
By Mara Rockliff, William Low (Illustrator)
A child seeks his mother's hidden legacy in a grand cathedral.
Little John eagerly awaits the unveiling of his mother's stone at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. As a stonecutter, Momma's work is her art, but when John visits, he can't find her name. How will the world recognize her contribution? This heartfelt tale, inspired by true events, explores the pride and mystery of unseen artistry through a child's eyes. With the cathedral's beauty as a backdrop, discover the grace in labor and the quiet dignity of a mother's craft.
Momma is a stonecutter at the cathedral called Big John – and little John and his sisters can’t wait to see her special stone – in this luminous true-life story. “Building a cathedral isn’t a job, it’s an art.”Momma comes home from work, tired and sore from a long day at her job. She used to work on the factory line, but now an early bus takes her across the bridge into New York City. Momma is a stonecutter now, helping to build the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. She works all day on just one stone, and little John and his two sisters wonder how she does it. Finally, Momma’s stone is finished, and little John can’t wait to see it. But when he arrives at the cathedral, he’s confused. Where is Momma’s name? How will all the people know this is Momma’s art? This touching story from a child’s perspective, based on real events, lovingly shows the grace and dignity of having pride in one’s work – and in one’s Momma. Gorgeously illustrated with the illuminated artwork of William Low, the transcendent beauty of Saint John’s Cathedral radiates with warmth and light.
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