Author Connie Morrison brings us the story of Elizabeth Hobbs; a talented seamstress, born a slave, who bought freedom for herself and her son. Born in 1818, Elizabeth was enslaved to a Virginimian plantation owner. She was sent to a smaller plantation to work as the only slave there, and was treated with unspeakable cruelty. But her ability to sew would eventually be her saving grace. Lizzy was sent to work for a tailor, where she created beautiful gowns that attracted the attention of the wealthiest women in Virginia. Yet it was the plantation owner who was paid for her hard work. Then Lizzy met Mrs. Jefferson Davis, who introduced her to Mary Todd Lincoln, and she created a plan to use her talent to set herself free. Connie Morrison writes with straightforward honesty and clarity. This inspiring story about an unsung hero is beautifully illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon with mixed media including oil paint, paper, fabric, ribbon, embroidery, lace, and appliqué.
Connie comes to the Busboys' screen for a read-along of this beautiful work and a discussion of the bold true story that inspired it. Grab your copy at Bookshop.org to follow along at home!
Praise for STITCH BY STITCH:
"Schofield-Morrison fashions a poignant tribute. . . . Elizabeth Zunon's breathtaking and masterful mixed-media illustrations--incorporating oil, paint, fabric, ribbon, paper, embroidery, and appliqué--beautifully capture the artistry of Keckly's dresses. A dazzling picture book cut through with the thread and thrum of an inspiring but unsung life."
-Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"This picture book biography centers the Black seamstress's indomitable spirit. . . . Schofield-Morrison offers accessible, starkly rendered prose. . . . Zunon embroiders Keckly's oft-difficult life story across lush, multilayered mixed-media spreads, featuring a beguiling tapestry of oil paint, paper, fabric, ribbon, embroidery, lace, and appliqué. . . ."
-Publishers Weekly
"Every once in a while a book is published that is a game changer. This gorgeous book about the story of how Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly sewed her way to freedom is such a book. . . . The content is historical, inspiring, and presents each page as though it was a work of art. The illustrations are truly stunning. . . . Highly recommended for every library."
- School Library Connection
This event is free and open to all, accessible through our Facebook and Youtube pages (@busboysandpoets).
The program will begin at 4:30PM with an introduction from a member of our team. There will be time for Q&A before the end of the program. Copies of STITCH BY STITCH are available for purchase on bookshop.org.
We recommend that viewers RSVP in order to receive direct links and updates from Busboys and Poets Books.
Connie Schofield-Morrison is the author of three picture books, illustrated by her husband, Frank Morrison. In addition to managing a family of five children, Connie manages Morrison Graphics, an online and brick-and-mortar art gallery. Stitch by Stitch is her first book for Holiday House. Connie lives with her husband in Atlanta, Georgia.
Instagram: @i_c_o_n_n_i_e
Illustrator Elizabeth Zunon was born in Albany, New York, and raised in West Africa. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Elizabeth has illustrated more than a dozen picture books, one of which she also wrote. She enjoys painting, beading, sewing, and collage. Stitch by Stitch is her first book for Holiday House. Elizabeth currently lives in Albany, New York.
Instagram: @lizzunon
Twitter: @elizabethzunon
Facebook: @ElizabethZunonIllustrator
