I think this is a beautiful story and it has a beautiful message. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that I do feel like the tone shift of the book is so abrupt as to be jarring. I do not mind the shift, mind you, just that there is no craft in it. Especially for kids, I think this might be too swift of a tonal change. I do believe that kids (even very young kids) should be exposed to realities so that they can ask questions and find answers, this is a perfect book to open up a good conversation with children, but it doesn't hold up for an adult read (and yes, I have read many that do) But this is still good! I was a bit miffed that I couldn't find who is responsible for the translation into English.

The Coat took an expected twist and I loved it.

I think every child could relate to waiting or hoping for something for what feels like forever. Sometimes you realize there are more important things then the object your waiting for. Perhaps someone needs it a bit more then you.

A great book to start discussions and teach children about homelessness and helping our fellow earth dwellers

The Coat is a story about a young girl who is super excited to inherit her older sister's fabulous red coat... Until she encounters a family experiencing homelessness whose need is far greater than hers. This story is sweet, tender, and compassionate. My kids loved it!

Thank you to Flaway Books and NetGalley for providing us with an advance reader copy to review!

For all the little ones who have waited on beloved hand me downs or idolized a piece of clothing – this one is for them. When a little girl finally gets her older sister’s beautiful red coat, she is immediately over the moon with happiness. This happiness is slightly abated by her new worry – that if she wears the coat she will mess it up or lose it. The little girl’s joy over her coat, though, is shattered, when she sees a homeless woman freezing in the bitter cold snow. Despite all of the compliments her friends give her when she wears the coat to school, she just can’t get the thought of that cold woman out of her mind. In the end after a sleepless night, she decides to give some precious candy to the homeless woman and her child, instead of just walking by and ignoring them. And the good deed she deed keeps her warmer than her beloved coat. This is the perfect reminder to the little ones about the importance of kindness, generosity, and good deeds, and was absolutely precious!

Adorable, hand painted illustrations bring a sense of whimsy to a book that has an underlying powerful theme about homelessness and caring for others in need.

The book has a lighthearted tone when Elise finally gets the bright red coat she has been waiting forever to call her own. It's warm and cozy and perfect for cold winter days. But, when she runs into a young homeless girl with no coat of her own, Elise is put into a difficult situation and faces a moral dilemma. Keep the jacket she has longed for so long for, or help the little girl who clearly needs the coat more than she does.

Elise learns a valuable lesson about kindness and empathy as she chooses to give her coat away and share the food she has with the homeless girl and her mother.

This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating social-emotional skills and topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach an important life skill in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classroom libraries, counselling offices and more.