Nila's perfect coat

At the thrift store, Nila is drawn to a puffy, pink coat, which Mom refuses to purchase because Nila's old coat still fits. When she asks to buy it using her birthday money from Dad, Mom leaves the decision to him. The next morning, Nila leaves for school without a coat. Lily, a classmate, isn't wearing one either, and because the weather is cold, their teacher keeps them both indoors during recess. Nila spends the weekend with Dad, who takes her to buy the coat. Later, she's troubled to learn that Lily's family is going through hard times. Suspecting that Lily doesn't have a warm coat, she decides to give her the pink one. Mom makes arrangements with Lily's mother, and Nila's gesture pleases them all. This picture book acknowledges economic realities within a story that is wholly positive. While the narrative has an implicit message, it's lightly delivered. The characters' emotions are sensitively portrayed in the colorful illustrations. An appealing read-aloud choice for primary-grade social studies units on wants and needs.

Everyone needs a good coat. Nila loves "treasure hunting" at thrift stores with her mom. One day she finds the best coat--it's pink with green hearts and has a perfectly gliding zipper. But last year's coat still fits, so her mom tells her to put it back--though she tells Nila that she and her father can make the final decision. The next morning, Nila rushes for the school bus before her mom can remind her to grab her old coat. Nila notices that Lily doesn't have a coat either. During recess, both girls are told to stay inside since it's so cold. Nila asks Lily to play, but Lily seems distant. Nila spends the following weekend with her dad and buys the much-coveted coat. But when she sees a "for sale" sign by Lily's house and her dad tells her that Lily's family is "going through a hard time," Nila considers her two coats--and makes a decision that allows everyone to go out for recess. With a lesson of putting other's needs before one's own desires, Paulson's narrative is community-focused and stresses the importance of charity in a supportive--but never patronizing--way. Mola's painterly and rustic-looking art fits the "thrifted" theme of the story. Nila, her parents, and Lily are light-skinned; the cast is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A warmhearted tribute to the spirit of altruism. (information on the nonprofit One Warm Coat and how to hold a coat drive) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.