Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Joseph had a Little Overcoat

Taback, S. (1999). Joseph had a Little Overcoat. Penguin Young Readers Group.

ISBN 9780670878550

“When Joseph's much-loved overcoat becomes worn, the resourceful tailor reinvents the garment until there is only enough cloth for a button. When he loses the button, Joseph discovers that he still has the most important part: the story.”
Grover, S., & Hannegan, L. (2013). Singing the Story. School Library Journal, 59(12), 1.


Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is a visual delight. Every page is full of color and warmth. The illustrations use a die-cut technique to reveal hidden surprises throughout. The moral of the story is the notion that you can make something out of nothing. He starts with an overcoat, and when it wears out he fashions it down to a vest. It continues to transform until he has only one small piece left which he makes into a button. Near the end the button is lost, and I found myself heart-broken as he searches for his final textile. In a beautiful twist, he decides to write a book about the overcoat, essentially making something meaningful when it seemed that all was lost. This traditional tale is carried by captivating illustrations that have a life of their own. I recommend this book for all ages. It is whimsical and warm, an uplifting read that leaves you feeling gratitude.

Book Review Excerpts:

“In the end, Joseph loses his button, his last bit of overcoat; left with nothing, he makes one more item — this book. Don't you lose it: clever, visually engrossing, poignant, it's worth holding on to.”
Parravano, M. V. (2000). Joseph had a little overcoat. Horn Book Magazine, 76(1), 68.


In this work based on a Yiddish folksong, Taback's spirited, well-paced narration lets the illustrations shine. Playful sound effects extend the humor, while the Klezmatics's rousing music reinforces the focus on Jewish culture.
Grover, S., & Hannegan, L. (2013). Singing the Story. School Library Journal, 59(12), 1.

Connections:

-This book could support curriculum related to recycling.

-Students could explore art techniques of collage or die-cutting using the illustrations as an example.

Awards:

Caldecott Medal, 2010

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.