Thérèse Makes a Tapestry
Written by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs
Illustrated by Renée Graef
Rich illustrations highlight this delightful fictional tale of a seventeenth century French girl. Based on the work of real weavers and on the real king of France, Louis XIV, readers get to see real examples of portions of famous tapestries. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, tapestries were used to decorate and to provide additional insulation in otherwise cold rooms. The weavers who worked on these works of art were important members of society. Woman were generally excluded from this male occupation, so even girls who showed exceptional promise were only allowed to help if protected by a family member. The story of Thérèse shows her careful and painstaking work to give her weaver father. After the king notices her finished product, she goes to the factory to help.
This enjoyable book fulfills many of the Common Core requirements for history and for art. Kids will be cheering for Thérèse early on in the story.
Title: Thérèse Makes a Tapestry- Author: Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs
- Illustrator: Renée Graef
- Published: J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, March, 2016
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
- Grade Level: 2 to 6
- Genre: History, Art
- ISBN: 978-1-60606-473-3
- Extras: Note to the Reader, Glossary, French Words and Phrases
