Description This is a work by Simms Taback, winner of The New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award and the Parents' Choice Gold Award. Through the thrifty history of one old overcoat as it becomes a single button, children can learn valuable lessons. The story is simple yet intricately crafted, standing out for its vivid colors, humor, and originality. Joseph has a beloved overcoat that he treasures. But after wearing it so often for so long, it's full of holes and has become too tight. While wondering what to do, Joseph cuts away the worn, holey parts and turns it into a fine jacket, which he wears proudly. As time passes, the jacket becomes too worn to mend, so he turns it into a vest. Then the vest becomes a scarf, the scarf becomes a necktie, the necktie becomes a handkerchief, and finally the handkerchief becomes a small button. The once-large overcoat has become a button on Joseph's fancy suspenders! But one day, that button falls off his clothes and disappears somewhere. After all that mending, cutting, and making — Joseph's beloved overcoat, having finally become a button, is now lost. Does this mean Joseph can no longer make anything at all? 1. This story is adapted from a traditional Jewish folk song, and its repetitive rhythm makes it perfect for singing aloud. 2. Through die-cut holes used within the illustrations, the book overcomes the usual flatness of picture books. On every page, children can peek through the hole and guess what the overcoat will become next, building their reasoning skills along the way. 3. Behind the fun story and rich details, the book quietly conveys lessons about thrift, simplicity, and self-confidence. 4. The bright, vivid illustrations are full of small details to discover, offering children a fun way to experience a glimpse of Jewish culture through the picture book. About the Author: Simms Taback Twice named one of The New York Times' Best Illustrators, Simms Taback currently teaches at the School of Visual Arts and Syracuse University in the United States, and remains active as an art director and graphic designer. He has illustrated more than 35 children's books and won the 2000 Caldecott Medal for Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. He also received a 1997 Caldecott Honor for There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, and has created other picture books such as Who Said Moo? and Oh, So Noisy! Media Review Korea Children's Book Research Society: When Joseph's coat wears out, he transforms it into a jacket, then a vest, a scarf, a necktie, a handkerchief, and finally a button. When nothing remains, he turns the story itself into a picture book. For young children who love only new things, this book offers a gentle lesson wrapped in fun and humor. The clever die-cut holes, shaped like the next item of clothing, let children guess what comes next — sparking their curiosity and imagination.