
Sep 23, 2009
Emily
rated it:
I love this book! Beautiful message about generosity and our ability to change; excellent illustrations with amazing, captivating detail; well-told story...there's nothing not to like. I appreciate the strong female protagonist who didn't bend to threats or pressure, just kept her positive outlook and maintained her integrity. The pictures are gorgeously colored and add layers and details to the story. A wonderful story for children and adults alike.
Nov 20, 2008
Laura
rated it:
A beautifully written and illustrated book about a king who learns that happiness can be found by giving instead of getting things. Each page is full of detailed illustrations that require this book to be read several times! Living in an affluent area, this book would be so great to help children understand greediness and charity. Sometimes living with less can make you happier than you thought.
Mar 28, 2011
Teresa
rated it:
How funny that when I first put this on my "To Read" list I did not know it was a children's story! When I reread the description later, of course I realized my faux pas! I had a little chuckle at myself and then dove into the story and all of it's beautiful art work! What a wonderful tale with a fabulous message! A delightful story I may have to purchase(I checked it out of the library) and read to my grandchildren several times.
Feb 11, 2009
Vickie
rated it:
I love to read this book to my children.
It is a story of a king who chooses to give away all his riches in exchange for a quilt sewn by a talented woman who only gives her quilts to the poor. He finds happiness in giving that he had missed as a greedy tyrant.
The pictures are a bit over-crowded for my younger children, but fun for my older ones to look at and find new details in.
It is a story of a king who chooses to give away all his riches in exchange for a quilt sewn by a talented woman who only gives her quilts to the poor. He finds happiness in giving that he had missed as a greedy tyrant.
The pictures are a bit over-crowded for my younger children, but fun for my older ones to look at and find new details in.
Feb 02, 2010
One of my favorite picture books. Gorgeous, intricately detailed illustrations in fabulous colors. Lots of quilt blocks adorn the story of an old woman who makes beautiful quilts for people in need and a greedy king who will stop at nothing to possess one of these quilts. The quiltmaker is a lovely good witch, she gets up early, drinks blackberry tea, and makes friends with animals.
Oct 09, 2009
"Amid incredibly rich illustration and traditional pieced quilts, a spoiled king learns the meaning of wealth from a quiltmaker who lives to give to others. When he learns the joy of giving, and the difference between human needs and personal desires, the king gains in wisdom, dignity, and authority as he never could from the comforts of his own palace and might."
May 24, 2010
Karli
rated it:
My son brought this book home while in Kindergarten - it is beautifully illustrated and has a great story and great moral. It is longish for a night-time read - the text is pretty dense. However, it's wonderful. My husband bought me the book as a gift from our kids - and it shall stay with me until I have grandchildren and I can share it with them!
Jul 29, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
This is my favorite children's book ever! And as a former pre-school teacher, I've read just about everything out there. The pictures are amazing & the message of giving is, to me, more meaningful that that of "The Giving Tree" which I find a bit depressing. I highly recommend this book.
Apr 20, 2010
title: The Quiltmaker's Gift (picture)
author: Jeff Brumbeau
illustrator: Gail de Marcken
Publisher: Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers
date: 2000
summary: This book is great for teaching children to give to other. I enjoyed it and I would use it for a lesson on giving respect.
author: Jeff Brumbeau
illustrator: Gail de Marcken
Publisher: Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers
date: 2000
summary: This book is great for teaching children to give to other. I enjoyed it and I would use it for a lesson on giving respect.
Dec 27, 2009
Clarissa
rated it:
Another "Christmas Eve" book. This one came from a friend who is a quilter (go figure) and gives a copy of the book to the siblings in a family where a new baby has come. Sweet, I know. It's a great, predictable story. Illustrations are FABULOUS!
Mar 18, 2010
$hanel
rated it:
A generous quilt maker makes quilts makes quilts for all the homeless and unfortunate people in the world. When a greedy king finds out that she makes some of the best quilts ever he gets a change of heart and soon gets a different personality.
Oct 23, 2008
Kathleen
rated it:
This is a book that we revisit over and over. The Illustrations are beautiful and full of captivating detail - my 4 year old has been sitting through the whole thing, completely entranced, since he was two - and it isn't short for a picture book. The story is about what is really important of course, and how, though possessions can help you be happy, you can never truly be happy unless you've found peace with yourself and opened yourself to the world.
We read it last night -At the end More...
We read it last night -At the end More...
Oct 16, 2011
Shaeley
rated it:
How can you truly be happy? Does having many things make a person happy? The king thinks having a quilt made by the quilt maker will make him happy, but she only gives her quilts to the poor and needy. Can the king force her to give him a quilt?
Nov 12, 2008
Lindsay
rated it:
This is a fantastical story about a king who wants to have everything, but finds that he cannot be happy. But there is an old quiltmaker who lives on a mountain who is said to make quilts that make people happy. She tells the king that she will not make a quilt for him until he gives away all of his possessions. In giving everything away to those who are in need, the king finally finds himself content.
The illustrations in this book are so bright and colorful that it is difficult to t More...
The illustrations in this book are so bright and colorful that it is difficult to t More...
Aug 21, 2010
Mandy
rated it:
I've read this to my kids several times. Each time I love it and they get a great story about giving. They also love all the intricate artwork in a patchwork style, which gives them a lot to look at.
