The Longest Strongest Thread
Book Details
The Longest Strongest Thread
Inbal Leitner. London: Scallywag Press, hb 978 1 9126 5018 7, 2020, £12.99, 32pp.
Picture book, fiction, 4+ years
A story of the huge bond between grandmother and granddaughter when one moves hundreds of miles from the other.
However, it is the mutual love of textiles that keeps them close and allows them the comfort of always knowing they are there for each other and can make the journey to the new house. As Grandma sews a new coat for her granddaughter, granddaughter creates everything possible for Grandma to make the trip to see her again, one day!
Written in the first person from the little girl’s perspective, she documents the last day before moving and her visit to Grandma’s sewing studio. The images have a textural quality in keeping with Grandma’s vocation, which somehow adds to the loss that is felt between the two characters who are never given a name. It is their special relationship that takes centre stage. More poignantly, the text is written in deep blue to match the colour of the thread.
The story can be read on one level, that of moving away, and yet there is depth in its re-reading and much symbolism that it carries with it. Ultimately it is a tale of love and friendship and that special bond only a grandma can have for her granddaughter and vice versa!
Review by Karenanne Knight