Joseph Had a Little Overcoat – Simms Taback (1999)
This award-winning children’s picture book (Caldecott Medal, 2000) by Simms Taback is a joyful adaptation of a Yiddish folk song, celebrating resourcefulness and resilience. Through vibrant, collage-style illustrations and clever die-cut pages, it tells the story of Joseph, who transforms his worn overcoat into smaller and smaller items—a jacket, a vest, a scarf—until only a button remains… leading to a heartwarming twist.
For Fans of Clever, Interactive Picture Books:
- The Button Box – Margarette S. Reid – Another ode to repurposing everyday objects.
- Something from Nothing – Phoebe Gilman – A similar Yiddish-inspired tale with hidden details.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle – Die-cut magic and transformation themes.
“A patchwork of ingenuity—where every snip leaves room for new joy.”
