The Longest Strongest Thread

This delicate, poignant picture book tells us of the loving relationship between a grandmother and her small granddaughter. The little girl and her parents are moving away to a cold country ‘where the lakes freeze in winter’ and Grandma is staying behind where it is warm. Grandma has a sewing studio where she makes beautiful things, and when the little girl goes to say goodbye, Grandma can be seen making a warm coat of yellow and blue to keep her granddaughter cosy. The story, told from the little girl’s viewpoint, makes clear that she is going to miss her Grandmother very much indeed, and the feeling is mutual. Grandmother is supportive, and it is clear at the end that she will visit the little girl in her new country. In these days when families often are separated by oceans and time zones, the need for such a book as this is apparent, and the gentle, light-touch illustrations, full of the yellow and blue of the splendid new coat, are a joy.