Book Description from the Front Cover Flap

So begins the delightful story of a very competitive pair who use the distinctive embroidery of the Mien people to create the earth and the sky. Because both siblings want to make their part of the world the most beautiful, they work in secret until it is finally time to reveal their handiwork, and find out that the two pieces don't fit together!

The two try stretching the sky-only to result in some stuffing falling out as cloud, but Faam Toh solves the problem by stitching the fabric into mountains, rivers, gorges, and the valleys. Only then do the earth and sky fit perfectly, allowing all the plants and animals to thrive.

Like the detailed Mien embroidery in the story, Nancy Raines Day's retelling of this traditional Mien tale and Genna Panzarella's striking illustrations also fit together like the earth and sky. Together, they create a book that is alive with the richness and beauty of the Mien culture and of the earth itself. An author's explanation of the tradition and the significance of Mien embroidery follows the story.

Faam Koh and Faam Toh have come down from the sky to embroider the world, but when it is finally time to reveal their handiwork to each other, they find that the earth and sky don't fit together! Beautifully striking illustrations enhance the richness and beauty of the Mien culture.

Background on Author and Illustrator

Genna Panzarella is an artist and teacher living near San Francisco, where she and her husband raised their two sons. When she is not teaching or creating art, you will find Genna riding her horses. She also loves to travel and has been to South East Asia, as well as Africa, India, and China. Genna received her BFA at Washington State University, and studied for a year in Aixen-Provence, France. Genna's artwork has explored many media, including fabrics, clothing, glass, oils, bronze, and even chalk drawing on sidewalks. This is her first children's book illustration.