Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, spooky tale of yarn magic turns ambition into trouble.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In YARN IS EVERYTHING! Winona Mole is a 9-year-old who adores crocheting more than anything. After her father takes her to the Museum of Woolen Arts and Yarn Stitchery for her birthday, Winona discovers a mysterious crochet hook connected to a legend about extraordinary talent and a terrible price. Suddenly, her crocheting skills become almost supernatural, and she earns a chance to compete on the reality show Yarn Is Everything!. But as Winona's creations become more amazing, her love of yarn starts taking over her life in ways that are funny, eerie, and increasingly out of control.
Is It Any Good?
This clever chapter book turns a cozy craft into a kid-friendly nightmare, and the result is both silly and suspenseful. Author Aaron Reynolds keeps the narration brisk, funny, and just creepy enough, while Peter Brown's black, white, and gray illustrations have pops of turquoise that bring a bright spookiness to each page. Yarn Is Everything! works especially well because its spooky premise is so relatable: wanting to be the best at something you love. Winona's story is exaggerated and supernatural, but kids (and adults) will recognize the pressure to improve, compete, and impress others. The ending lands like a playful warning rather than a heavy lesson, a fun read for those who enjoy spooky humor without intense danger.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Winona's passion for crocheting in Yarn Is Everything!, How does her love of crocheting change once she starts focusing on fame and winning?
Winona keeps pushing herself to be the best and win, but her perseverance has a cost. What are some signs that a favorite hobby is becoming stressful instead of fun?
Have you ever felt more pressure than joy from things you used to love to do? What changed for you? How did you deal with it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Peter Brown
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Animals , Competition , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : July 14, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 104
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : July 21, 2026
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