Bit by Bit

by Steve Sanfield

After scrimping and saving for a new winter coat, Zundel the tailor loves his precious new garment and, bit by bit, over the course of many years, begins to wear it out. Jr Lib Guild.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cultural, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 21, 1995

Reviews

[Tammy Manns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Picture Book
Grade Level: Early Primary-Primary (K-3)

A nice story similar to Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, if you've read that! The first thing that caught my eye was the front cover. It's a picture of a man holding this book, of a man holding this book, of a man holding this book! It could go on forever. The story is about a tailor, Zundel who saves his money to make himself a new overcoat which wears out because "he wore it so much that bit by bit he wore it out." As the story continues, "he wore it out" stretches out--"He w---o---r---e it out." I think younger children would love to stretch out the words as it is being read. Great choice of words and illustrations that add to the story, as well!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well done folk story originating from the author hearing his Russian Yiddish sing a song entitled "If I had a Little Coat". All the necessary repetitive elements are present as a poor tailor finally has enough fine fabric for a long coat which eventually wears out, what to do now well make a jacket of course and so forth until there is barely any fabric remaining. This title and illustrations has that perfect folktale quality.

[Sharon Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was about a man who was a poor tailor. Over time, he was able to save his pennies to buy material to make him a new long winter coat. Over time, he wore it out and made him a jacket, vest, hat, pocket, and finally a button; each time he would wear it out. By the end of the story he only had enough material for a button but over time he wore that out too. The tailor was always able to look at the positive side of always being able to alter the material into something new and had enough to start the story over again.

Genre: Traditional Literature
Suggested ages: 5 to 8 years old

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars This would get higher stars but I have heard this story in 3 different books. I know it is based on an old Russian/Yiddish song..so I will let that go. I it like "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat" and one where he uses he got to make mice clothes. Still a good story, nice pictures...the front cover is deceptive as it has nothing to do with the story.

[Laura5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paired this with Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman to compare and contrast

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a successful lesson pairing this with Something from Nothing. Second graders came up with insightful comparisons.