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Polly MacCauley's Finest, Divinest, Wooliest Gift of All: A Yarn for All Ages

illustrations by
4.13
on Goodreads (23)

What’s inside...

Some called Polly MacCauley a witch, and some called her wise, and because she was so rarely seen, some even called her a figment of everyone else's imagination. But there were some who believed that she sheared and spun and carded and dyed special wool from a special lamb born long ago, and that she was the maker of many gifts. From one of Canada's most loved and lauded children's writers comes a new tale about the joy of making things, the strength of community, and the warm reach of generosity. This beautifully illustrated storybook blends poetry and prose, infused with Fitch's trademark wit and playfulness, to tell the story of Polly MacCauley, a bit of a mystery in her community of River John, who spends her time making wondrous things with wool. When Star, a very special lamb, is born on a nearby farm, Polly knows that with Star's wool she can make her 'finest, divinest, wooliest gift of all'. But the greedy Count and Countess of far-off Woolland have learned about the lamb's arrival, too, and are determined to add her to their flock. Will the good folk of River John join together to see that Star gets to her rightful home? Will Polly be able to finish her masterpiece? Darka Erdelji's gorgeous illustrations have just the right amount of whimsy, perfectly capturing the spirit of Fitch's touching yarn. Divided into nine short sections, this is a grand book to share aloud, or read alone. It will appeal to children of all ages. And to knitters, weavers, spinners and the warm-hearted everywhere.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

9-12

Length

68 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think makes Polly MacCauley's gift so special?
How do the characters in the story show kindness and creativity?
Why do you think the author chose wool as the central element of the story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town today?
What did you learn from the story that you would like to apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to describe their favorite part of the story and why it stood out to them.
Discuss the importance of creativity and ask your child how they like to express their own creativity, whether through art, writing, or another form.
Relate the themes of kindness and giving in the book to real-life situations, asking your child how they can show kindness in their daily interactions.
Use the historical and rural setting of the story to compare and contrast with modern urban life, facilitating a discussion on the differences and similarities.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their own 'finest, divinest, wooliest gift' they could give to someone, discussing the thought process behind their creation.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: The protagonist, Polly MacCauley, showcases a selfless act by knitting from a precious wool that was meant for her, displaying pure generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of sharing their own belongings or time with others, fostering a sense of empathy and community.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Throughout the story, Polly faces various challenges but continues to knit tirelessly, demonstrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to continue working towards their goals, regardless of the obstacles they encounter in school or in extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Polly’s unique approach to knitting, creating something extraordinary from ordinary wool, highlights the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to use their imagination in play, projects, or problem-solving, understanding that innovative thinking can lead to exceptional outcomes.
Example Lesson: Community building
Explanation: The way Polly’s gift affects everyone around her illustrates the impact of thoughtful actions on a community.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider how their actions affect others and the importance of contributing positively to their own communities.