Something From Nothing
Adapted From A Jewish Folktale
Book - 1992
Joseph's grandfather made him a beautiful blanket when he was a baby, but now it's frazzled and worn, and Joseph's mother says it is time to throw it out. Joseph doesn't want to part with his special blanket, and he's sure that his grandfather can fix it. Sure enough, Grandfather miraculously alters the blanket into useful items again and again. But when Joseph loses the final item, even Grandfather can't make something from nothing. But maybe Joseph can?
Based on the Yiddish folktale "Joseph's overcoat," Phoebe Gilman's gorgeous artwork charts the transformation of the blanket and the progress of Joseph's family through the years, subtly teaching young readers about a lost way of life.
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Add a SummaryWhen Joseph was a baby , his grandfather made him a wonderful blanket. As Joseph grew up , the blanket wore out. Joseph's mother wants the blanket thrown out , but wise grandpa keeps making things out of the pieces as they get smaller and smaller. The final piece is made into a button . When the button gets lost , Joseph has grown up enough to know what to do.
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Add a CommentThe first thing you'll notice about this story is the beautiful illustrations. Gilman's story about a boy who's Grandpa keeps fixing his old and ratty blanket by turning it into other items such as a jacket, vest, tie etc... is touching and well written. The repetition in the story is great for helping children develop their reading skills and they'll enjoy guessing what Grandpa will turn the special blanket into next. The ending is fitting and always reminds me that if nothing else we will always have our memories (or story if you will) and that's more important than anything else.
Probably my favourite Phoebe Gilman book. What makes this retelling of a classic story unforgettable is the illustrations. Beneath the written story is another visual tale and a reminder of how interconnected we are.
Best when Orange Sister reads it to me :)
This book is a wonderful story for children. It teaches children that they CAN get something from nothing. They can be positive and believe. I enjoyed it very much. I can't wait to read it to my younger siblings!
Gorgeous illustrations and story as usual from Phoebe Gilman. Probably my favourite after "The Wonderful Pigs of Jillian Jiggs".
This is a delightful fable with such a beautiful lesson. I think that it is a perfectly simple way to teach a child how to look at life in a different , yet thought ful way. All things are precious.
cute little book with a nice message to it- i think it would be especially good for those who have kids with beloved blankies or stuffies
IN this book the grandfather makes the grandson a gift. When it wears out, instead of throwing it out as garbage, the grandfather invests more time and love into making a new gift for his beloved grandson. i love the book because it creates awareness about the love that goes into a homemade gift, and the value of stewardship-is this really garbage or can it still be used and made into something beautiful?