Bibliography
Taback, Simms. 1999. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York: Viking. ISBN: 0670878553
Plot Summary
This is the story of Joseph, a thrifty man who recycles his worn overcoat. The overcoat becomes a vest, scarf, necktie, a handkerchief and finally, when just a bit of the overcoat is left, a button. When he loses the button, he decided that he can "make something out of nothing".
Critical Analysis
According to Taback, this book is based on a favorite Yiddish folk song called "I Had a Little Overcoat". The song, complete with music, is located at the end of the book along with an explanation from Taback. The author's use of the repetitive language allows young readers to immediately take part in the reading of the story. The language is simple, without a lot of details. Although there is an absence of details in the text, the illustrations provide the rest of the story. Taback's use of a watercolor, Gouache, pencil, ink and collage beg the reader to read the story and then go back and take a good long look. In addition, the die cuts help the reader to predict what will be made next. Some of the details provided through the illustrations are quite humorous. Newspaper headlines, framed proverbs and photographs on the walls were all created with the storyline in mind. These details are not likely to be understood by children but provide a chuckle for the adult reader. The text conveys the message that people should use what they have and make good use of it instead of being wasteful. Children and adults will enjoy reading this book and discussing the many surprises Taback presents.
Review Excerpts:
Caldecott Award-2000
ALA Notable Recording
National Jewish Book Award-1999
School Library Journal: "A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit. "
Book list: "Taback's mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity. Their colors are festive yet controlled, and they are filled with homey clutter, interesting characters, and a million details to bring children back again and again. "
Connections
Drama: This story is easy to turn into a simple play. Students can use brown paper bags to create all of the items that Joseph made from the overcoat.
Art: Create a class quilt or small individual quilts from scraps of material that the students bring from home. The quilt can be put together with fabric glue instead of sewing the pieces together.
Writing: Brainstorm things that can be made from things that students usually throw away. Then have students create a "how-to " paragraph.
Scholastic Lesson Plan link: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=945
Live Oak Media Activity Guide: http://www.liveoakmedia.com/client/guides/24123.pdf
PBS Kids learning activities made especially for the deaf or hard of hearing: http://pbskids.org/lions/cornerstones/joseph/
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