Coat of Many Colors

By Dolly Parton

Book Overview

A New York Times bestseller

Country music legend Dolly Parton lends the lyrics of her classic song "Coat of Many Colors" to this heartfelt picture book that beautifully captures the love of her favorite winter coat--and how her trademark positivity shaped her childhood.

Although we had no money,
I was rich as I could be,
in my coat of many colors
my mama made for me.

Dolly Parton's rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee provides the backdrop for this special picture book that tells the story of a young girl in need of a winter coat. Using lyrics from her classic song "Coat of Many Colors," Dolly fondly chronicles how her mother sews her a coat made of rags, and how she is mocked by classmates for being poor. But Parton's positive outlook carries through to the end as the girl realizes that her coat was made with love "in every stitch."

Whimsical illustrations pair with Parton's poetic lyrics in this heartfelt picture book that eloquently reveals how love and positivity make us richer than anything money can buy.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451532376
• ISBN13: 9780451532374
• Release Date: October 2016
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.4" x 10.5"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Nurturing and comforting

I'm glad that this is a tame, unwacky alternative to "How Roland Rolls;" I even saw the stage adaptation where the kids called Dolly "Cinderella Raggy Coat!"

Great bedtime book

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.

Annie Bananie

I love this story because it teaches me friendship because it shows caring.

From a teacher's perspective

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!

Fan of this book, if not country music

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.