#637 of 1001 · April 29, 2022

Through a subversive art practice, one woman’s irrepressible vitality radiates outward and alters the course of her neighbors’ lives in Pockets by Jennifer Armstrong and @marygrandpre. A mysterious woman arrives in a remote village out on the plains and sets up shop as a tailor. The community insists that she abide by their standard of plain, unadorned clothing and for a time she complies. However, before long, her spirit of adventure and delight rears its head, and she embroiders the interior lining of her own pockets with dazzling nautical designs. Soon, her pity for the drab, austere townspeople moves her to begin sneaking these decorative stitches into the pockets of their garments as well. Though the populace appears none the wiser, they subconsciously recognize the shift through dreams and visions of old-world romance. Mood lifted, they slowly but surely transform their ascetic surroundings into a bright, joyful community. Armstrong’s stunning text employs the extended metaphor of a boat to characterize her protagonist’s physical and spiritual journey. GrandPré contributes angular, swirling illustrations with cinematic composition awash in rich, saturated color. #pocket #sew #sewing #embroidery #art #imagination #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks