Customer Reviews

Coat Of Many Colors (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love this story because it teaches me friendship because it

shows caring.

My Mother-in-Law was an avid quilter and collector of children's books that had anything to do with quilting and sewing. When she passed away, I inherited this book. Upon receipt of it, I took one look at it and tossed it aside, believing that... because it was written by Dolly Parton ... it would be overly sentimental, sappy and irrelevant. I just haven't found that big-name celebrities make for great children's book authors.

BUT, I was wrong. Though this book simply follows the lyrics of one of her songs, it is so well spoken in book form ... and is abridged perfectly. The illustrator puts lovely, subtle, yet powerful images to the lyrics as well.

The message is much less didactic than I assumed it to be. And the story basically shows how one little girl felt immense gratitude for what little she had in life (compared to her peers) because what she did have was enough ... and her life was filled with love. This humble little girl receives some teasing for a "coat of many colors" that her Mama made of scrap fabrics ... but the way the girl handles the teasing is wonderful ... because she is secure with who she is and what she has ... thanks to her Mama's teaching.

This is a book that I now share with my 3 year old son. Though we are not "lacking" financially ... I am always making him his clothes & toys, etc. so that he appreciates handiwork and the love that goes into creating things for others. Plastic toys are a dime a dozen ... but a "Coat of many Colors" is a treasure forever. This book is a wonderful way for me to keep exhibiting that idea.

I would say that the target age for this book is 3-7 years old.
Enjoy!

I am a huge Dolly Parton fan and I had to buy this book for my little girl. It is a great book for beginning readers and it has a nice message about being different.

Beautifull illustrations. Bought for our grandaughter as my lovely wife made her a coat of many colors too. A sweet story with good moral value. Read aloud to your children and your grandchildren.

This book is truly one of my most treasured books! I use this book with my first grade students each year at Christmas time. It gives the kids a whole new meaning of what the spirit of the holidays is really about. It's not what you get from someone, but how you feel when you have done something special for someone else! We write what we are thankful for instead of letters to Santa. It's a must have to anyone's collection!

I do *not* like country music, so was surprised to find this book beautifully poignant and touching. Most of the children I know actually have too much stuff --clothes, toys, etc. -- so I think it is important for them to hear and read this story. Children from any background -- affluent or poor -- need to know that it isn't what they own that is important, but how they feel about themselves inside, and how much they are loved. This book shows a family that is strong, loving, and good, despite the hardships of poverty. The illustrations are wonderful and eye-catching for children. I can't say enough good things about this book.

In 1969 while sitting on the Porter Wagoner tour bus, Dolly Parton sat down and started humming a song to herself. "Back through the years I go wondrin' once again. Back to the seasons of my youth. I recall a box of rags someone gave us. And how my mama put the rags to use. They were rags of many colors. And every piece was small..." so began the beginning of one of Dolly's most famous songs as well as her personal favorite of all the 3000 she has ever written. That song would solidify Dolly as one of the biggest stars in Nashville and become a huge hit for her upon its release in the autumn of 1971.

In 1994 Dolly decided to release the story of her "Coat of Many Colors" in storybook form so children and adults could enjoy the message that she writes about. The story is about a little girl who has nothing and how her mother wanted her to feel special even though they had no money. However, upon arriving at school the other classmates mocked and poked fun at the coat and the little girl. That true-life incident had a profound effect upon Dolly as she has never forgot the incident, and it was only when she sat down and wrote the song that she realized writing was a very therapeutic way to release one's hurt and anger. The message is clear: it doesn't matter how much or how little money one has: it is one's love for God and love for their family that is truely important.

The "Coat of Many Colors" book is beautifully drawn as well with illustrations by Judith Sutton.

Dolly has written another children's book called "I Am A Rainbow" that was released in 2009 and deals with children's moods. Pick that up too.

This story based on Dolly's famous song, Coat of Many Colors, brings back great memories of the times I've spent in the mountains, and memories of my own mother. I sing the story to my son and he just loves it. Thanks Dolly, for the heart tugging song and book.

All I can say is my daughter, who has a coat that has many colors, LOVES this book. It is read to her four nights out of five. Your children will love it also. Sure the grammar isn't perfect, but it is the overall story that matters....

Dolly Parton has done it again.
With endless talent and creativity
she has written what is sure to be
a classic childrens hit. Coat Of
Many Colors offers parents a
chance to offer their kids morals
and a glimpse into a poor childs
life. Quality reading and quality
time for yourself and children.
Excellent per usual for Dolly
Parton an amazing woman.