Simms Taback's "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat"

 

Taback, Simms. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York: Viking, 1999. ISBN 0-670-87855-3

Plot

A man named Joseph demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity when he takes his worn-out overcoat and turns it into something new. Each time his newly transformed item of clothing gets older and more worn-out, he is able to adapt it and keep using it, such as into the vest he wore to his nephew’s wedding. At the end of the tale, Joseph shows us that even when nothing is left, we can still create something.

Analysis

This story is based on a traditional Yiddish folk song and set in a small village in Poland, as identified by a letter with an envelope addressed to Joseph in one of the illustrations. The tale has a strong moral with themes of resourcefulness and waste not, want not running throughout. Taback’s retelling maintains the integrity of the song. His ending, showing Joseph creating this book and demonstrating "you can always make something out of nothing," adds a satisfying resolution. Although there is no rhyme scheme or strong rhythm, the repetition of key phrases (e.g. “it got old and worn”) and other elements makes this a fun tale to read aloud. The mixed media illustrations of watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, and collage demonstrate the same resourcefulness and creativity that Joseph himself shows and give the images a patchwork feel that mimics Joseph’s old and worn overcoat. Die-cut pages expertly show the transformation of each clothing item.

Adults will appreciate the intricate details and clever references to other well-known Jewish stories and authors, such as an illustration of a man playing a fiddle on the roof of a house and a book on a desk by I. L. Peretz. Other cultural markers are apparent, from head coverings and hairstyles to letters and newspaper articles written in Hebrew. Children unfamiliar with the story or folk song will enjoy the element of surprise as each item of clothing is creatively transformed, and all will enjoy the fun characters and artful telling of the story.

Awards and Recognitions

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2000. It has appeared on multiple recommended reading and best book lists, and has also received several positive reviews.

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

“This newly illustrated version of a book Taback first published in 1977 is a true example of accomplished bookmaking—from the typography and the endpapers to the bar code, set in what appears to be a patch of fabric. Taback's mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity.”—Tim Arnold, Booklist

“The fun beat, the jolly Joseph, the positive message... this book is a treat! […]Taback has managed to write a feel good story about something as "not fun" as reusing old stuff. Now that's a sign of a real talent!”—The Best Children’s Books

Connections

Music and lyrics of “I had a Little Overcoat,” the song that inspired this tale, are included in the back of the book. Enjoy a sing-along to the song (as produced by Weston Woods), and listen to the song in the original Yiddish: Hob Ich Mir a Mantl.

This tale is all about reinventing something that is old and worn. This can be a great craft inspiration. Have children take an old, worn-out item of clothing and turn it into something new. Encourage children to come up with their own idea, but here are some ideas to get started:

• Made from an old sweater or shirt: A scarf or handkerchief (as seen in the book!), a tote bag, or a braided/twisted headband or bracelet
• Made from an old pair of jeans: A pair of cutoff shorts, a bag or pouch (use the pockets!), coasters, or pot holders
• Made from old, mismatched socks: A dog toy, a puppet, a pin cushion, or bean bags

Try reading these other award-winning books that introduce Jewish folktales:

• It Could Always be Worse, retold and illustrated by Margot Zemach
• Golem, retold and illustrated by David Wisniewski
• The Treasure, retold and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
• Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories, by Isaac Bashevis Singer and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Consider reading additional sing-along books and books based on songs, such as:

• The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Jess Golden
• Over in the Meadow, illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
• Singing in the Rain, based on the song by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown, illustrated by Tim Hopgood
• Barefoot Books singalongs, such as Knick Knack Paddy Whack, illustrated by Christiane Engel and sung by SteveSongs
• Raffi Songs to Read, such as Down by the Bay, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

*This review was written for a youth literature class through Texas Woman’s University.