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Thread by Thread
A moving refugee story, told through the language of knitting.
Knit one. Purl one. Oh no—there goes another stitch: and a family of mice watches its nest unravel. They flee across the water, past a fire-breathing dragon, toward the unknown. At last the family lands in a place where they can gather the strings of their past and their present together. With the help of some new friends, they can knit a new life.
Illustrated with colored-pencil drawings and plenty of yarn, this poetic book is a gentle way to discuss migration and displacement with children. Thread by Thread expresses both the pain of losing a home—and the joy of creating a new place to belong.
Knit one. Purl one. Oh no—there goes another stitch: and a family of mice watches its nest unravel. They flee across the water, past a fire-breathing dragon, toward the unknown. At last the family lands in a place where they can gather the strings of their past and their present together. With the help of some new friends, they can knit a new life.
Illustrated with colored-pencil drawings and plenty of yarn, this poetic book is a gentle way to discuss migration and displacement with children. Thread by Thread expresses both the pain of losing a home—and the joy of creating a new place to belong.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 18, 2025
29 people want to read
About the author
Alice Brière-Haquet
134 books22 followersAlice Brière-Haquet vit en Italie. Elle a publié plusieurs ouvrages pour la jeunesse, notamment La princesse qui n’aimait pas les princes chez Actes Sud Junior, ou encore Le ballon de Zébulon chez Auzou, plusieurs fois récompensé. Chez Flammarion, elle est l’auteure des albums Le chat d’Elsa, Une histoire de galette et de roi, Le bonhomme et l’oiseau, Pouce !, Mes lunettes !, et des séries «Collège Art» et «Au secours !
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 4, 2024
This is a very cute book, It appears the translation hasn’t been 100% completed, so hopefully that is taken care of before it is released.
I love the concept of the story and the illustrations using yarn to create parts of the pictures.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review a copy of this book.
I love the concept of the story and the illustrations using yarn to create parts of the pictures.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review a copy of this book.
November 7, 2024
A beautiful story that is so important for today.
I love the way that this was illustrated! I think it was so clever to have the illustrations interact with the yarn. This book is also translated that adds even more to this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I love the way that this was illustrated! I think it was so clever to have the illustrations interact with the yarn. This book is also translated that adds even more to this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 3, 2025
A gorgeously illustrated children's-book about losing ones home and having to endure hardship until finding help, hope, and finally a home.
Told in a way all children will understand [and is a way to foster empathy], this will be an important book for children [and their adults] as more and more are being displaced.
Very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alice Briere-Haquet, Michaela Eccli - Illustrator, Susan Ardizzone - Translator, and Wm. B Eerdman's Publishing Company/Eerdman's Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Told in a way all children will understand [and is a way to foster empathy], this will be an important book for children [and their adults] as more and more are being displaced.
Very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alice Briere-Haquet, Michaela Eccli - Illustrator, Susan Ardizzone - Translator, and Wm. B Eerdman's Publishing Company/Eerdman's Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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January 21, 2025More of an extended metaphor than a story, but well done as that, with clever illustrations.
May 15, 2025
Enchanting mix of yarn, knitting, and drawings.
The story is about having to leave a home, journeying to a new place, and bebuilding.
French Author
Italian Illustrator
American Translator
Reviewed from a library copy.
The story is about having to leave a home, journeying to a new place, and bebuilding.
French Author
Italian Illustrator
American Translator
Reviewed from a library copy.
January 2, 2025
Thread by Thread is a fairly simple, short picture book about the experience of a little family of mice involuntarily losing their family home, being forced to quickly uproot, escape, and land in a new place. As someone who knits, I was drawn to the cover illustration which combines actual images of knitting & yarn, with hand drawn illustrations of the little critters.
I love the way the illustrations elevate the narration, picturing things beyond the words in a lovely way that helps the reader understand the story. For example, nothing in the text speaks about a little family of mice, but the illustrations take the narration and show it through the lens of this little animal family. The imagery also heightens the text’s subtle allusion to community, as seen near the end of the book.
The book is an English translation, presumably from the original French. The way the words were formatted through the book, felt a bit like reading a poem (non-rhyming). Some pages seemed to have a bit of rhythm in the way things were phrased, but then the next page wouldn’t at all, which may be intentional, reflecting the refugee experience, though could also be due to the challenges of translation. I’d be curious to read this in the original French to see how it compares. Either way, I wasn’t too bothered by it, and I did like the book as a whole.
I appreciated the use of knitting and yarn, unraveling and re-stitching, to help the reader conceptualize the refugee experience from a different angle. I do not work with children (the target audience), but I can definitely imagine this book being a great bridge to help communicate these ideas in a creative and accessible way.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for access to an advance digital copy of this book, given in exchange for an honest review. (I read this picture book on a tablet, so I cannot comment on the physicality or experience of reading the hardcover.)
I love the way the illustrations elevate the narration, picturing things beyond the words in a lovely way that helps the reader understand the story. For example, nothing in the text speaks about a little family of mice, but the illustrations take the narration and show it through the lens of this little animal family. The imagery also heightens the text’s subtle allusion to community, as seen near the end of the book.
The book is an English translation, presumably from the original French. The way the words were formatted through the book, felt a bit like reading a poem (non-rhyming). Some pages seemed to have a bit of rhythm in the way things were phrased, but then the next page wouldn’t at all, which may be intentional, reflecting the refugee experience, though could also be due to the challenges of translation. I’d be curious to read this in the original French to see how it compares. Either way, I wasn’t too bothered by it, and I did like the book as a whole.
I appreciated the use of knitting and yarn, unraveling and re-stitching, to help the reader conceptualize the refugee experience from a different angle. I do not work with children (the target audience), but I can definitely imagine this book being a great bridge to help communicate these ideas in a creative and accessible way.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for access to an advance digital copy of this book, given in exchange for an honest review. (I read this picture book on a tablet, so I cannot comment on the physicality or experience of reading the hardcover.)
February 7, 2025
“Up and leave, don’t look back, never let the thread go slack.”
Alice Brière-Haquet’s picture book is an inspiring story that focuses on the unexpected journey of a family of mice. The mice’s home is made of colorful strings that they have carefully knit together. When there is a tug on the string of their home, the mice have to quickly leave their unraveling shelter while trying to keep track of the thread in hopes of rebuilding. They face perilous obstacles, like a fire-breathing dragon and a dark forest. Once the thread snaps, they are left to forage for a new strand of yarn. When other animals notice their struggle, they pitch in to help the mice, working together to build a new house in which they can live peacefully.
Thread by Thread was such an interesting concept for a children’s book. The story itself was simple but meaningful, making it completely worth a read. The connection between the family was strong, and I loved how they stuck together. Even as they lost their home, the family did not give up or lose hope. Alice Brière-Haquet handles the difficult topics of loss and displacement in a way that manages to demonstrate to children that even when bad things happen, something good can still come. Michela Eccli did a wonderful job with the colored-pencil illustrations. I loved the bright shades and the realistic depictions of yarn that seemed to pop off the page, which was perfect for this story. The original house is made of red yarn, but as more animals help the mice rebuild, new colors are added, making a vibrant and lovely home that is even more personal than the first, which visually represents the relationships that are formed with the other animals. I loved how the yarn tied the family together, first in their house and then when the other animals joined to help them create a new home. This is a genuinely beautiful tale of perseverance!
Thread by Thread releases on February 18th, 2025.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Eerdmans Books for Young Readers and Alice Brière-Haquet for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Alice Brière-Haquet’s picture book is an inspiring story that focuses on the unexpected journey of a family of mice. The mice’s home is made of colorful strings that they have carefully knit together. When there is a tug on the string of their home, the mice have to quickly leave their unraveling shelter while trying to keep track of the thread in hopes of rebuilding. They face perilous obstacles, like a fire-breathing dragon and a dark forest. Once the thread snaps, they are left to forage for a new strand of yarn. When other animals notice their struggle, they pitch in to help the mice, working together to build a new house in which they can live peacefully.
Thread by Thread was such an interesting concept for a children’s book. The story itself was simple but meaningful, making it completely worth a read. The connection between the family was strong, and I loved how they stuck together. Even as they lost their home, the family did not give up or lose hope. Alice Brière-Haquet handles the difficult topics of loss and displacement in a way that manages to demonstrate to children that even when bad things happen, something good can still come. Michela Eccli did a wonderful job with the colored-pencil illustrations. I loved the bright shades and the realistic depictions of yarn that seemed to pop off the page, which was perfect for this story. The original house is made of red yarn, but as more animals help the mice rebuild, new colors are added, making a vibrant and lovely home that is even more personal than the first, which visually represents the relationships that are formed with the other animals. I loved how the yarn tied the family together, first in their house and then when the other animals joined to help them create a new home. This is a genuinely beautiful tale of perseverance!
Thread by Thread releases on February 18th, 2025.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Eerdmans Books for Young Readers and Alice Brière-Haquet for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
March 15, 2025
This book employs the metaphor of knitting by a family of mice to represent the process of creating a home, and to present a scenario in which that home and the lives led in it come unravelled for any reason. When that happened to the mice, they had to run to safety and seek shelter somewhere else. They were worried, but foraged for loose threads, and vowed that “little by little, thread by thread, we’ll rebuild our nest.” The mice are shown getting some help from friends, and knitting a new life that fit them.
This timely story will resonate with those following the news of homes destroyed in the California fires, or news of the immigrants who have had to hide and flee under the new U.S. Administration. In addition, many federal workers across the country have lost their jobs because of edicts from the "Department of Government Efficiency," and the loss of income also might mean having to leave their homes. It is likely many children will know someone in one of these situations, and will be soothed by the hope that these disrupted lives can be rebuilt.
Illustrations by Michela Eccli cleverly combine line drawings with photographs of yarn and knitting needles.
Evaluation: This is a lovely, poignant story that may call for adult input to explain references to knitting terms that might be unfamiliar. Perhaps children can be encouraged to discuss how they would feel if they lost their homes and how they would rebuild their lives.
As usual, Eerdmans excels at introducing kids to stories from around the world that will resonate with them, while providing the “meta” message that people in all countries are not so different, experiencing similar problems and emotions.
This timely story will resonate with those following the news of homes destroyed in the California fires, or news of the immigrants who have had to hide and flee under the new U.S. Administration. In addition, many federal workers across the country have lost their jobs because of edicts from the "Department of Government Efficiency," and the loss of income also might mean having to leave their homes. It is likely many children will know someone in one of these situations, and will be soothed by the hope that these disrupted lives can be rebuilt.
Illustrations by Michela Eccli cleverly combine line drawings with photographs of yarn and knitting needles.
Evaluation: This is a lovely, poignant story that may call for adult input to explain references to knitting terms that might be unfamiliar. Perhaps children can be encouraged to discuss how they would feel if they lost their homes and how they would rebuild their lives.
As usual, Eerdmans excels at introducing kids to stories from around the world that will resonate with them, while providing the “meta” message that people in all countries are not so different, experiencing similar problems and emotions.
November 7, 2024
There was one main thing I really liked about this book and one main thing that fell short for me.
The good thing was the imagery. It was unique how the illustrator combined real materials with drawings. It also made a beautiful contrast that worked perfectly with the book, and it added a lot. This aspect also increases the individuality of this book because combining real elements with drawn elements isn't a common artistic choice.
The thing that I didn't like so much was the plot structure. There was a plot, but it felt more like the skeleton of a plot rather than a complete one. Additionally, the story came to a very abrupt end, and I finished the book feeling confused. I think that there should have been a lot more substance to the story. However, there was definitely a good idea here. I would have appreciated character insight, context, or just *more* in terms of the writing. Rather than being an outstanding/notable piece, it was kind of just there. Adding a bit more description or detail here and there would have made this a 5-star review.
The good thing was the imagery. It was unique how the illustrator combined real materials with drawings. It also made a beautiful contrast that worked perfectly with the book, and it added a lot. This aspect also increases the individuality of this book because combining real elements with drawn elements isn't a common artistic choice.
The thing that I didn't like so much was the plot structure. There was a plot, but it felt more like the skeleton of a plot rather than a complete one. Additionally, the story came to a very abrupt end, and I finished the book feeling confused. I think that there should have been a lot more substance to the story. However, there was definitely a good idea here. I would have appreciated character insight, context, or just *more* in terms of the writing. Rather than being an outstanding/notable piece, it was kind of just there. Adding a bit more description or detail here and there would have made this a 5-star review.
December 12, 2024
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 18 February 2025 - publication day!
I thought that this book was really important to be read taking in to account what is happening in the world today. It was tastefully done and I really liked the way that knitting was used to tell the story.
It was well written, it was easy to read and understand and the illustrations worked so well with the story and they brought the book to life.
The illustrations were nice, bright and engaging and I read the book with my daughter who really enjoyed it and I think that this should be an addition to the classroom of any Primary School.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
I thought that this book was really important to be read taking in to account what is happening in the world today. It was tastefully done and I really liked the way that knitting was used to tell the story.
It was well written, it was easy to read and understand and the illustrations worked so well with the story and they brought the book to life.
The illustrations were nice, bright and engaging and I read the book with my daughter who really enjoyed it and I think that this should be an addition to the classroom of any Primary School.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
February 17, 2025
Thread by Thread
by Alice Brière-Haquet (Author), Michela Eccli (Illustrator), Sarah Ardizzone (Translator)
Brief summary: A family of mice have their knitted home come apart when more and more yarn unravels. They run away from a fire breathing dragon and go across the water in a knitted red boat to a land where they slowly knit their house back together with the help of other animals using different colored threads until they make a new safe home.
Comments: A wonderful allegory to teach elementary students about refugees and escaping to a new land that is safe.
This story was originally published din France in 2023 and translated to English in 2025.
The illustrations were created with drawing, photography, and yarn.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
by Alice Brière-Haquet (Author), Michela Eccli (Illustrator), Sarah Ardizzone (Translator)
Brief summary: A family of mice have their knitted home come apart when more and more yarn unravels. They run away from a fire breathing dragon and go across the water in a knitted red boat to a land where they slowly knit their house back together with the help of other animals using different colored threads until they make a new safe home.
Comments: A wonderful allegory to teach elementary students about refugees and escaping to a new land that is safe.
This story was originally published din France in 2023 and translated to English in 2025.
The illustrations were created with drawing, photography, and yarn.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
November 8, 2024
This picture book is about a very difficult topic but as you read you do not feel sad, you feel hope. I can imagine that it would hold deep meaning to the refugee children and adults a like.
The illustrations are really what caught me with this book. The incorporation of the different mediums added depth to the imagery of the story.
This picture book is an important addition for public, school and personal libraries alike for families and children to explore.
Thank you Net Galley, Alice Briere-Haquet and Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing Co. for the opportunity to preview this title and the opinions expressed are my own.
Thread by Thread is expected to be released Feb. 18, 2025.
The illustrations are really what caught me with this book. The incorporation of the different mediums added depth to the imagery of the story.
This picture book is an important addition for public, school and personal libraries alike for families and children to explore.
Thank you Net Galley, Alice Briere-Haquet and Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing Co. for the opportunity to preview this title and the opinions expressed are my own.
Thread by Thread is expected to be released Feb. 18, 2025.
February 3, 2025
A fine collab between author and artist, as the text conveys the refugee's plight through the language of knitting, and the visuals do the same, making great use of wool, knitting needles and the direction different threads can be found to go in. It's not all wool, as there are drawn elements to things too, but this is much more inventive and surprising than the standard book with such a message to convey. If truth be told, talk of 'purling' is probably over the heads of many intended readers, but at the same time this should be congratulated for not talking down about the topic, and this is an artistic success whoever is looking at it. A strong four stars.
November 4, 2024
Very clever! The use of knitting as a narrative tool is inspired, the colourful wool allows us to see the urgency and thin line between security and displacement. The rebuilding metaphor with multiple spools, colours and help from a range of other characters is beautiful.
I love how the illustrations interact with photo-realistic wool!
This book is beautiful, powerful and important in today's world.
Free proof copy provided by Netgalley.
I love how the illustrations interact with photo-realistic wool!
This book is beautiful, powerful and important in today's world.
Free proof copy provided by Netgalley.
January 21, 2025
'Thread by Thread' is an inspiring book about resiliency. An entire family of mice watches as their home slowly unravels. Through thorny ground, across raging waters, and past a fire breathing dragon, they retreat. As they travel, they forage for yarn to build a new home. Their home is rebuilt knitted one by one, purled one by one with the help of many animal friends. The family ends up with a beautiful, colorful home and many new friends.
October 11, 2025
Translated from French and published in 2023 and now published in the USA in 2025.
Yes, it is a message story, but definitely a creative way to present the fact that in all lives unraveling happens in all our lives and we can knit our life back together. Thus title really is a creative message without being heavy handed. Appropriate for all ages.
Yes, it is a message story, but definitely a creative way to present the fact that in all lives unraveling happens in all our lives and we can knit our life back together. Thus title really is a creative message without being heavy handed. Appropriate for all ages.
December 18, 2024
The plot and writing were not that interesting, but the illustrations were cool! I loved the use of thread throughout the story.
ARC from Netgalley.
ARC from Netgalley.
March 19, 2025
3.5/5
March 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
March 30, 2025
This was a sweet story with really interesting illustrations, but it didn’t feel quite suited for young readers.
May 13, 2025
Through the symbolism of knitting shows the trauma and journey of a refugee family.
June 10, 2025
Great use of yarn in the illustrations love the depth it gives, nice message about home and family
Read
August 9, 2025Beautiful symbolism and artistic execution. The use of yarn and knitting needles in combination with drawings is stellar. The unraveling and re-knitting of a life, also stellar.
Abrupt ending.
Abrupt ending.
November 24, 2025
It’s so cool how Alice Briere-Harquet blends knitting with illustrations to tell a story about creating a home.
July 25, 2025
This is a Children's Book I read to my twin boys. I found this book super fun and cute, and I loved that there were knitting words mixed into the book. My boys also enjoyed this book. I found the pictures to be super cute. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews