The Coat of Many Colors

The Coat of Many Colors, written by Jenny Koralek and illustrated by Pauline Baynes, is one of many books about the Bible character, Joseph. This book retells the well-known story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, taken from the book of Genesis. The author highlights the key events in Joseph’s life: his father giving him a special coat; his brothers’ jealousies and their betrayal of him; his capture and enslavement; his interpretations of Pharaoh’s dreams; his rise to power in Egypt; and his eventual reunion with his brothers.

The text contains both narrative and dialogue, bringing the characters to life on the page.

The illustrations, done mostly in shades of browns and yellows, like those found in a desert, are appropriate for a story set long ago in Egypt. They evoke a feeling of ancient Egyptian art. Borders, like those found on ancient poetry, have been added to each page.

What I Like: Everything.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers, 2004; ISBN: 0802852777; Hardcover: $16.00.

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