Picture Books--Review #2

Taback, Simms. 1999. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0-439-21697-4

Plot Summary--

This delightful picture book tells the story of resourceful Joseph and how he uses his worn out overcoat in new and useful ways. It conveys the message that old and worn does not mean useless.

Critical Analysis--

Taback's story is simple and endearing. He uses repetitive text to tell the story and invites readers to predict the next use of the old and worn overcoat with his use of cut-out shapes. Taback's illustration style uses a combination of collage, watercolor, pencil, ink, and Gouache (a kind of paint). Each picture is a feast for the eye with detailed pictures. The drawings invite children to imitate his style as the faces are simply drawn. The clothing is a mixture of collage materials and drawn patterns.

Throughout the illustrations, Taback places newspapers, letters, postcards, and framed photogaphs to give Joseph's house a truly homey feel. In addition, wise sayings that look cross-stitched add to this homey feel. It is evident that Joseph lives in a rural area as we see his barn and animals and his vegetable crops.

Taback conveys Jewish culture through the illustrations. There is Hebrew writing in the books and newspapers, pictures of Rabbis, menorahs, and other male characters wearing yarmulke.

The story seems to end abruptly. The text ceases its repetitive pattern and ends with, "Now he had nothing." To mirror this text, the illustration is uncharacteristic of the rest of the book. Gone are the many details Taback takes such care to add to the other illustrations in the book. We are left with Joseph, plain walls and floor, a rug, and a simple coat rack. Even his animals are walking away from him.

Much to the relief of the reader, the final page resolves this dischordant note by resuming the illustration style and adding the text, "...you can always make something out of nothing."

An author's note ends the book. In it, Taback explains his inspiration for the story; a song from his childhood which is printed on the facing page.

As an adult, I enjoyed this book. The story's message is timeless, that of finding something good in the bad. I enjoyed the illustrations because of the many "extras" added--the postcards, letters, wise sayings, and newspaper headlines. Many of these are out of the experience of the young reader but add interest for the more experienced reader.

Review Excerpts--

Publishers Weekly--"With its effective repetition and an abundance of visual humor, this is tailor-made for reading aloud."

School Library Journal--"A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit."

2000 Caldecott Medal

Connections--

*Read other books illustrated by Simms Taback

• There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly ISBN 0670869392
• Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern. Illus. by Simms Taback ISBN 0395629853
• This is the House that Jack Built ISBN 0142402001
• I Miss You Everyday ISBN 0670061921

*Read other stories taken from songs.

• Today is Monday by Eric Carle ISBN 0698115635
• Mary Had a Little Lamb by Sara Josepha Hale. Pictures by Bruce McMillan ISBN 0590437747
• The Itsy, Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani ISBN 9781580890144
• I'm a Little Teapot by Iza Trapani ISBN 9781580890557
• Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by Iza Trapani ISBN 9781580890151

*Create your own piece of art by using drawing, coloring and collage techniques.

*Re-use something old in a new way.

*Read other books that have been inspired by specific childhood memories.

• Tom by Tomie dePaola ISBN 9780698114487
• My Apron by Eric Carle ISBN 9780399226854