Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Coat of Many Colors' by Dolly Parton (Writer), Brooke Boynton-Hughes (Illustrator)

Such a lovely picture book, based on the Dolly Parton song, 'Coat of Many Colors', and her early childhood.

'Coat of Many Colors' contains important messages about imagination, stories, memories, poverty, bullying, self-confidence, and loving what you have, and who you have, who love you so much they will do anything for you, regardless of if they have money or not.

Something made with love for you can bring you so much happiness. Take no mind of what other, ignorant people might think of that something.

Take no one and nothing in your life for granted.

Appreciate what you have now.

Happiness and love do not come from a shop. Happiness and love are not measured by how expensive the gifts you give and receive are. Money, commerce and capital have nothing to do with any of it.

'Coat of Many Colors' - comfort, healing and love are real. The illustrations by Brooke Boynton-Hughes are soft, charming and darling, too, and are as colourful as little Dolly's rags-and-patch-made coat.

The book and the song inspire love, care, confidence, charity, creativity, imagination, enlightenment, courage, freedom, hope, and all things good and light in the world. In other words, like all of Dolly's songs, they are just like her.

Dolly Parton truly is one of the best people on earth.

And 'Coat of Many Colors' is part of her Imagination Library, and the United Way and their reading activities. It is the perfect book to read and discuss with children, of all backgrounds and differences and walks of life.



'[...] they didn't understand it,
and I tried to make them see

that one is only poor
only if they choose to be.'


'Now, I know we had no money,
but I was rich as I could be

in my coat of many colors
my mama made for me...

made just for me.'



'It warms my heart to know that for many people, these words have become a lesson to try to stop bullying in school. On that fateful day, I felt the terrible hurt when people made fun of me. It is a pain that takes a long, long time to go away. In fact, it never really went away until I sat down and wrote this song. Writing the song finally allowed my broken heart to heal.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being different. I think those who choose to bully just don't know how to handle somebody different from themselves. I hope this book can plant the seeds of tolerance, understanding, and acceptance in their hearts.
And for those of you who may already have been victims of bullying, please know the hurt can heal. If this book can help but one child find comfort, then I guess all my dreams for this book will have come true.'

- with love always, Dolly Parton.



Final Score: 4/5