In three opening pages, the author invites readers to imagine the life and work of a rural family in the northern U.S. throughout one year more than a hundred years ago. She then suggests that patchwork patterns and their names give clues about life in earlier centuries. The central portion of The Seasons Sewn is organized according to the four seasons. Each seasonal section is introduced by colored scratchboard artwork on a double page spread. Paul discusses six quilt patterns for each season. In her one paragraph accompaniment for each pattern she speculates about its possible historical origin. That historic activity or event is pictured in McCurdy's scratchboard art on the top half of each page. This nicely designed 10 1/4" square book includes a selective bibliography. (Ages 9-12)

Informative text about quilt patterns, including Bear’s Paw, Trail of the Covered Wagon, and Turkey Tracks, and appealing scratchboard illustrations provide a glimpse of pioneer life and celebrate an American art form. “McCurdy’s finely etched illustrations, with their careful attention to detail and old-fashioned flavor, urge upon readers a commanding vision of American history.”--Publishers Weekly