Joseph Had a Little Overcoat facts for kids
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat cover
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| Author | Simms Taback |
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| Illustrator | Simms Taback |
| Country | United States |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Publisher | Viking Press |
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Publication date
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1999 |
| ISBN | 978-0-670-87855-0 |
| OCLC | 40159006 |
| 398.2 E 21 | |
| LC Class | PZ7.T1115 Jo 1999 |
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is a popular children's book written by Simms Taback. It was published in 1999 and won the famous Caldecott Medal in 2000. This award is given to the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children.
The story is about a farmer named Joseph. He has a favorite striped overcoat. When the overcoat gets old and worn out, Joseph does not throw it away. Instead, he cleverly turns it into something new. He keeps making smaller and smaller items from the fabric. Finally, he makes it into a small button. When he loses the button, he still finds a way to create something: a story! The main message of the book is "you can always make something out of nothing."
Story and Art Style
The book features special illustrations. These pictures are made with watercolor paints and collage art. Collage means using different materials, like paper or fabric, glued onto a surface. The book also uses "die-cut" illustrations. This means there are holes cut into the pages. These holes let you see parts of the next page. This adds a fun, interactive element to the story. Many readers think that the character Joseph looks a lot like the author, Simms Taback.
Book's Origin
The story of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is based on an old Yiddish folk song. The song is called I Had a Little Overcoat. Yiddish is a language spoken by many Jewish people. Barbara Kiefer, who was in charge of the Caldecott Award Committee, praised the book. She said its bright colors and playful details made the old folk song even more joyful. The die-cut pages also helped make the book exciting.
Animated Version
An animated version of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat was shown on television. It was featured on the children's educational show Between the Lions. This show helped young viewers learn to read.
Awards and Recognition
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat received important awards for its story and illustrations.
- 1999: It won the National Jewish Book Award for Children's Picture Book.
- 2000: It was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal. This medal celebrates the best illustrations in U.S. children's picture books.
