The Legend of Iron Purl

by Tao Nyeu

This funny, spoofy superhero picture book is sure to be a read-aloud favorite. Iron Purl, fabled knitter, to the rescue!

Nobody tells a tale like Granny Fuzz. The children of the village can listen all day to her stories about the mysterious hero Iron Purl. Purl could be counted on to show up just in the nick of time, using her superpower—knitting!—to save everyone from the mischief and danger caused by her nemesis, Bandit Bob. She could put out fires, trap thieves, and rescue a falling bunny, all with a pair of knitting needles and her trusty ball of yarn. But would Iron Purl always be able to get the better of that pesky bandit?

And might Granny Fuzz be hiding a secret in that knitting basket of hers?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Knitting, Animals

48 pages, Hardcover

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

Tao Nyeu was born in Akron, Ohio, and grew up in Kiskayuna, New York. She attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City, receiving her MFA in Illustration in 2007. Wonder Bear was her thesis project inspired by an odd-looking gummy bear with magical powers. (It was promptly eaten.) She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Jessica]

Absolutely darling! Adorable woodland critters gather to hear a sweet granny mole tell them exciting stories about Iron Purl, who uses her knitting to rescue animals in distress and defeat dastardly pie-thieving bandits!

But who is this mysterious Iron Purl? And who was her great nemesis? The complex and beautiful pictures hold clues, and the ending is delightful!

[Sarah BT]

Knitting to the rescue! A cute book and a fun and different adventuring hero story. Perfect for crafters.

[Earl]

At first I was put off by this picture book because it seemed a bit wordy but it was a sweet and surprising story that's perfect for read-alouds and anyone who loves to pore over the illustrations carefully.

[Julia]

Ok story, love that it features knitting/yarn. Grandma and Grandpa tell kids stories about hero and trickster in the town, who were really grandma and Grandpa. They had lots of yarn/knitting escapades.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin]

Colorful illustrations are busy with dazzling details that will delight young listeners, though the story is a tangle of characters, the zany antics of Bandit Bob, and the heroics of Iron Purl. Oh, if Iron Purl could only knit the whole world a Cozy Cocoon—enhanced with fancy cable work!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Payton Hughes]

This picture book has it all. Knitting, masked vigilante justice, enemies to lovers... I'm obsessed!!

[Yan Li]

Absolutely adorable! A compelling story that is suitable for young kids.

[Miss Ryoko]

Super cute book!! Good humor and an adorable story

[Marcella]

An adorable story of a superhero who knits creatures out of trouble and into cozy sweater vests. Perfect for any knitter (or crocheter) in your life.

[Tara]

fun to see knitting represented in a children's book. liked the illustrations more than the words.

[Emma]

Hello to my favorite picture book of the year. The style is totally different but the wide views and details give me Richard Scarry vibes and the characters feel George and Martha adjacent. Truly delightful.