We hope your child received “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton in the mail this month!
This book tells the story of a young girl who needs a warm coat for the winter. When her mother makes her a coat from rags, the children at school tease the girl for being poor. But, the little girl is positive and realizes that her coat was made by her mother with love. The girl only feels confident and happy, despite the teasing, because she knows her coat is special.
Read this book with your child, simply focusing on the story the first time you read it. The next time, try some of the ideas below or the ideas in the back of your book!
Starting Up: Look at the cover together and have your child name the colors and patterns on the girl’s coat.
Reading the Story: When children say mean things about the girl’s coat, talk about teasing and how hurtful it can be.
After the Story: Ask your child questions about the story. What activities did the family in the story do together? How did the girl feel about her coat? Did the girl stop wearing her coat? Why not?