Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Title: Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
Author: Simms Taback
Major Themes: Jews, Resourcefulness, Picture Books
Synopsis: When Joseph’s overcoat wears out, he makes a jacket, and then….

Sometimes you come across a picture book that really stands out. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is one of those. This is a very fun story! It’s fun to read, fun to look at, and, based on my children’s reactions, fun to listen to. Though it’s been around for a number of years already, it is still in print, which tells me this one is worth having on the shelf! No surprise—it’s a Caldecott Honor Book.

You see, Joseph had a little overcoat, but it was getting old, so he made a jacket from it…and then that, too became old…. There is a lot of lovely repetition in this story. Joseph was very resourceful, taking something that was tattered and using the good parts to make something else, over and over again. Even when nothing was left, he still made something!

The pictures are absolutely wonderful. I love the details in them. Joseph stands out in each picture, and is surrounded by different things in each scene. Sometimes it’s a field of vegetables; other times it’s a big, lively Jewish social gathering. So delightful!

Don’t miss Jospeh Had a Little Overcoat. Your library might have it, but it would be worth buying, too, to have on hand to read over and over. Any preschooler should love the repetition and the beautiful pictures.

No warnings!