The Christmas Coat - Hardcover

Bulla, Clyde Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0394893859 ISBN 13: 9780394893853

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1990

Synopsis

Two brothers who squabble all the time cause their mother great despair, until a common purpose unites them in working unselfishly together--enabling them to give their mother her dearest wish for Christmas.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

Brothers Hans and Otto aren't about to stop fighting just because Christmas is right around the corner. At home after school, the two bicker constantly while waiting for their mother to return from work. Weary and disappointed in her sons, she finally draws a chalk line down the middle of the room to keep them apart. One day, the brothers are mystified to find a large gift box on the table, as their mother has explained she cannot afford to buy presents this year. When Hans opens the box, Otto crosses the line to peek inside. The box contains a beautiful red coat, which the quarrelsome brothers soon rip. When they learn that their mother is merely storing the coat for a neighbor, Hans and Otto are abashed. For once in their lives, they put their heads--rather than their fists--together, and secretly pool their savings and pay the tailor to fix the coat. By not fighting for two whole days, they give their mother the best present possible. Wickstrom's pictures, with their soft colors and old-world quality, impart an elegant look to Bulla's story. This book deserves to be read year-round. Ages 7-9.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Fatherless Hans and Otto fight about everything, and their exasperated mother finally draws a line across the floor and declares each half of the house off limits to the other brother. When the two boys rip a coat that was intended for a sick neighbor, they must figure out how to rectify the mistake before their mother finds out. A grumpy tailor helps out, and the two brothers are reconciled but without gifts for their mother. However, on Christmas day when they present her with imaginary gifts, she is delighted with their real gift--no fighting. Wickstrom's soft brown line over watercolors makes the post-World War I setting look appropriately long ago, but contemporary readers and their parents may smile ruefully at how timeless is the sound of siblings scrapping.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0394893859
• ISBN 13: 9780394893853
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 40