Pockets

This 1998 fanciful, oceanic tale by Jennifer Armstrong weaves magical realism into the lives of simple town’s folk through the gift of embroidery secretly stitched in the pockets of their clothes. This stoic work-oriented folk invite this disoriented, broken-hearted, beautiful young woman to join them until she rights herself. They of course ask if she has a trade or skill, upon which she shares her gift of sewing. The town’s people tell her she can stay because the tailor has recently died, but only if she keeps things simple, plain, and unadorned. They don’t want distraction from their duties. She complies for a while, then sews in her own pockets; sewing of the sea, sailing, and oceanic adventures, then realizes she could give this as a gift to people without the even consciously realizing it. Slowly the town’s people, with hands in pockets, begin to ponder and notice things, stop and smell the roses, look at the sky, and dream. This magic brings husbands and wives closer, children more joyful, the town simply comes alive. Once all is well, she herself is healed and ready to turn her sails for her old home. Personally, this book is the best worded picture book I have found because of its subject matter of the sea, its magical realism, and the artistry by Mary GrandPre is just stunning, carrying me away to those far distant places she stitches in pockets. C. Murray