The Wrong Overcoat

by Hiawyn Oram, Mark Birchall (Illustrator)

Despite the insistence of his family and friends that his new overcoat suits him perfectly, Chimp dislikes it so much that he finds a way to get rid of it.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 29, 1999

About the author

Hiawyn Oram is a very successful author of children's books in Britain. Her books include the popular Not-So-Grizzly Bear Stories, the Animal Heroes series, and Mona the Vampire. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Kim Cerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wrong overcoat presents the reader with a dilemma. Chimps mum got him a new coat, but chimp did not like it at all. Everyone else seemed to like it but not chimp. The coat even spoiled a day out with his friends. Chimp was not at all happy. Chimp decided he would change the coat and went to the store. He met a kangaroo, who was looking for a new coat. He wanted chimps coat. Chimp and kangaroo came to an agreement. Kangaroo bought chimp a new coat and chimp gave kangaroo his coat. They were both very happy. BUT his parents were not very happy with chimp, they liked the old coat better. But chimp liked his new coat, and after all it was him that had to wear it.

This book has some fantastically brightly coloured images which accompany the text. It allows for visual images to promote the story within the child's imagination. This book if particularly good for children with EAL as the images are clear to follow.

This book can be used as a focus for narrative writing in year 2. It allows children to predict what might happen in the book from the front cover and discuss the characters that may appear in the book. In addition it allows children to create a storyboard of the events within the book (which can link cross curricular to art). Finally it allows children to talk about similar experiences when they have been given something they do not like and how they overcome that problem (which can link cross curricular to PSHE).

The children that I read this book to really enjoyed the story, which created a lot of discussion and imaginative ideas.

I would definitely recommend this book for children and as a teaching resource.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story. A chimp is given a coat that just doesn't fit right, but everyone else thinks it is a great coat for him.

[Bethany Lovhaug]

Chimp is not happy with his new overcoat. it is HOT, SCRATCHY, and too TIGHT. Everyone says that he has the perfect coat, but he disagrees. So he sets out to find the right overcoat for himself.
Kids learn new adjectives and the book has a slightly more complex plot. Good for preschool age.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something about the tone and the illustrations in this story just tickles my funny-bone.