Picture Book Review Genre 1 - Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

1. Bibliography
Taback, Simms. 1977/1999. Joseph had a little overcoat. New York: Viking. ISBN 9780670878550

2. Plot Summary
In this adaptation of an old Yiddish song, Taback tells the story of Joseph and his ever-changing article of clothing. Joseph begins with a coat that gets "old and worn," so he decides to cut it into a vest. The vest gets cut down and transformed, and so on and so on until he is left with nothing. Never to fret, though, Joseph is happy to make a book about his little coat and shares that "you can always make something out of nothing."

3. Analysis
Taback's artwork beautifully illustrates Joseph's story (in his likeness) with whimsical images of traditional Jewish culture. Each time Joseph cuts down his clothing, there are cleverly placed die cuts in the shape of the next piece of clothing. They excite the reader to guess what the article of clothing will become next. With a mixture of watercolor, gouache (a type of water based paint), pencil, ink, and collage, Taback's comical and vibrant illustrations seem to jump off the page. I especially liked the photographs of faces peeking out of the windows of the buildings in the city. There are also little tidbits hidden in each page such as newspapers, letters, wall-hangings, etc. that can transform the story into another whole reading experience when closely examined.

The repetition used in this story engages the reader to see what Joseph will make next and what he will be doing after he makes it. Young children can recite the words along with the reader to feel included in the reading experience. Older readers can enjoy a sort of "scavenger hunt" in finding and reading all the little "extras" on the pages. The explicit theme of making "something out of nothing" is cleverly carried throughout the book from page to page as Joseph's ingenious ideas and Taback's clever die cuts continue to stimulate the reader's own imagination. This book can be enjoyed over and over again by readers of all ages.

4. Review Excerpts
Caldecott Medal Winner
School Library Journal - "The rhythm and repetition make it a perfect storytime read-aloud." and "bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit."
Booklist - "a true example of accomplished bookmaking."

5. Connections
*Music! Readers young and old can learn the folk song so nicely included at the end of the book. Learn it on the piano, violin, recorder, or just sing it acapella.
*Children can write about a time when they reused something or turned trash into treasure. No ideas? How about hand-me-downs, art projects with used paper towel rolls, etc.
*In El Paso, Texas - View the recycled fashion "Trashion" exhibit at the downtown library where trash is transformed into fashion by El Paso Community College students.