Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (1977)

Course evaluation:

Personal Response: I enjoyed the song-like quality of this story and bold colors. Joseph had an energy about him and I loved that he was involved in a fun activity in each scene.

Evaluation: Very young children will enjoy the repetitive text and rhythm of the story; the pattern of the story will appeal to their desire for repetitive sounds and sensory stimulation. The bright, bold colors also fulfill this age group’s need for visual stimulation, while the use of collage and cutouts will delight a child’s sense of whimsy and creativity. Readers will enjoy seeing the cutouts and guessing Joseph’s next item of clothing. The short story and basic plot will hold short attention spans while slightly older readers will respond to the detailed illustrations. ( )

Joseph is an old, Jewish farmer. He starts the story about with a coat, that he loves and wears every winter. Later on, after many years with the coat, it is so old and torn that he turns it into a jacket. After more years, it turns into a shirt, then a tie, then a handkerchief. This continues until the coat becomes nothing but a button! This is a funny story, that many school children will find entertaining. It also teaches the important lesson that we can turn things around, and create something totally different. ( )

Joseph turns his worn out, patched-up overcoat into many different articles of clothing in this delightful tale of taking something old and turning it into something new. Based upon a Yiddish folksong called “I Had a Little Overcoat”, this story really comes to life because of the illustrations. They are colorful, full of texture, and really exciting because of the use of cut-outs! ( )

An enterprising tailor refashions his coat into increasingly smaller pieces of clothing. ( )

It is a creative way to show students that despite the situation, you can make something new out of it. This book is great book for middle school student just to ensure they remember division. It helps them show positive out look of old things. ( )