The story also raises an interesting question regarding whether or not it is possible to teach certain moral lessons to others.

The questions also serve to present the tension between one’s personal happiness and that of others, and whether or not this tension can be reconciled. While it is generally agreed upon that giving is good, the questions accompanying the story ask the children to examine the validity of this supposed truth. While the children engaged in this conversation may use logic or reason to support their understanding of the issues raised (mentioned above), the focus of this philosophical inquiry is to explore one’s own moral assumptions. What may be gained through reflection on generosity? The fruits of the philosophical conversation inspired by The Quiltmaker’s Gift stray a bit from Matthew Lipman’s emphasis on logical thought and critical thinking. Children can identify within themselves the King who adores receiving presents, the Quilt Maker who spends her life giving to others, and the happiness that is present or lacking on both ends of the spectrum. It is with these two philosophical themes presented in this book that children can explore their own experience in relation to the story and also explore the philosophical issues behind these complex questions. Is happiness simply an inner state as believed by traditionalists, or is it an outer behavior as believed by the behaviorists? In doing so, the question “what is happiness?” is raised. It also raises the question of whether or not material wealth can provide happiness. It raises the philosophical question of what it is to be generous, whether that involves the giving of material wealth alone, or simply of giving another being happiness, comfort, or peace. The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken, is a story of generosity. Read aloud video by Nissa Peterson Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion When the generous quiltmaker finally agrees to make a quilt for a greedy king, but only under certain conditions, she causes him to undergo a change of heart.

The King meets the Quiltmaker in a search for the one thing that will finally make him happy. The Quiltmaker spends all of her time making quilts only to give them away. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary The Quiltmaker’s Gift examines the nature of generosity and questions whether material wealth alone can provide happiness.

The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau