“This looks like an ordinary box full of ordinary yarn. But it turns out it isn't.“
“This looks like an ordinary box full of ordinary yarn. But it turns out it isn't.“
“Every day Annabelle kept knitting, and every day the colors spread a little farther.“
Extra Yarn can spark classroom discussions about kindness, generosity, and the impact of small actions. Students can talk about how Annabelle‘s knitting changes the town and relate it to times they helped someone or made a positive difference.
Extra Yarn can be used in a elementary classrooms to teach lessons about generosity, creativity, and problem-solving. You can use this book to discuss the main character‘s choices, encouraging students to think about how small actions can make a big difference.
pickExtra Yarn by Mac Barnett is a picture book published in 2012. The illustrator uses color to create contrast between the town, which is very gray and gloomy, and when Annabelle knits, which is warm and vibrant. The use of line makes the knitted items stand out and draws the attention of the reader. The illustrator also used texture to make the yarn look very life-like.
pickPicturebooks (2012): Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, features whimsical, detailed illustrations that bring warmth and charm to the story. The simple, muted color palette highlights the magical yarn, while expressive characters and clever visual details emphasize generosity, community, and the transformation of the town. The illustrations beautifully complement the story‘s themes.
“She started knitting sweaters, scarves, mittens, and hats for everyone she knew—and even for people she didn‘t know.”
This book would be great when working on character analysis. By analyzing Annabelle's character, students can identify traits such as kindness, creativity, and problem-solving.
pickThis picture book was published in 2012 and is the story of a never-ending box of yarn and all the lives it goes on to touch. The illustrations show a bleak town that is brought to life with all of the things Annabelle knits. The only color is depicted in the yarn and shows the importance and life her creations brought to her town. The illustrations balance whimsy with simplicity in a beautiful way.
