Customer Reviews

Something from Nothing

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used this book in a daycare class of two and three year-olds. It's great!! The repetition gets children involved actively with the story and the artistry keeps children busy looking for all sorts of details. Wonderful book for children of all ages.

I gave this book five stars because it had really good word choice and it reminded me of a blanket I used to have. I would recommend it to 7 year-olds or older. It is my favorite book. I have read it 25 times.

I've seen a few knock-offs of this story, and actually, they're all based on a classic Yiddish folktale, so I guess they have the right. But in my mind -- and my kids'! -- Gilman's sweet take on this tale of old-world frugality and love will always be the "classic."

Gilman's richly colourful paintings are full of action, vivid cross-sections depicting events playing out in all the rooms of Joseph's house, out on the street, and even in the cellar where a growing family of mice plays out a surprising "bonus" story of their own.

The characters here are all believable; Joseph is as mischievous and playful as any modern child. And the time flow in this book is exquisite: as in life, Gilman's transforms Joseph from page in subtle but certain stages, bringing him from early childhood into his cheder years.

This is a story kids will love to listen to over and over, and even adults will enjoy making new discoveries within the familiar illustrations. A superlative gift for any child, one which will grow with them and be cherished for years to come.

Not only is this a wonderful story, but it is culturally expanding. My daughter loves to read along with me -- a great way to end the day.

There are many versions of this story in print (it is a classic Yiddish story) but Gilman's version is far and away the best.
Joseph, a wonderfully drawn character, receives a beautiful blanket from his grandfather. As he ages, the blanket is transformed into a jacket, a vest, a scarf etc.
The prose is very well-done and very lively with lots of repetition which will please children and their parents. The illustrations, however, really make this book. They are fantastic! The world of the shtetl really comes to life in these detailed drawings (in fact, living in a shtetl actually looks pretty good which is an amazing accomplishment!).
I have given this book to friends and family---both Jewish and non-Jewish and everyone has loved it. Buy it, find a blanket and curl up with a child to read this one!

And you'll enjoy reading it to them every time! When Joseph's favorite blanket wears out, Grandpa, a tailor, saves the day by fashioning it into a smaller item. Over the years Grandpa makes Joseph's blanket into ever smaller items until finally, well, you can't make something from nothing! Or can you?

Written to be read aloud, Something From Nothing will have your children chiming in as Grandpa's scissors go "snip, snip, snip" and his needle goes "in and out and in and out." A delighful second storyline is carried on in the illustrations, with a mouse family putting the scraps from Joseph's blanket to good use. This richly illustrated book is a treat both you and your children (ages 2 to 9) will enjoy.

One of my top 5 favorite children's books! The story line is touching, the illustrations are amazing! I recommend this book to young and old! Besides the beautiful bond between Joseph and his grandfather, I love the incorporated journey of the family of mice that is illustrated at the bottom of the pages - the little girl with the red coat and hankerchief covered head is also brilliant! So many stories happening in one book! A definate 'keeper'

Something From Nothing is simply a perfect book for children betwen the ages of three and eight. It has rhythm, repetition, and heartwarming story, as well as a secondary story hidden in the beautiful illustrations, that make it a joy to read over and over. My children and I have enjoyed several of Gilman's clever, beautifully illustrated books, but this is her masterpiece. (Also check out "Jillian Jiggs" and "The Balloon Tree")

This is a wonderful children's book with fabulous illustrations, but I have to admit that I am partial to "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat" written by Simms Taback, which tells the same story. Please refer to my review of Taback's book to learn more about it, which is by far the best childhood book that I have read.

"Something from Nothing," written by Phoebe Gilman tells the story of a grandfather who makes his grandson, Joseph, a blanket to keep him warm. As Joseph gets older, the grandfather makes him a jacket, a vest, a scarf, a handkerchief, and a button. Eventually the button is lost, so Joseph uses the remaining material to write a book. This exemplary book teaches children both about the importance of reusing things that they have and that something good can come out of an apparent loss.

The illustrations are gorgeous. The art on the top part of each page follows Joseph's story, and the art on the bottom part of each page follows the story of a family of mice that use the scraps of cloth left behind by Joseph's grandfather to make their own curtains, clothes, etc. Both sets of illustrations nicely follow the words on each page and I can see how older kids would most likely favor the illustrations about Joseph and that little children would favor the pictures of the mice.

I highly recommend this book for any age child, as it tells a story that is important to remember.

This is one of my favorite children's books. I love the artwork and the retelling of an old story. It is a wonderful gift for all your best beloved children.