Hello, Crochet Friends!: Making Art, Being Mindful, Giving Back: Do What Makes You Happy

by Jonah Larson, Jennifer Larson, Erin Harris (Photographer)

A celebration of the beauty and power of crochet-specifically, the life-changing benefits this fiber art has brought to one extraordinary boy, 11-year-old crochet prodigy, Jonah Larson. Part One : Jonah shares his life story, including details about his adoption, significant behavior struggles in school, and the role that crochet has come to play in his life. In sidebar interviews, Jonah asks his mother, Jennifer, to share what she was feeling during these momentous times. Part Two : A celebration of what Jonah loves most-crochet! Jonah defines the fiber art, introduces some of his many crochet friends from around the world, and invites readers to "crochet away" with him- exclusive pattern included . Sincerely written, beautifully photographed, and designed to engage and inspire, Hello, Crochet Friends! illuminates the themes in Jonah's life-friendship and worldwide interconnectedness, kindness and acceptance, mindfulness, and a deep passion for an art. Hello, Crochet Friends! is the first title in KWiL Publishing's Rock Star Kids series of books about young people doing incredible things in the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crochet, Biography, Picture Books, Crafts, Memoir, Biography Memoir

48 pages, Hardcover

Published July 23, 2019

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting combo book. One the one hand, I like the genre blending. On the other, that makes it hard to give to the right person. The first third is about international adoption, the second third about issues in school and some neurodivergence (though that term isn't used an no diagnosis is shared) , and the final third is actually about how to crochet. It's really more of an autobiography (one ghostwritten by mom) than a crafting book. There is a pattern for a striped washcloth, but it expects the child to be reading it with an experienced crocheter, and does not tell the child how to make any of the stitches or read the pattern. I think it best classed as an autobiography, but it doens't present itself that way. Moreover, as international adoption can be a fraught subject, mom as ghostwriter of a rosy tale for this portion feels problematic.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before Christmas 2020, I went to Joanne Fabric and on a large table near the front door there were free bags, each containing one skein of yarn for people to take home. Customers were to make a beanie for a child at St. Jude's Hospital and bring it back before January 9. I have knitted and crocheted many projects during my life and thought this would be a fun activity for Covid Christmas. It has been a while since I last crocheted or knitted and it looked like there wasn't enough yarn to make the beanie any of the ways Joann suggested, so I googled crocheting and came across this little book. It's a sweet story by Jonah and his mother about how he learned to control some bad habits by learning to crochet.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, colorful instructional text about crochet told from the context of Jonah Larson's story as an adopted child from Ethiopia. An active kid who was often getting in trouble, Jonah came to love crochet as a way to calm down and focus which improved his school performance and gave him a creative outlet that grew into means of giving back and a business. Through social media (Instagram) he has connected with people all over the world. Includes some background on materials and stitches and a couple of crochet projects. May not be detailed enough to teach crochet through this book alone, but a book to inspire kids to try it.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational young man.

[ThreeSonorans Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring story! This just makes me want to go crochet some more! Thank goodness for audiobooks so I can combine my two favorite hobbies (and gardening makes three!)

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crochet tip for switching colors:
- "When joining colors, work to the last 2 loops on hook of first color. Draw new color through last 2 loops and proceed.
- Last stitch is the chain-2 from the start of previous row. Work last single crochet of each row in the space created by the chain-2.
- When joining colors, leave a 6-inch tail to weave in at the end of the project."

Border of a striped crochet piece:
- "Continuing with C [last color], (ch 1, sc, ch 2, sc) in last st of last row (corner), working down side in ends of rows, *sc in each row to next color change to B [2nd last color] and fasten off C; rep from * changing to A [3rd last color] and fastening off B, (sc, ch 2, sc) in base of first st of row 1, sc in base of each st to last st of row 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in last st, working along opposite side in ends of rows, sc in each row end changing colors as before to corner, (sc, ch 2, sc) in first st along top, sc in each st across, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off. Weave in ends."

"beg = beginning | ch(s) = chain(s) | rep = repeat(s) } sc = single crochet(s) | sk = skip/skipped | sl = slip | sp(s) = space(s) | st(s) = stitch(es) ..."

[Joel Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonah Larson is an inspirational young man, among the finest examples of positivity and light in our world today! At eleven years old, Jonah is already a businessman and social media celebrity, crocheting projects and raising money for his family and charitable causes.

Discovering crochet out of a donated craft bag, Jonah immediately found the activity a welcome reprieve from rabble-rousing. Add to that, his move from hobbyist to entrepreneur has opened up a world of possibilities, from taking family out to dinner to meeting other crocheters around the globe!

This is not a picture book, despite its deceptive size. Instead, “Hello, Crochet Friends” is a densely packed autobiography in two-parts, first going over the young man’s life and second explaining the craft and related jargon and even providing a tutorial to all interested. Photographs with engaging captions and interviews with his adoptive mother throughout, this heartwarming tale should do well to find its place in public and school libraries with the aim of inspiring young people the world over.

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Jonah Larson, master crocheter, has written this book that is half his story and half learning about crochet. He was adopted from Ethiopia and was a bit of a rascal in his early years, but that changed when his fifth grade teacher let him bring his crocheting supplies to class. He is a well-known crocheter, and he shares some basic tips to starting crocheting in this text, along with the message to do what makes you happy.

I appreciated that the book was split up into two parts. If I didn’t know his history and background, I would not have been as inspired to pick up this book or be interested in crochet. While I was expecting a little more of a tutorial in the second half, I can understand only telling readers to watch lots of tutorial videos, as crochet seems complicated. One of the pages used the shorthand slang for crochet, and it was so hard to read!

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jonah has been crocheting from the age of five; first out of curiosity and then as a means of channeling his excess energy at school. You may have seen his adorable videos online. This book is the story of his life so far. I’m always a bit wary of books co-authored by kids and their parents - it feels potentially money-grabby to me, so I can’t say this is my favorite book ever, even though I have no real reason to think that. I was hoping this would be a bit more instructional, but aside from one pattern, there is only a suggestion to check YouTube, probably meaning Jonah’s channel. I’m all for kids who break stereotypes and are able to find and share their talent. Bonus that he is beyond cute.

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Jonah! He is a little ray of sunshine with his gorgeous personality. But what really caught my attention is his totally incredible crochet skills! I’m really in awe of his phenomenal talent. So I was very keen to find out more about him. This book did have some surprises about his life. Obviously he was only 11 when this book was written, so there isn’t heaps of depth. Then there is a very basic section about the art of crochet, which makes me think this book was aimed at inspiring children. That part didn’t have too much of interest for me as an adult crocheter of some experience. I would have liked to know more about what inspires his crochet and if/how he designs his own patterns.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Child crochet prodigy Jonah Larson and his mom Jennifer tell the story of his adoption from Ethiopia, his early behavior challenges and how crochet helped him find an outlet. The second half is a celebration of crochet. I learned about Jonah after seeing him on "The Drew Barrymore Show" and is is delightful. I enjoyed learning his story but I was expecting the book to have more on how to crochet. This basically says to find "how to" videos on YouTube. Some more instruction would be nice. Overall, though, Jonah is incredibly talented and it will be fun to see where he goes.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. I loved the layout of this book; it draws you in and invites you to read more and discover more and try more and do more! Jonah's story is told simply through gorgeous photos and with engaging asides from his family (and pets!)--from his birth and adoption in Ethiopia to his troubles that led to discovering crochet!--and with a bit in the back about fellow crocheters (is this the right word?) and with a few simple crochet projects. Lovely book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenge: Non-fiction November 2019 - Design (1) and Voice (4). With the help of his mother, Johah tells his story about how he was born in Ethiopia and adopted by an American family in Wisconsin. During his childhood history of restlessness when not busy, his mother referred him to an online demonstration of crochet which he immediately took to and developed it into a business and non-profit organization by the time he was eleven. A very touching and inspiring story.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I learned a lot more about this young man. Can’t wait to see what he continues to do. I think I will gift this book to my granddaughter who is a year younger than Jonah and perhaps start her on a new hobby. I tried to inspire to crochet this summer- maybe this will help motivate her more.

[Reshamad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun book to read. This is kind of biography or rather auto-biography written in first person by an adopted boy who later discovered his talents around crochet.
Beautiful photographs and lovely narrative, very easy to read by yourself or aloud for the younger readers. HIGHLY recommend reading for kids who feel constrained by bias around what is appropriate for boys to do and not do.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of this book is really nice--a young boy who struggles with behavior in school and finds crochet to keep his busy mind and hands occupied. Also a crochet "how to" in the back. His story of perseverance is admirable. The format was just a little off--memoir or craft book? Important message nonetheless.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is a kids book but I had to pick it up! He is my favorite crochet maker! I am a crocheter myself and I love that someone younger and male is introducing the craft to a whole new audience. I am a sucker for Jonah so I ate it up! The photographs were appealing and the story was entertaining!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't know about crochet prodigy Jonah Larson, stop what you are doing and watch one of his videos on YouTube. You should also follow him on Instagram. I had a failed childhood career as a crocheter (sorry, Grandma!), but this kid consistently brings a smile to my face.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic short autobiography of a remarkable young man and the parents and teachers who believed in him, and saw his pure heart and potential even as he misbehaved in class. His fifth grade teacher is a marvel!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important depiction of Jonah Larson's central message: Do what makes you happy- Making art, being mindful, giving back.
This is an irresistible story of an irresistible young man and his empowering outreach.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a children's book. I picked it up at the library. I liked the personal back story to his life and such but I was dissapointed there was not more info about projects that were pictured. I do hope he is working on a pattern book for serious Crafters next.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will be inspired by Jonah's story on many levels. His adoption,his love of crochet and giving back, how he used crochet to modify his behavior, defying sterotypes, how fast his fingers fly on the hook!
Crochet as fidget toy?! His creations are beautiful. I'm a fan---

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great kid! I'd read the newspaper articles about him online and joined his fan club on Facebook. I didn't realize he used it as an outlet for pent up destructive energy he had early on in school. What a great way to use his talents!

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. More of the story about the young prodigy. There are only a couple pages on actual crochet terms and 2 patterns I believe. The map was so off, it was slightly annoying.

But it's an amazing tale for one so young.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, charming, adorably told story by the young crochet wizard, Jonah Larson. Be mindful, give back and read his book

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story. read to your kids and grands!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the power of crochet and kindness.

[Dee Tighe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This young man is truly amazing