New Zealand author Cowley, best known for her Mrs. Wishy-Washy picture books, originally published this gently repetitive story in 1996 with illustrations by Elizabeth Fuller. Gecko Press has brought a new edition, illustrated by Giselle Clarkson, to a new audience and it is as fresh and charming as when it was originally published.
The tiny woman, shown with white skin and a wild brush of tangled red curls, is looking for a winter coat. One by one, animals and plants share their bounty with her, sandwiched between the repeated refrain, “The tiny woman wanted a coat.” and her questions as to where she will find buttons, lining, and the other parts. As each piece is donated, a comforting rhythm is established, with the leaves going “rustle, rustle, rustle” the porcupines quills, “sharp, sharp, sharp” and so on.
Finally, her coat complete and sheltered by a mushroom umbrella, the tiny woman joins a parade of animals dashing to shelter through a storm and smiles cheerfully at the readers on the last page, her arms full of blackberries, as she stays warm all autumn.
Verdict: This is the best kind of cozy, old-fashioned story with a rhythm and refrain to draw young children in and charming pictures to take them to the satisfying conclusion. Sure to be a storytime favorite.
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