Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback (ISBN-10: 0874997836) is an exploration of the themes of thrift and resourcefulness. Joseph is a talented tailor who finds a new use for the frayed fabric of his coat. The overcoat morphs into a jacket, then a vest, getting more and more worn. But Joseph finds a new use for it every time. This story gives new meaning and life in the phrase "renew, reuse, and recycle", and would be an appropriate addition to a classroom unit on that topic.

Joseph's approach to thrift is a celebration of life.The vivid illustrations in this Caldecott Award winning story portray a rainbow of colors, and evoke the story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors. The illustrations are both playful and humorous, including allusions to The Fiddler on the Roof, animal friends, and cut-away holes that give the reader a peek into each new transformation.

The story of Joseph the tailor's resourceful use of what he already has opens the doors for a broader discussion of the value of thrift in a family setting and for older students, in our economy. Taback's Joseph hearkens back to a time (the Great Depression?) when this type of thrift was not only valued but also necessary. This colorful and humorous celebration of thrift is a good resource for exploring how recycling can include things other than paper and plastics, and how we can show thanks for what we already have by using it wisely and well.

In the fairy-tale fashion of Charles Perrault, author Simms' Taback ends his-upbeat story with this moral that is especially appropriate for Hubbers:

You can always make something out of nothing.

A wise-cracking and humorous observation with a hidden message! This is certainly an enjoyable and fun read that doesn't take its upbeat message too seriously, and I strongly recommend that you add it to your menu of Holiday reading! 

• Resourcefulness
• Recycling
• Thrift/Saving Money
• Values-based children's picture books
• Caldecott Medal
• Farm Animals 

• This book is recommended for ages 4-8. With easy-to-follow text, this book is an appropriate read-aloud for a preschool group setting.
• Joseph Had a Little Overcoat could be adapted for use in a classroom discussion of thrift, resourcefulness, The Great Depression, or recycling.

More Books Written or Illustrated by Simms Taback 

• There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
• This is the House That Jack Built  
• Who Said Moo?  
• I Miss You Every Day  
• Two Little Witches  
• Too Much Noise (with Ann McGovern)  
• Simms Taback's Safari Animals  
• Kibitzers and Fools