The Handkerchief Quilt is a lovely hardcover children's book with beautiful watercolor-like pictures. The story is based on the author's mother and actual happenings that took place in Flint, Michigan, in the early 1950s.

Miss Anderson is a well-loved teacher at the Parkland school. She always carries several handkerchiefs with her just in case her students need one. Over the years her students give her gifts of handkerchiefs, which she stores carefully because each one reminds her of the child that has lovingly given it to her. When a severe storm comes through the town, the pipes at the school burst and flood the school, ruining classrooms and books. The school has to be closed for repairs, but very little money is available. Miss Anderson gathers up her handkerchiefs and, with the help of her students and the town, turns them into a beautiful quilt to be sold to raise money for the school.

This is a beautiful, heartwarming book. The love Miss Anderson has for her students and her school is obvious. The pictures are beautifully done and make you feel like part of the story. There is also a downloadable teacher's guide available to go along with the book.

Product review by Nicole Teichroeb, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2010