When I saw the lovely cover of Sashiko, with a child and the delightful colors surrounding them, I assume that the title was the name of the child. As a slight spoiler for those who do not know sewing, it is a type of sewing stitch that came about in the 1600s during the Edo period that is not just a practical piece of sewing but has come to represent the culture it came from. I know this only because of the afterwards by the author Barbara Ciletti.
The story itself is very poetic, but I am not sure if it is in a particular poetic meter or form, but the words flow along the page. The set up of them have them part of the illustrations of Maria Cristina Pritelli, but also are separate. The theme is a young child talks about their fisherman father, and the troubles he and the others have trying to catch fish during the cold, bitter, winter storms. It is not until the mother of the story sews several pieces together, and using the title stitch, makes the coat warm, and sturdy. They also ask for the stars and sun rays to enter the coat to help strength it and keep the father warm.
Due in early August 2023, I want to read it again (I found a reader copy online) to see the lush artwork. They are part of the story and have their own story as well. A mark of a powerful illustration is if I would frame/hang it. And I would probably do that to all of them. The country, culture and the people come alive. Things are not crowded, but the pages are full.
It’s probably best for at least five to eight/nine, though the (assuming) picture book format might turn the older readers off.
