Module 1 Book Reviews: Predictable, Engineered Storybook

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
Winner of the 2000 Caldecott Award

1. Bibliography
Taback, Simms. 1999. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. New York, NY: The Penguin Group. ISBN 0-670-87855-3

2. Plot Summary
A man named Joseph begins the story with a worn out overcoat. He re-uses the remaining fabric to create a different piece of clothing. This process continues until there is no longer any fabric. When the man is unable to create any more items he chooses to write a story about his experience.

3. Critical Analysis
This is a fantastic story for children. The author has created a story that shares the value of re-using materials, celebrates the idea of being happy with available resources, and intertwines predictability with curiosity to actively capture audiences of all ages. Die cuts encourage mental participation by providing clues as to the next article of clothing Joseph will create. Predictable phrasing and a rhythmic beat are perfect for including children in a shared reading setting.

The illustrations are rich with vivid colors and patterns in the lively world that surrounds Joseph. Author/illustrator Taback reflects Joseph's manner of resourcefulness in creating the collage with bits of newspaper, photos, and fabrics. In addition to the storyline, Taback has inobtrusively embedded much cultural information - enough to merit a class discussion entirely separate from the plot of the book.

Inclusion of the Yiddish folk song "I Had a Little Overcoat" brings the joyousness of this book full circle.

4. Review Excerpts
THE HORN BOOK (v. 76 no. 1) "Clever, visually engrossing, poignant, it's worth holding on to."
BOOKLIST (v. 96 no. 9-10) "Taback's mixed media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity."

5. Connections
Another clever Yiddish folktale, IT COULD BE WORSE, retold by Margot Zemot, relates the story of a man a who seeks advice for dealing with a very crowded and noisy household. If the students enjoy the predictability, clues, and elaborate illustrations of Taback's book, they are sure to find excitement in the THE MITTEN - A UKRAINIAN FOLKTALE, as adapted by Jan Brett, which incorporates clues within the borders of each page.

Brett, Jan. THE MITTEN - A UKRAINIAN FOLKTALE. ISBN: 039921920x
Zemach, Margot. IT COULD ALWAYS BE WORSE. ISBN: 0374436363