Emma is a gifted young artist whose most prized possession is a small, shaggy rug. When her mother accidentally puts the rug in the washing machine and destroys it, Emma is devastated and ceases her art. "In cogent prose and affecting paintings, Say distills the creative life of a young child. . . . This is a stunning springboard for discussion about artistic inspiration and the creative process with groups of all ages." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books