The Jacket
Age 3+
Picture Books
A lovely picture book for every child who has outgrown a favourite toy or piece of clothing.
The jacket was no ordinary jacket. It was soft, like dandelion fluff. It was warm, like the afternoon sun. It was comforting, like a hug from your favourite teddy.
In The Jacket, a child's favourite piece of clothing, which she outgrows, passes on to her little sister and then is repurposed for a new life. This is a heartwarming story about growing up and learning to let go of the things you become attached to in childhood.
Creators
Sue-Ellen Pashley is the author of numerous books for children and young adults. From being an avid reader and writer as a child to studying literature at university, she’s always loved the written word and where it can transport her. In her “other” life, Sue-Ellen is a social worker, providing counselling to all age groups, including children, where stories are an important part of her work. She lives in Central Queensland with her husband, awesome kids and a menagerie of animals. The Jacket is her first picture book.
Thea Baker is an award-winning children’s book illustrator from Somerset, England. She gained her BA (Hons) in Illustration from Falmouth College of Arts in the UK. Thea moved to Australia and now lives on the Mornington Peninsula with her daughter and husband. The collage in Thea’s work is made with found or re-used fabrics and objects, combined with acrylic paint, oil pastel and digital media. Find her online at www.theabaker.com.
Reviews
This beautiful story about precious things being recycled, about the love within a family will elicit sighs from the audience as it is read out loud…The stunning illustrations underscore the warmth and family closeness of the story. Using collage, Baker has beautifully presented the children at play, the jacket always in the centre of the image…Highly recommended.
ReadPlus
…a story that is as warm as a hug from the jacket itself.
The Bottom Shelf
This is a lovely description of a treasured childhood item which is loved and passed on, re-purposed for someone else, on and on. Thea Baker uses mixed fabric and paper combined with drawing to create the illustrations,which really worked for me. Readers of many ages will find resonance with the story and it will help young children understand that they sometimes have to let go of dearly loved treasures.Recommended
CBCA: Reading Time
I love this book!A beautiful story that is also wonderfully illustrated with a wonderful book design that helps to make this a special book. Like Amelia’s jacket, it’s what we call in our house “a keeper”!
Trevor Cairney Blog
The Jacket shows the progression of life and things that change as children grow up. Parents will be able to recognise their own experiences in the story, and use it as a subtle tool for explaining similar situations to their children.
Kids' Book Review
