Down, Through, Up

This lyrical debut picture book about finding your place somewhere new while also connecting with grandparents and family roots will sit perfectly on shelves next to I'm From and The Together Tree.

Down, through, up,
down, through, up,
the needle is old but sturdy,
like your ancestors.

Mei’s heart is formed by patchwork pieces shaped like her beloved Panda doll, Momma, and their home. Everything fits together perfectly. But when Momma announces that Mei will be spending the summer with her Apaw in The City, Mei’s heart begins to fray.

In The City, Mei’s grandmother teaches her about their family history, the magic of sewing, and how the two are linked. Will Mei be able to mend her broken heart, and sew something new for herself?

Beautiful collage-like artwork features craft and sewing images, marrying the idea of Mei sewing herself a new story in a new city with the idea of keeping a family history close to the heart. This is a book about new experiences, being open to change, and rediscovering yourself somewhere unfamiliar.

• Celebrates Grandparents: The warm grandmother-grandchild relationship at the heart of this story makes this read a perfect offering for Grandparents’ Day, as well as for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
• Cut From the Same Cloth: This story is a love letter to the crafts that are passed down from generation to generation.
• Perfect for Crafting Activities: Thanks to easy directions in the back matter, readers can learn how to sew their own Panda doll stuffie!

Down, through, up,
down, through, up,
the needle is old but sturdy,
like your ancestors.

Mei’s heart is formed by patchwork pieces shaped like her beloved Panda doll, Momma, and their home. Everything fits together perfectly. But when Momma announces that Mei will be spending the summer with her Apaw in the City, Mei’s heart begins to fray.

In the City, Apaw teaches Mei about their family history, the magic of sewing, and how the two are linked. Will Mei be able to mend her broken heart, and sew something new for herself?