Today is January 19th and it's Dolly Parton's birthday. Dolly has a few books of her own out and this is one of my treasured favorites: Coat of many Colors. It's actually a true story told from her childhood and also the lyrics to her very popular song.
Dolly is one of 12 children raised in poverty in Sevierville, Tennessee. One winter, when she was a child, she did not have a winter coat, so, her resourceful mother made her a "coat of many colors" from a donated box of rags. It was handsewn with love and her mother told her the story of Joseph and his colorful coat from the Bible. She wore her new coat proudly to school the next day, only to be laughed at and teased by the other children.
Most children I know have way too much stuff, so this book could be used to teach an important lesson. The way Dolly handles the teasing is wonderful. Because she is so secure and strong from her family's love, she doesn't need things to be complete.
Judith Sutton's illustrations are beautiful and heartwarming, a perfect match for Dolly's story.
Here's a clip of Dolly singing Coat of Many Colors:
Happy Birthday to you too, Nancy! Steve's birthday is tomorrow. My three favorite people have birthdays all in a row :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the birthday wishes and big hugs to Steve. I love to watch Dolly sing- and a good story to teach an important lesson***
ReplyDeleteTotally missed both the book and the birthday. Dolly was over here in Rotherham in the UK setting up her first Imagination Library outside the States, what a lady!
ReplyDeleteI know Kim has Been to Dollywood in TN. I'd like to see her perform. I agree, what a Lady!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet! I will have to find this one.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I'm a bit of a Dolly fan - lately I've been enjoying her on Steve Martin's new CD The Crow.
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