I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it didn't work for me. I found myself rereading multiple times as I felt felt there were gaps in the story. Where the sentences or transitions felt lacking in clarity, I thought maybe the pictures would fill in, but it did not.

This book tells the story of a girl who really wants to wear the red coat that her older sister has. I remember when I was a child, I really wanted to wear adult clothes like my mother. I really like the story! Teach children about belonging and kindness. The kindness to share with others even though it's something we really like. Also the illustrations in this book are so cute i love it so much!

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for accepting me to read and review this book.

A lovely picture book about a child with a big heart and that brings sensitive attention to the idea that others might need something more than we do.

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.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Great book for kids about homelessness and how some people have lots less than we do.

I've loved sharing this book with my students. It serves as a reminder to not just see and serve others but to live generously and share our wealth in any way we can.

What a beautiful story. I love it when a book with a message doesn't hit you over the head with it but lets it slowly grow and bloom.

Waiting for something you really want is hard, but seeing someone in need and feeling that, no matter how much it means to you, they need it more and you can help is priceless. Giving to others is truly what makes us human.
Caveat: perhaps the theme is a little to0 vague for some of the younger readers.
I was disappointed that I could find no translator to credit (author is French).
The illustrations by Louis Thomas are lovely, brilliant, and fun!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Flyaway Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

"The Coat" is a picture book that takes a look at the concept of empathy.

A little girl has longed for her older sister to grow out of her red coat. It has long been admired and desired. But when she sees another child without a coat it makes for a good story.

The pictures were engaging and the subject of the book makes a good story to discuss with children what they would do in the same circumstances. How would they help another child in need? I liked how the author created a story that takes children through the excitement of a new item to realize that it's ok to share. It's ok to help out someone else in need.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Beautiful story or helping others! Should be read to every small child. Helping others and the joy it gives. Lots of lessons here.

This is an adorable children’s book about desire and compassion. The pictures are wonderful and the story is sweet, relatable and thought provoking!

What a wonderful story of hope and kindness, with beautiful illustrations. A must have for every bookshelf and school library. The message is important and should be shared with every child and reminder for adults alike.

I thought this book was only okay. I was surprised at the high praise from SLJ. The plot has a lot of build-up for a quick climax / resolution.

The illustrations are quite pretty, but there are other books that tackle better both kindness and supporting those who are unhoused. I always find it weird when adults — who have more power and control over their world — think the answer is to read a book to tell a young child to give up their coat (and hat and scarf). It’s also weird that it ends with her being locked out of school, freezing — “but ok because her warm memory is enough” I guess?

Visually, I had some trouble with pages where black text was on a dark gray background.

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.

The gift of giving is what this book makes me think of. Your kindness is what makes the world brighter. This book was so great because children and adults can get wrapped into the idea of more things, but we can change someone’s day by giving to one another. So loved this story to read to children.

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!

This is a book about kindness, homelessness, and a selfless little girl. This should be added to SEL collections in classrooms.

The Coat is a sweet story about a little girl anticipating getting her older sister’s coat when she is big enough for it. She leans a valuable lesson about giving when she gives her much anticipated gift away to someone who needs it more. The story and illustrations go together beautifully. It’s a heartwarming story that will make the reader feeling warm and cozy too.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

"It was red as a poppy."

This book does an excellent job of showcasing how children take great delight in something as simple as a coat. Elise has been waiting for this coat to fit her, and it is finally time!

On her first day wearing the coat, she notices someone else outside. A mom and child without coats.

Elise cannot get it out of her mind. What will she do?

This is a fantastic book for teaching empathy, gratitude, and generosity.

The simple illustrations are delightful and allow the reader to imagine the world in a brighter way.

Well worth the read!!

'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.