Finding Joy and Creativity in "Extra Yarn"
The other night, as we snuggled under the blankets for our nightly read-aloud ritual, my kids were buzzing with energy. My youngest had just asked, once again, how sweaters are made. Now, I’ve never knitted a stitch in my life—I can barely thread a needle without it turning into a comedy of errors—but I remembered a book I’d been meaning to share with them: Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. It’s funny how sometimes the best stories find their way to you just when you need them.
In Extra Yarn, we meet Annabelle, a little girl who discovers a mysterious box filled with vibrant, multicolored yarn. What starts as a simple sweater for herself quickly transforms into an explosion of creativity, as she grows into a one-girl knitting factory, crafting sweaters for classmates, teachers, and even the cold animals of her drab town. Soon, her passion for knitting brings a splash of color to the dreary surroundings. But things take an unexpected turn when an archduke learns of her magical yarn box and, after a failed attempt to buy it, tries to forcefully take it away. When he finds it empty, he’s left scratching his head, and we’re left pondering one big question: Does the magic truly lie in the box, or is it Annabelle’s spirit that brings it to life?
What my kids absolutely loved was the story’s humor, particularly Annabelle’s absurd decision to knit for inanimate objects like mailboxes and pickup trucks. Their giggles filled the room as we flipped through those pages. It led to a delightful discussion about what else they might like to see in yarn sweaters—my eldest suggested our dining table (imagine all that spaghetti in a cozy sweater!). Their imaginations sparked, and the chaos of our earlier bedtime struggles faded into the background.
The illustrations in Extra Yarn are a treat for the eyes. The colors pop against the minimalist backgrounds, creating a whimsical and comforting vibe. Klassen’s unique technique of capturing a real sweater’s texture added a deliciously tactile feel to the pages, making it a joy to turn each one. As we read, my kids were captivated not only by the story but also by the delightful visuals, and I must admit, I found my own heart warming at the beauty of it all.
One of my favorite lines comes when Annabelle’s creations begin to transform her town, and she declares, “It didn’t matter if it was too cold. It was getting warm, anyway.” This idea of turning something ordinary into something extraordinary really resonated with me. As a mom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos of raising young children, yet stories like this remind me that little acts of creativity can change our world, no matter how small.
I wholeheartedly recommend Extra Yarn for children ages 3 to 8, especially for those with a touch of whimsy in their hearts. It’s perfect for budding artists and imaginative souls—any child drawn to colors, crafts, or simply the idea of making a little magic in their everyday life. And for those parents who also find joy in the chaos of creativity, this book is sure to become a beloved addition to your collection, encouraging you and your children to discover the beauty in crafting together, even if it’s just with words.
In the end, Extra Yarn isn’t just a book we read; it’s an experience we shared. A reminder that we can all weave a bit of warmth and color into each other’s lives, one stitch at a time.
Check out Extra Yarn on Goodreads >>
