The Red Jacket

The Red Jacket by Bob Holt mixes character and humor to tell the perfect story about making friends and fitting in.

This is a wonderful picture book to point out how both the illustrations and spare text is used to take turns telling the story. At the beginning, we meet Bob and notice that he is feeling left out from the other birds and critters. This makes Bob sad. When a kind bird notices Bob’s dismay, he offers him his red jacket… and there are even fries in the pocket!

Bob adores his new frock and instantly becomes much more extroverted and friendly. But, when a big wave washes away his coat he realizes that it wasn’t really the coat that attracted all his new friends. When his coat is found, Bob notices another sad bird who perhaps could use a bit of cheering up… a red jacket perhaps?

This picture book is a brilliant blend of illustrations and text working hand in hand. It also delivers a powerful message about kindness and confidence on several different levels with humor and whimsy. After all, shouldn’t we all be given a swanky cool red jacket with fries in the pockets?

Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Jennifer is the illustrator and author of several acclaimed picture books. Most recently is Always by My Side, 'A Stuffie Story', which she wrote and illustrated. She also is both the author and illustrator of Playing Possum, and Blue Ethel. Jennifer illustrated Gondra’s Treasure, written by Newbery award winner Linda Sue Park. As well as, Sometimes You Fly, by Newbery medalist, Katherine Applegate. She illustrated Yaks Yak, Animal Word Pairs by Linda Sue Park, The Inventor's Secret, What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford, by Suzanne Slade, Rabbi Benjamin's Buttons, by Alice B. McGinty, and The Adventures of a South Pole Pig, by Chris Kurtz.

9 Comments:

  1. How fun – simple, spare and exactly right. Plus a seagull named BOB! Wonderful!

  2. Aw, love it! Isn’t it funny how a particular item of clothing, be it a jacket or hat or special tee makes you feel like you can do anything? Everybody should have a red jacket with fries… or chocolate in it. Thanks Jennifer.

  3. Bob is quite a sight to SEA GULLping down fries in that stylish red jacket! Love the fun sweet tone of this book.♥️
    Thanks for sharing this, Jennifer

  4. Adorable and so clever! Love it! Thanks!

  5. Wonderful, powerful book. Love it!

  6. This makes me want to go right out and get a red jacket to share! Darling book!

  7. What a fabulous storyline! I love it!

  8. So cute and so true to life. And who could resist a jacket with fries in the pockets?!

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