Nila's Perfect Coat

by Norene Paulson, Maria Mola (Illustrator)

Overview

Nila and her mom love shopping at the thrift store. But when Nila finds the most perfect, shiny, puffy coat, Mom says no: Nila's winter coat still fits her just fine. With a lot of determination and some birthday money from Dad, Nila sets out to prove the coat really is perfect—but along the way, learns maybe it's perfect for someone else. Someone who needs both a coat and a friend.

An engaging and accessible story about having enough and helping others in need.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506485812
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	02/07/2023
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,139,514
Product dimensions:	8.75(w) x 10.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Norene Paulson writes picture books that celebrate friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. She is the author of Benny's True Colors and What's Silly Hair Day with No Hair? A former language arts teacher, Norene is passionate about sharing her love of words with young readers. She's a member of SCBWI and lives in Iowa.

Maria Mola is an illustrator from Barcelona currently living in Boston with her husband and their three children. She has illustrated Sparkle Boy, Maya Papaya, Koala Challah, and more.

Editorial Reviews

"This picture book acknowledges economic realities within a story that is wholly positive. The characters' emotions are sensitively portrayed in the colorful illustrations. An appealing readaloud choice for primary-grade social studies units on wants and needs." —Booklist

"With a lesson of putting other's needs before one's own desires, Paulson's narrative is community-focused and stresses the importance of charity in a supportive—but never patronizing—way. Mola's painterly and rustic-looking art fits the 'thrifted' theme of the story. . . . A warmhearted tribute to the spirit of altruism." —Kirkus Reviews

"A fun and engaging picture book with an important underlying message about having enough and helping others in need." —Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

2023-03-14
Everyone needs a good coat.

Nila loves “treasure hunting” at thrift stores with her mom. One day she finds the best coat—it’s pink with green hearts and has a perfectly gliding zipper. But last year’s coat still fits, so her mom tells her to put it back—though she tells Nila that she and her father can make the final decision. The next morning, Nila rushes for the school bus before her mom can remind her to grab her old coat. Nila notices that Lily doesn’t have a coat either. During recess, both girls are told to stay inside since it’s so cold. Nila asks Lily to play, but Lily seems distant. Nila spends the following weekend with her dad and buys the much-coveted coat. But when she sees a “for sale” sign by Lily’s house and her dad tells her that Lily’s family is “going through a hard time,” Nila considers her two coats—and makes a decision that allows everyone to go out for recess. With a lesson of putting other’s needs before one’s own desires, Paulson’s narrative is community-focused and stresses the importance of charity in a supportive—but never patronizing—way. Mola’s painterly and rustic-looking art fits the “thrifted” theme of the story. Nila, her parents, and Lily are light-skinned; the cast is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A warmhearted tribute to the spirit of altruism. (information on the nonprofit One Warm Coat and how to hold a coat drive) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews