Blankets are a motif that serve as the title of the novel, as a persistent metaphor throughout the story, and as a direct link between Craig and the important people of his youth: Phil and Raina. Blankets symbolize the memories that weave together Craig’s life and the relationships that form along the way. “Blankets” also refers to the snow that envelopes Craig’s world and many of the scenes that play out in his childhood and youth.

The very first scene of the graphic novel shows Craig and his younger brother Phil arguing over the blanket that they share in their bed together as young boys. Craig is hogging it all, and a wrestling match ensures until their dad comes upstairs booming and angry. He grabs Phil and stuffs him in the cubby hole and closes the door. The experience traumatizes both boys and leaves Craig with a sense of guilt for not protecting his brother and owning up to his mistake. Fortunately, their blanket is also the foundation for many positive memories that Craig and his brother build together. They use their imagination and bed and blankets to sail the ocean, avoid lava, and more.