The Ewe Who Knew Who Knit You by Cara Kansala

The Ewe Who Knew Who Knit You is a picture book with a tongue-twisting title by author/illustrator Cara Kansala. Being from somewhere other than Newfoundland and Labrador, this title piqued immediate curiosity and demanded further investigation. Could this be a book that would be of interest across the many kilometres of our beautiful country? Let’s take a look.

Researching the common Newfoundland and Labrador saying, ‘Who Knit You?’, I found a rich history connected to the question of ancestry and knitting. These two words date back generations and are linked. The suggestion was that one’s mother sat and knitted for the new baby for the entire nine months. This, to me, is a sign of devotion and excited anticipation, welcoming a wee one into the lives of those in remote and often harsh villages scattered around ‘The Rock’ and Labrador. It is also a reflection of the isolation of living far from others, city life is not everyone’s cup of tea. After this interesting aside, I flipped over the picture book and read: “’Who Knit You’ is a common question in Newfoundland and Labrador. It means “Where do you come from and who do you belong to?”’

The Ewe Who Knew Who Knit You took on an immediate interest for me. This odd title and the beautiful cover illustrations captivated me right from the onset. After reading the book with the question ‘Who are we and where do we come from?’ in mind, the book took on even more meaning. Cara Kansala captured this big question spectacularly. In a nutshell, this slim picture book is about belonging.

Kansala tackles questions of being different, fitting in, leaving home, making friends and ultimately being loved for just who you are. This talented author/illustrator hits the nail on the head: YOU are just right and enough, as you are. But, exactly how Cara Kansala accomplishes this feat is yours to discover in The Ewe Who Knew Who Knit You. You and your reading partner(s) will huddle in close, and enjoy the story’s fast pace. You will feel the “woolly” character Lammin’s discomfort at being different, endure the scorn of being ‘sent away’, delight in meeting new friends, and finally experience Lammin’s determination to return home. And did I mention the artwork? Simply put, they jammed this book with extraordinarily whimsical art. On every page, the artwork flows with the story and visually captivates the reader. The rhyming verse complements the rich full-colour images, offering a sing-song cadence.

I loved everything about this picture book and every one of EWE will enjoy the telling of where this little character comes from and what Lammin encounters. This small book packs a big punch and is meant for those not just from Newfoundland and Labrador. It is for ALL OF EWES, everywhere! Pick up a copy of The Ewe Who Knew Who Knit You written and illustrated by Cara Kansala. It will get you thinking and entertain you, no matter where you ‘were knit’.

Born in Northern Ontario, Cara Kansala now calls Newfoundland home. A full-time folk artist and children’s book author, she is known for her whimsical depictions of familiar Newfoundland sights. Cara draws constant inspiration from the rugged landscape and energetic spirit of the people she encounters. Her colourful Newfoundland scenes and playful style are recognized throughout the province and beyond. Cara spends her time between Upper Island Cove and St. John’s.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Breakwater Books (Feb. 24 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1550819712
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1550819717

Carrie Stanton

Managing Editor

TMR’s Managing Editor Carrie Stanton has a BA in Political Science from the University of Calgary. She is the author of The Jewel and Beast Bot, and picture books, Emmie and the Fierce Dragon and The Gardener. Carrie loves to write stories that grow wings and transport readers everywhere. She reads and enjoys stories from every genre.