Rebecca’s father has wandering feet. Her family has already moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio to Indiana to Missouri. Now, they’re off to Oregon with other pioneers. Rebecca’s trip west is marked by stories for each piece of fabric she collects for a keepsake quilt she plans to make at journey’s end. Her father’s shirt was torn in a treacherous river crossing. The girl she walked across Kansas with donated her bonnet before they parted ways. A tablecloth along the trail was abandoned by earlier travelers who had to lighten their load before crossing the mountains, just as Rebecca’s family has to leave some of their own precious keepsakes behind. Rebecca’s faded dress at journey’s end is as much a testament to her resiliency as the quilt she finally makes during her family’s first winter in Oregon. Jean Van Leeuwen’s spirited story is graced by Rebecca Bond’s folksy illustrations rendered in faded tones suggestive of worn fabric. (Ages 4–8)

Rebeccas papa has wandering feet. He is following his dream and taking the family west on the Oregon Trail, across prairies, rivers, and mountains. Along the way, Rebecca begins collecting pieces of cloth. In their new home, Mama will help her use these scraps to sew a quilt that will become a keepsake of their amazing, courageous journey. Quilts have a wonderful way of holding history, and Jean Van Leeuwens warmly engaging story was inspired by the wandering foot quilt pattern that was popular during pioneer days. With sparkling illustrations by Rebecca Bond, this is a moving account of an early American girl and her cheerful optimism as her family makes a historic journey, until at last she is thrilled to arrive at the place they will finally call home.