'Stitchin' and Pullin: A Gee's Bend Quilt' by Patricia C. McKissack will become a fast favorite of your 6- to-10-year-old, with its symphonic rhymes, colorful African American history and rich illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera.

"For as long as anybody can remember, the women of Gee's Bend have stitched up quilts -- to be slept under, sat on at a picnic, wrapped in when sick or covered while reading on a cold winter night,'' McKissack writes. "Who would have thought that one day those same quilts would be hanging on museum walls, their makers famous? Who would have ever thought?''

The story is based on Gee's Bend in Wilcox County, Ala., a rural community hidden in the curve of the Alabama River.

The community comprises generations of landowners who sprung up from tenant farmers. The farmers became landowners of former white-owned plantations. Today, Gee's Bend exists in a time warp, so-to-speak, remaining unchanged over the years, according to the introduction. Family, church and traditions like quilting connect generations and continue to be the strength of the community.

Overall, quilting began as an evening activity to create covers for warmth and grew into a stage for storytelling and singing. The event also increased ties between the generations. The pieces of old clothes and material used to create the masterpieces also held special meaning.

"I hope the black corduroy remembers that it was once the pants...my uncle wore to vote for the first time, all clean and new,'' writes McKissack.

'Stitchin' and Pullin' is a great way to teach your children history and keep them entertained at the same time. McKissack's colorful tales, matched with Cabrera's magical imagery, is great for the imagination.