  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 10/01/2016 *Starred Review* Sophie lives next door to passionate knitter Mrs. Goldman, who makes hats for tiny babies, older folks, friends, and family—and Sophie. Mrs. Goldman has taught Sophie how to knit, too, so she can make hats to give away as a good deed. “Keeping keppies warm is our mitzvah.” But knitting is hard, so Sophie sticks to her favorite part of the process, making pom-poms as hat toppers. When Sophie notices that Mrs. Goldman has no hat and learns she’s given it away, she picks up her needles again to make sure that Mrs. Goldman can keep her own keppie warm. She’s tempted to quit, but after heading out into whipping winds with the hatless Mrs. Goldman, she chooses to keep trying. Finally, the hat is finished, but as Sophie turns it over and sees its many holes, she doesn’t know if it’s worth giving, until she comes up with a pom-pom-infused idea. Though the weather outside is cold, this story overflows with warmth. Sympathy, empathy, and love all wind together in a text featuring a determined young heroine and in thoughtful mixed-media art. One page is full of images of Sophie at work, another a blurry scene in the snow; both set the mood. A lovely book to share and discuss, and the hat pattern is included! - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
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