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vel629vet's review against another edition
5.0
So glad I picked this charming book off the shelf! Can't wait to share it with my students and teach them the song.
whanthataprille's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not a huge Taback fan, or a fan of collage artwork in general (see: Fabulous Fair Alphabet), but I found this rendition of an old Yiddish song quite charming. The cutouts added a level of excitement (even for me)--what will Joseph turn his overcoat into next?
mikesmith's review against another edition
3.0
The illustration details and cutouts made this book. The story is a simple Jewish fable of thrifty resolve and creativity. But the fun cultural jokes make for some clever laughs as they poke fun at other stories and characters. The cutouts are a more fun way to foreshadow the future. Of course, I kept thinking, when does his dad give him a new colorful coat?!?! Wrong Joseph.
summermsmith's review against another edition
4.0
Published in 1999. We thought we KNEW this story. But we were wrong! It is still a Jewish story and involves a coat but that is all that is similar. There are hilarious details in the artwork and the story is cleverly cut out. Visually it is a very stimulating book! I thought it was very fun to read.
caties_books's review against another edition
4.0
This book had very interesting illustrations and a cool message about recycling. Also, I always love a meta ending haha.
emkoshka's review against another edition
3.0
A clever tale of one man's thriftiness in recycling his patchy old overcoat into new garments until he is challenged to create something from nothing. Lots of Jewish in-jokes which I didn't get, but the story and pictures are entertaining.
heypretty52's review against another edition
4.0
You have to love a picture book based on a Yiddish folk song about making the most from very little.
emvsmith's review against another edition
4.0
The lovely and colorful illustrations convey depth and texture with the use of mixed media. The cutouts that transition the overcoat into different pieces of clothing are fun and provide a tactile element to the reading experience. Readers will relate to Joseph and his quest to hold onto something special to him as long as possible. The inclusion of the song with musical score and authors note enrich the reading experience by providing context.