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The Coat

by Séverine Vidal

Subject
Social Themes - Poverty & Homelessness
Age
3-5 years
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Publisher
Flyaway Books
Size
22.1 cm × 26.9 cm
ISBN
9781947888388

Ah, the coat. So warm, so beautiful, so red. It’s all Elise has really wanted, and she’s been waiting forever. When will the coat be hers?

Then, a chance encounter changes everything, revealing that the pleasure that comes from belongings (even the perfect ones!) is no match for the joy of helping others.

At turns lighthearted and poignant, The Coat offers a glimpse at the hardships confronting those who are experiencing homelessness, inspiring us to treat them with compassion and respect. A downloadable discussion guide is available at flyawaybooks.com/resources.

About the creators

Séverine VidalAuthor

Séverine Vidal is a French author who writes for all ages, in genres ranging from picture books to novels and comics. Her books have been widely translated and have won numerous awards, including the 2021 Prix des Incorruptible (ages 7-8) for the French edition of The Coat. She also leads writing workshops. She lives in France, near Bordeaux.

Louis ThomasIllustrator

Louis Thomas is an illustrator and author with many books to his credit. He also paints for personal exhibitions, draws for Pixar and Universal Studios, and teaches around the world. Since 2013 he has been based in Paris, where he lives with his cat, Pipo, in a workshop between the Panthéon and the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

"This story is uplifting and will be a strong resource for teachers to talk about the importance of kindness. VERDICT A must for all libraries. It is not only a beautifully told story, but its message is full of heart. Children will love engaging in 'what would I do?' scenarios."
School Library Journal (starred review)
"Primary red, blue, and yellow play against muted backdrops in the sketchlike illustrations of this heartfelt story that encourages compassion and reflection on what’s truly important."
Foreword Reviews
"The brilliance of The Coat lies in its believable perspective on how the practice of kindness emerges in the life of a child. . .. Louis Thomas' illustrations add immeasurably to the story, revealing vivid emotions."
Spirituality & Practice
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.