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| Hello, Crochet Friends! written by Jonah Larson |
Hello Crochet Friends!: Making Art, Being Mindful, Giving Back: Do What Makes You Happy is one part autobiography, one part inspirational, and one part crafts. It includes topics of international adoption, school behavioral problems, and the importance of finding one's passion.
Jonah Larson is an 11 year old crocheting phenom. I came to know about him from looking for crochet patterns and tutorials on the internet. This young man has a gift with crochet. His talent is nearly unbelievable. Watching his little hands fly as he works on his current projects is mesmerizing to me. And all the more impressive when I learned a bit more about him.
Jonah was adopted by the Larsons when he was a baby. He began crocheting at age 5 by accident - when a single crochet hook was found in a bag of items. It became clear very quickly that crochet was his thing.
I work with children in a school that is focused on addressing their behavioral and learning difficulties. I run a small crochet club, teaching them just the basics (sharing my limited skills), because I know that crochet is a wonderful coping skill for some children. I ordered Jonah's book so that our students could read about a child who loves crochet.
I was moved to tears when I received the book and read how Jonah also struggled with significant disruptive behaviors in school and how crochet helped him. And not only has crochet helped him manage his behaviors in school, he is using his art to give back to those in need in the country he was born. An astounding story and life lesson for all of us.
What this book is:
- an age-appropriate picture book about an 11 year old who was adopted from an Ethiopian orphanage
- a book that is written in a gentle, uplifting, honest and encouraging voice
- an inspirational book - encouraging everyone to find their passion and do it
- a helpful book for teachers and school staff - showing the positive results of thinking outside the box and helping students identify what calms and encourages them
- an encouraging book for children who struggle with behaviors - helping them to feel as though they are not alone and that something can change
What this book is not:
- this is not a book of crochet patterns
- this is not a crochet tutorial
I'd like to express my gratitude to Jonah and his mother for writing this book and sharing this story. It has touched me and has been well-received by the students in my little crochet club. You are inspiring to so many others.
From the Amazon listing: "Hello, Crochet Friends! is the first title in the KWiL Publishing's Rock Star Kids series of books about young people doing incredible things in the world". Personally, I am looking forward to future books in the series!
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While I am not as talented as young Jonah, I do love crochet. I am able to do beginning and easy intermediate patterns. I have written about a few of the easier patterns. If you are thinking about beginning crochet, look for one of the many online tutorials, find someone that matches your style, and just begin.
My review of Dabbles & Babbles Done in a Day pattern. This pattern is pretty, more interesting than just straight crocheted rows, and is versatile. I've made several different sized blankets with several different types of yarns with this pattern. I have also used this pattern to create a long, rectangular piece that was used as a type of shawl for an elderly gentleman.
Although loom knitting is not the same as crochet, it is an easy way to make interesting and beautiful hats. If you can't quite enjoy crochet, you could create your own treasures with loom knitting. The flower applique is crocheted and from the only flower pattern I've ever been able to complete successfully. This pattern is Flowers by The Dozen by Yarnspirations and I review it here. Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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Hello Crochet Friends looks like an amazing story, Dawn Rae. Naturally the word crochet in the title immediately caught my attention, and then the fact that it is about and BY a child and one who is doing something really unique. This looks to be a fascinating read. Thank you for your review.
ReplyDeleteThis sound like a book that my granddaughter would love, she is limited right now with activities that she is able to do, do crochet sounds like a great idea. Inspiration would come to her too from reading about this amazing young man.
ReplyDeleteI love books about young people discovering a way to give back to the world while finding their gifts. I think it's wonderful when a child defies the stereotypes about crafts and gender. Also, good on you for starting that crochet club. You are changing lives and making your corner of the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteWell, of course, I was mislead somewhat by just looking at the book cover. I would have thought it was a book of crochet patterns, techniques, or instructions. I'm so glad I read your review. Clearly, this is a book that would be encouraging for parents and inspire them to think outside the box instead of using punishments or medications for their children. Clearly, this little guy has been blessed with parents who are willing to work with him and allow him, even encourage him, to use his natural creative talents. I've never heard of anyone else who crocheted at such an early age. That is very cool! Thank you for sharing this book with us, Dawn.
ReplyDeleteDawn, I saw a piece on the news about this young man and his story. I was so moved as well. I don't know why, but I wasn't aware of this book. This book makes a wonderful gift as well. What an amazing story and young man.
ReplyDelete