About This Book
Patricia Polacco's "Christmas Tapestry" tells the heartwarming story of Jonathan, a young boy whose family moves to Detroit, where his father is a Baptist preacher. As they prepare their new church for Christmas, a hole in the wall leads them to purchase a beautiful tapestry. This tapestry, however, is much more than a decoration; it's a chuppah, a Jewish wedding canopy, made by an elderly woman who believes her husband died in World War II. Through a series of serendipitous events, the tapestry becomes the catalyst for a miraculous reunion, teaching Jonathan and readers about the enduring power of love, faith, and unexpected connections. This interfaith and intergenerational story gently touches on themes of loss, hope, and the idea that "the universe unfolds as it should." It's perfect for ages 4-11, offering rich discussion points about history, empathy, and cultural understanding.
A tapestry that is being used to cover a hole in a church wall at Christmas brings together an elderly couple who were separated during World War II.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How did Jonathan and his father show kindness to the old woman?
2
What is a chuppah, and why was it so important to the elderly couple?
3
The book says "the universe unfolds as it should." What do you think that means? Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened that turned out to be good?
4
How did World War II affect the lives of the elderly couple? Why is it important to remember history?
5
What does this story teach us about love, hope, and connecting with people from different backgrounds?
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