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thinkinglittle's review against another edition
You can always make something out of nothing.
djahatimisor's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
megan_danyelle's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
happylilkt's review against another edition
4.0
I think I liked this book more than my kids did—but I think they may have been a bit young for it. Also, I hadn't learned the song to sing it to them (which they always enjoy). I'm going to check this out from the library again in a year and see if they like it more, because in my opinion it has the trifecta of what I love in children's picture books: great text, fantastic illustrations, and enjoyable for the parent. I think that the music would make it appealing to younger children and the story would appeal to older children. The music is included in the back, I just hadn't taken the time to plunk it out on the piano yet.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
4.0
Joseph owns an overcoat, but it is worn out. So he turns it into a jacket, then a vest, then a scarf, then a necktie, then a handkerchief, then a button, until finally he had nothing left.
The classic (award-winning) tale with wonderful illustrations.
The classic (award-winning) tale with wonderful illustrations.
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Taback was inspired by a traditional Yiddish folk song, that tells the tale of a poor man whose overcoat had many holes. He cuts is down to make a jacket, and when that is worn, he cuts it down further to make a vest. He continues in this way until there is nothing left … and then he makes a book! Proving that with some ingenuity you can make something from nothing.
Taback’s wonderfully detailed illustrations earned a Caldecott Medal. I found myself pouring over the vibrantly colored pages, full of small details that pictured traditional Jewish life in Poland. In his illustrations Taback includes letters, newspapers, portraits, books and posters. These details will appeal more to adults, but I marveled at the little history lessons included in them. He even has a “Fiddler on the Roof” in one illustration! I also love the cut-outs that show the use of fabric scraps.
Taback’s wonderfully detailed illustrations earned a Caldecott Medal. I found myself pouring over the vibrantly colored pages, full of small details that pictured traditional Jewish life in Poland. In his illustrations Taback includes letters, newspapers, portraits, books and posters. These details will appeal more to adults, but I marveled at the little history lessons included in them. He even has a “Fiddler on the Roof” in one illustration! I also love the cut-outs that show the use of fabric scraps.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
Such a cute story, with engaging, interactive illustrations.
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
5.0
A charming story of reusing old objects and enjoying time with your friends and family. As Joseph's overcoat becomes worn, it's turned into a jacket, a vest, a scarf, and so on down. The story ends with the musical score, so you can read again with a better rhythm. Just prepare for your kids to want this read multiple times if they think they can get you singing with them!
Of course, in addition to just being entertaining, you could use this as part of a lesson on preservation and reusing items about your house. Especially important in our very throwaway culture.
Given that this was published in 1999, it would have been odd for this book to YouTube to play for your little ones. It would be nice if future publications of this contained a link to the song, even if it was just the tune, for parents to sing along. For now, though, this is fine.
Of course, in addition to just being entertaining, you could use this as part of a lesson on preservation and reusing items about your house. Especially important in our very throwaway culture.
Given that this was published in 1999, it would have been odd for this book to YouTube to play for your little ones. It would be nice if future publications of this contained a link to the song, even if it was just the tune, for parents to sing along. For now, though, this is fine.