This is a sweet book with outstanding and vivid illustrations. The reader is engaged by anticipating what Zundel the tailor will resourcefully create next as he recycles his beloved coat. The repetitive text is enchanting, "Oh, how he loved that coat..." "Bit By Bit" came before "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat" (Caldecott Medal winner). See also a nice version in Spanish entitled "Algo de Nada."

This has been a top favorite for my 4 yr. old daughter and I since the 1st (of many) time(s) we've borrowed it from the library. A must for our own library! The story is enticing and lulling (perfect for bedtime), and the pictures carry a whole new story -- a sweet taste of the "old world", growing older and losing treasures.

Those familiar with The Wise Men of Helm and More Wise Men of Helm will be delighted with this collection of Chelm stories. According to Jewish folk lore, when the angels flew over earth depositing people, the bag of fools tore open and they all dropped out in Chelm. You can imagine the rest, but don't. Get this book. Alyssa A. Lappen

This is a wonderful book, beautifully written and illustrated. It is a real discussion sparker that will get older children talking about honesty and values. It is a riveting, universal folktale with a terrific message about doing the right thing. Highly recommended, by me.