Reviews

The Coat by Séverine Vidal

hollyxbear's review

4.0

I read a copy of this picture book on Eidleweiss.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The main character was so much like all the children I have known in my life, carefree and happy. But when she sees someone in need instead of walking away like everyone else, she does something. She gives the homeless little girl and her mom the clothes off her back and the food from her pockets. I loved this story. It is a much needed lesson for children to learn. It feels good to give to people in need.

geekwayne's review

3.0

'The Coat' by Severine Vidal with illustrations by Louis Thomas is a picture book about a young girl who learns that sharing can mean as much or more as wanting.

Young Elise has been waiting for the day when her sister's red coat will be hers. Finally, the day arrives and Elise finally gets it. The coat is warm and makes her smile, until she sees something that makes her sad, but Elise finds a way to change that situation too, even if it's only to bring a smile.

The lesson here is beautiful as are the illustrations. I liked this story of a child who finds a simple way to help.

angiew23's review

5.0

This touching story tells about a young girl named Elise who can't wait to wear her older sister's hand-me down red coat on a cold winter day. But when she encounters a woman and a child who are homeless and not dressed for the weather, she begins to feel sad thinking about the people she saw. She also noticed that people passed by and did not look at the woman and child. She also feels bad about the lack of kindness she witnessed. The story sends an important message about how we view and interact with people experiencing homelessness. I often struggle to explain homelessness and poverty to my students who are from an affluent neighbourhood and often only see poverty in our downtown area or in the media. I think that children's books like this one are important and should definitely be in classroom and school libraries. I would definitely recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

bmanglass's review

4.0

I particularly enjoyed the engrossing illustrations and artful narration in this otherwise not-the-most-groundbreaking picture book about wanting, generosity, and noticing the needs of others. While the plot treads familiar ground, endearing word choices and characterization make this particular telling special.

ladysreads's review

5.0

Such a delight to read! The illustrations in the children’s story were apt for the story. A simple yet profound message with themes of kindness and compassion.

A big thank you to NetGalley for this ARC read.

librarianryan's review

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

 

If you want to picture book to make you cry, this one will do it. There are so many things to love about this book. First off Elise is a little girl and the one thing she really wants is to be big enough for her sister’s hand me down coat. It’s red, it has a big pocket, a hood, and it is absolutely perfect. She can’t wait for it to be hers. The day comes when she gets the coat. She wears it to school but on the way, they see a mom and a little girl out in the cold with no coats. She goes back home but feels yucky because something is wrong. She realizes that people look at their phones, they look away, they did everything to pretend not to notice the mom and the little girl in the cold. The next day Elise said “Hi”.  Elise accidentally got locked out of school while it was cold, but not too cold. What I love is that the author doesn’t tell you what Elise did, you see it in the pictures. You see it in the authors words that her thoughts were enough to keep her warm. This book didn’t have to say Elise gave away her coat, no one made Elise giveaway her coat. Elise did it because it was the right thing to do and didn’t need to brag or point out that this good deed was done. I love this book! it’s well done and well-illustrated. The story is a joyful sadness that is important for kids to experience growing up. 

alisa4books's review

4.0

A sweet story about a girl who sees a need and meets it despite the discomfort it causes her.

ljrinaldi's review

4.0

This is an interesting book, told from a small child’s point of view. She has been longing for a hand-me-down coat from her sister. It isjust what she needs. It fits perfectly. She loves it, and her friends love that she has it.

And then, she sees a homeless woman and child, shivering in the cold. She doesn’t know what to do. No one else seems to see them. They look the other way, they ignore her. Is that what she is supposed to do too?

And so, we learn that despite loving the coat so much that she dreams about it at night, she is willing to give it up to the child so she won’t freeze.

A story in compassion, when the rest of the world just keeps walking by.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

twiinklex's review

3.0

(my copy does not show Elise giving away her coat, she gives candy instead)

A good book to teach little ones about kindness, empathy and how every small gesture counts. I loved the cute and lively artwork. The winter setting also made it the perfect heartwarming read this month. I was expecting Elise to give up her coat but I'm glad that didn't happen as it would have been too predictable, though I did wish the story had gone more in-depth and engaged children about social issues e.g. homelessness.

Thank you to Flyaway Books for the Netgalley ARC.

bertharochestergraduates_8's review

challenging hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.25

I never experienced a book that discussed homelessness in the way that this sweet book does. I recommend this story to many classrooms so that children can understand sympathy, empathy, and caring for their fellow people, including children their age.

Furthermore, the pacing's quick, and the illustrations are lovely.