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Goat's Coat
This illustrated rhyming picture book about Alfonzo, a goat with a very special coat, celebrates the power of kindness and friendship.
Let me tell you the tale of Alfonzo the goat,
who was terribly proud of his lovely new coat.
Alfonzo was happy; he pranced and he skipped.
Then he heard a sad noise, croaking out of a ditch.
Alfonzo couldn't be happier. He just got an amazing new coat, and he feels like a million dollars. But when he discovers some creatures in need of help, will Alfonzo be able to give up his treasured possession to save the day?
This book shows that kindness is definitely the best recipe.
Let me tell you the tale of Alfonzo the goat,
who was terribly proud of his lovely new coat.
Alfonzo was happy; he pranced and he skipped.
Then he heard a sad noise, croaking out of a ditch.
Alfonzo couldn't be happier. He just got an amazing new coat, and he feels like a million dollars. But when he discovers some creatures in need of help, will Alfonzo be able to give up his treasured possession to save the day?
This book shows that kindness is definitely the best recipe.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published December 4, 2018
3 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Tom Percival
137 books282 followersTom Percival writes and illustrates picture books (you know, for kids) as well as illustrating books written by other people. The most well known of these is probably the excellent Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy.
He grew up in a remote and beautiful part of South Shropshire. On reflection this seemed rather more remote than beautiful, owing to the fact that he lived in a small caravan without electricity, mains water or any sensible form of heating. He thinks that he’s probably one of the few people in his peer group to have learnt to read by gas lamp.
Surprisingly enough he has never been called ‘hippy’ (to the best of his knowledge)
Tom now lives in an actual house with his girlfriend and their two young sons.
His favourite colour is turquoise and his favourite number is usually seven.
Tom has three picture books available, Tobias and the Super Spooky Ghost Book, A Home for Mr Tipps, Jack's AMAZING Shadow and a fourth, Herman's Letter will be publishing in October 2012 through Bloomsbury
He grew up in a remote and beautiful part of South Shropshire. On reflection this seemed rather more remote than beautiful, owing to the fact that he lived in a small caravan without electricity, mains water or any sensible form of heating. He thinks that he’s probably one of the few people in his peer group to have learnt to read by gas lamp.
Surprisingly enough he has never been called ‘hippy’ (to the best of his knowledge)
Tom now lives in an actual house with his girlfriend and their two young sons.
His favourite colour is turquoise and his favourite number is usually seven.
Tom has three picture books available, Tobias and the Super Spooky Ghost Book, A Home for Mr Tipps, Jack's AMAZING Shadow and a fourth, Herman's Letter will be publishing in October 2012 through Bloomsbury
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 15, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Goat’s Coat, written by Tom Percival and illustrated by Christine Pym is a book deeply seeped in appealing rhyme and bright illustrations. Goat’s Coat features Alfonzo, a kindly goat, who just adores his new coat. But we quickly learn by closely following Alfonzo’s journey that Alfonzo is no ordinary goat. In fact, Alfonzo is a most giving goat, who will go to great lengths to help other creatures in need. With his trusty new coat, Alfonzo will capture every child’s heart with his kindness and the happiness that follows the simple acts of kindness that Alfonzo performs.
Goat’s Coat is a delightful new book from Tom Percival and Christine Pym that quickly garnered a place in my heart and will remain a family favourite for some time to come. It didn’t take long for the cute lead of this tale, Alfonzo the goat, to work his way into my family’s heart. I am confident that Goat’s Coat will be welcomed into many family homes.
As an Early Childhood educator, what immediately struck me about Goat’s Coat was the great range of teachable moments in this book. Goat’s Coat is a picture book that I believe will work for both parents and educators. Author Tom Percival covers the act of giving, developing friendships, kindness and self confidence. Themes wise, Goat’s Coat could easily be slotted into discussions on animals, weather, seasons and patterns. It is all presented in a very accessible format.
Goat’s Coat reads well and is perfect for either read aloud sessions in an education setting, or for personal use at home. Goat’s Coat would also make the ideal bed time storybook. The use of rhyme impressed me greatly, which is an indication of the talent of the author, Tom Percival. I also appreciated the careful balance between humour, sentiment and character dialogue in Goat’s Coat
Supporting Percival’s clear and clean text are the stunning illustrations by Christine Pym. The illustrations offset the text just perfectly. They are bright, visually appealing and in keeping with the overall style of the novel. The stunning brush print that works as an overlay to the background on many of the pages of this book was a nice touch. All the animals illuminated by Pym’s illustrations are both a great combination of cute and realistic in the same breath.
The language, illustrations and content present in Goat’s Coat are all suitable for a younger end audience, typically children aged under the age of six will get the most benefit from this book. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I recommend this great new title, Goat’s Coat. Tom Percival’s new picture book is a wonderful title and one that I encourage you to add to your family bookshelf.
Goat’s Coat by Tom Percival and illustrated by Christine Pym was published on 1st May 2018 by Bloomsbury Australia. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
*I wish to thank Bloomsbury Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Goat’s Coat, written by Tom Percival and illustrated by Christine Pym is a book deeply seeped in appealing rhyme and bright illustrations. Goat’s Coat features Alfonzo, a kindly goat, who just adores his new coat. But we quickly learn by closely following Alfonzo’s journey that Alfonzo is no ordinary goat. In fact, Alfonzo is a most giving goat, who will go to great lengths to help other creatures in need. With his trusty new coat, Alfonzo will capture every child’s heart with his kindness and the happiness that follows the simple acts of kindness that Alfonzo performs.
Goat’s Coat is a delightful new book from Tom Percival and Christine Pym that quickly garnered a place in my heart and will remain a family favourite for some time to come. It didn’t take long for the cute lead of this tale, Alfonzo the goat, to work his way into my family’s heart. I am confident that Goat’s Coat will be welcomed into many family homes.
As an Early Childhood educator, what immediately struck me about Goat’s Coat was the great range of teachable moments in this book. Goat’s Coat is a picture book that I believe will work for both parents and educators. Author Tom Percival covers the act of giving, developing friendships, kindness and self confidence. Themes wise, Goat’s Coat could easily be slotted into discussions on animals, weather, seasons and patterns. It is all presented in a very accessible format.
Goat’s Coat reads well and is perfect for either read aloud sessions in an education setting, or for personal use at home. Goat’s Coat would also make the ideal bed time storybook. The use of rhyme impressed me greatly, which is an indication of the talent of the author, Tom Percival. I also appreciated the careful balance between humour, sentiment and character dialogue in Goat’s Coat
Supporting Percival’s clear and clean text are the stunning illustrations by Christine Pym. The illustrations offset the text just perfectly. They are bright, visually appealing and in keeping with the overall style of the novel. The stunning brush print that works as an overlay to the background on many of the pages of this book was a nice touch. All the animals illuminated by Pym’s illustrations are both a great combination of cute and realistic in the same breath.
The language, illustrations and content present in Goat’s Coat are all suitable for a younger end audience, typically children aged under the age of six will get the most benefit from this book. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I recommend this great new title, Goat’s Coat. Tom Percival’s new picture book is a wonderful title and one that I encourage you to add to your family bookshelf.
Goat’s Coat by Tom Percival and illustrated by Christine Pym was published on 1st May 2018 by Bloomsbury Australia. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
*I wish to thank Bloomsbury Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
November 9, 2025
Very heart-warming ❤️❤️❤️
November 3, 2024
Charming tale about being thoughtful & kind, and sharing what we have with people who need it more acutely than we do. Tom Percival's picture books have been a hit with the tinies with a fair consistency now. :)
December 1, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
A goat named Alfonso is a bit of a clotheshorse! The gallery wall in his house (see: copyright page) displays pictures of him wearing all types getups. He may in fact be the only goat that prefers wearing - rather than eating - clothes!
One cold day, wearing a new coat, Alfonso sets out on a walk. He generously gives away parts of his coat - along the way - to help various animals in need. He gives away so much of his coat that he’s left freezing, a la The Giving Tree. Unlike that poor tree -- Alfonso’s friends come to his rescue.
Percival’s text is written in verse - making for a delightful read-aloud: “Alfonzo’s new coat didn’t look quite so smart, but he felt a warm glow in the depths of his heart.” The sing-song quality, as well as the sentiment of the story is reminiscent of The Grinch. The moral about sharing - as well as the story of the coat - is reminiscent of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat: “You can always make something out of nothing.”
Illustrations show Alfonso and his friends living in a small mountain town. The charming architecture and baguette-carrying-fox resemble the Alps :) Pym’s illustrations are colorful and texturized (especially the trees). The endpapers are the yellow plaid of Alfonso's coat.
This book can be enjoyed in large groups because of its readability - or alone in order to spot details, such as a bird pictured on each page)! It is a good addition to collections about kindness and caring. Recommended for fans of: Extra Yarn @macbarnett, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat #SimmsTaback, or folktale - The Mitten. Thanks #kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
A goat named Alfonso is a bit of a clotheshorse! The gallery wall in his house (see: copyright page) displays pictures of him wearing all types getups. He may in fact be the only goat that prefers wearing - rather than eating - clothes!
One cold day, wearing a new coat, Alfonso sets out on a walk. He generously gives away parts of his coat - along the way - to help various animals in need. He gives away so much of his coat that he’s left freezing, a la The Giving Tree. Unlike that poor tree -- Alfonso’s friends come to his rescue.
Percival’s text is written in verse - making for a delightful read-aloud: “Alfonzo’s new coat didn’t look quite so smart, but he felt a warm glow in the depths of his heart.” The sing-song quality, as well as the sentiment of the story is reminiscent of The Grinch. The moral about sharing - as well as the story of the coat - is reminiscent of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat: “You can always make something out of nothing.”
Illustrations show Alfonso and his friends living in a small mountain town. The charming architecture and baguette-carrying-fox resemble the Alps :) Pym’s illustrations are colorful and texturized (especially the trees). The endpapers are the yellow plaid of Alfonso's coat.
This book can be enjoyed in large groups because of its readability - or alone in order to spot details, such as a bird pictured on each page)! It is a good addition to collections about kindness and caring. Recommended for fans of: Extra Yarn @macbarnett, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat #SimmsTaback, or folktale - The Mitten. Thanks #kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
October 2, 2018
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
Goat is very fond of his brand new coat, but some of his animal friends need help. Will he sacrifice the thing he is most proud of in order to be a good friend?
This book is so darling! Charming illustrations and a fun, upbeat rhyme will appeal to younger readers. I read this to my 5-and-8-year-olds and they both loved it! Such a sweet story about the importance of friendship and helping others - wonderful life lessons for all ages!
Goat is very fond of his brand new coat, but some of his animal friends need help. Will he sacrifice the thing he is most proud of in order to be a good friend?
This book is so darling! Charming illustrations and a fun, upbeat rhyme will appeal to younger readers. I read this to my 5-and-8-year-olds and they both loved it! Such a sweet story about the importance of friendship and helping others - wonderful life lessons for all ages!
August 17, 2019
Great illustrations, decent lessons
May 6, 2021
Alfonzo the goat has a stylish new coat.
It makes him so happy he skips and prances.
But as he comes across different animals in need, he doesn't hesitate to help by sharing parts of his coat. Later, his new friends come to his rescue.
This is a nice story about friendship and sharing (and just being nice).
Written in rhyming verses this book is fun to read and has rich, expressive illustrations.
It makes him so happy he skips and prances.
But as he comes across different animals in need, he doesn't hesitate to help by sharing parts of his coat. Later, his new friends come to his rescue.
This is a nice story about friendship and sharing (and just being nice).
Written in rhyming verses this book is fun to read and has rich, expressive illustrations.
November 28, 2023
Absolutely adorable, super sweet book about a little goat who puts others first and helps all of the animals around him. Luckily when he's in need, the little animals come to repay his kindness.
October 3, 2024
Move over, Joseph - Excellent book, but the hen really needs to be more responsible
December 20, 2018
A cheerful friendship story about kindness and generosity.
February 9, 2019
I made Goat's Coat into a rap for my little one, because the pacing and rhyme structure is absolutely flawless. There aren't any bits which don't flow smoothly, an issue I find at points throughout most rhyming children's books, and the moral of the story is wonderful too. This book is a favourite with our entire family!
February 19, 2019
Goat’s Coat by Tom Percival, illustrated by Christine Pym. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2018. $17. 9781681199016
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Alfonzo is pleased with his new coat and others take notice as he walks down the street. When he passes a pond he notices some frogs that need help and the cuffs of his jacket are just right for making a boat to help them. When he sees a cat with a hurt tail, the hem of his coat is perfect as a bandage. This continues until he has no coat. But not to worry, all his new friends come to the rescue when the night gets cold and make him a beautiful sweater.
This hits all the right notes for me - text that is smooth to read, likable characters, and a good message. The rhythm and rhyming in this book is perfection, making it an ideal book to read aloud. The moral of the story is also pretty clear and easy for young readers to access. I think this would be a great book to then discuss whether students believe it is true that when you help others, good things will come back to you.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Alfonzo is pleased with his new coat and others take notice as he walks down the street. When he passes a pond he notices some frogs that need help and the cuffs of his jacket are just right for making a boat to help them. When he sees a cat with a hurt tail, the hem of his coat is perfect as a bandage. This continues until he has no coat. But not to worry, all his new friends come to the rescue when the night gets cold and make him a beautiful sweater.
This hits all the right notes for me - text that is smooth to read, likable characters, and a good message. The rhythm and rhyming in this book is perfection, making it an ideal book to read aloud. The moral of the story is also pretty clear and easy for young readers to access. I think this would be a great book to then discuss whether students believe it is true that when you help others, good things will come back to you.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
January 20, 2021
I dislike the books that show a character sharing everything they have and being left with 1 or nothing. When generosity and kindness only go in one direction. In this book, the Goat loves his new coat, but it is slowly ruined by his good deeds. The difference here is the good deeds involve other animals not jealous that the goat has something nice. They are in actual distress. A home has been destroyed. A cat is hurt. A child in danger. In the end, the other animals thank the goat and give him a sweater they have made to replace the coat that was destroyed.
Tags: Conduct of life -- Kindness -- Generosity -- Goats -- Coats -- Animals -- Picture books -- Human Hands Solve Human Problems --
April 22, 2018
Alfonso the goat has a brand-new coat and proudly clip-clops around town in it, looking very pleased with himself. But then he meets a whole string of characters in trouble - a family of frogs without a home, a cat with a poorly tail, a hen who's lost her chick - and, with the help of his coat, comes to their aid.
However, now Alfonso doesn't have a coat and the weather has turned cold ...
A delightful story about kindness and friendship, with amusing illustrations in soft pastel colours. It is written in the form of a rhyme which lends itself perfectly to being read aloud.
However, now Alfonso doesn't have a coat and the weather has turned cold ...
A delightful story about kindness and friendship, with amusing illustrations in soft pastel colours. It is written in the form of a rhyme which lends itself perfectly to being read aloud.
March 10, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @bloomsburypublishing @christinepym
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
In Goat's Coat, we meet a caring and resourceful goat who uses parts of his coat to help others in need. Percival's cleverly rhymed text pairs brilliantly with Pym's brightly colored illustrations. The power of kindness shines in this fun story. Perfect for small and large group story times, this book is sure to become a read-again favorite with children everywhere.
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
In Goat's Coat, we meet a caring and resourceful goat who uses parts of his coat to help others in need. Percival's cleverly rhymed text pairs brilliantly with Pym's brightly colored illustrations. The power of kindness shines in this fun story. Perfect for small and large group story times, this book is sure to become a read-again favorite with children everywhere.
November 20, 2018
I am so in love with this picture book! Goat’s Coat is the unforgettable and oh so sweet tale of Alfonzo, a goat with a snazzy new coat who helps every creature he meets. The story in Goat’s Coat is spun through Tom Percival’s pitch-perfect and lyrical rhymes and Christine Pym’s brightly colored and amusing illustrations. Delightfully whimsical, charmingly thoughtful, and soothingly heartwarming, Goat’s Coat celebrates the beauty of friendship and kindness.
November 16, 2019
“Alfonzo’s new coat didn’t look quite so smart, but he felt a warm glow in the depths of his heart.”
Alfonzo loves his new coat and everyone thinks he looks snazzy. But he loves his friends more and when they need his help, he is willing to sacrifice pieces of his coat to help them solve their problems.
A solid story with a good message, though the rhymes need a little work and are distracting.
Alfonzo loves his new coat and everyone thinks he looks snazzy. But he loves his friends more and when they need his help, he is willing to sacrifice pieces of his coat to help them solve their problems.
A solid story with a good message, though the rhymes need a little work and are distracting.
July 23, 2018
A lovely story about friendship, kindness, and caring about others.
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
September 7, 2018
Witty, warm and winsome. That is who Goat is, that is until his beautiful (Joseph and his Technicoloured-worthy) coat ceases to exist thanks to Goat's administrations to friends in need. Delightfully illustrated, this easy to read story in verse demonstrates that kindness really is the best recipe for happiness - and lasting friendships. A beautiful shared reading experience.
February 2, 2019
Love this book and so does my son. It's on his short list of books he wants to read several times a day. Charming story, beautiful art, intriguing word choices and rhymes. And a character who subtly points the way to live one's life strictly through his actions. A perfect companion to Leo Lionni's FREDERICK.
May 25, 2019
A lesson of generosity via a goat with a coat who eventually shares all of it, collar to pockets, with animals in need. And when the goat is in need, they return his kindness. Wordplay and rhyme are excellent, never forced.
"It had shiny buttons all made out of glass and a collar the color of freshly cut grass."
"It had shiny buttons all made out of glass and a collar the color of freshly cut grass."
November 25, 2020
Sweet story about compassion, kindness, and friendship. Rich vocabulary. Goat is so proud of his fine new coat, but as he runs into other animals in need, he uses parts of his coat to help them until there's nothing left. When he gets caught in a snowstorm, his new friends come to the rescue with a sweater they made from scraps.
May 7, 2021
Alfonzo the goat has a smart new coat as he sets out for the day. However, each stop along his path brings a new problem - first it's a family of frogs that have lost their home, then a cat who has a hurt tail... Each time, Alfonzo fixes the problems with his coat. The colorful, whimsical illustrations were great in this book, the rhyming text was fun, and the message was perfect.
May 21, 2021
Alfonso has a lovely new coat and he's delighted to wear it. However, readers see that he is more delighted to use his coat to help others even though it means he will be cold when winter comes. Lovely story about giving to others and seeing the return for his kindness when the those he helped make a sweater for him out of what they have.
December 3, 2022
Super cute with important messages about helping others and the golden rule; however, I feel like this story has been told multiple times over with a different animal or character in the title role. This lacked originality, but kids would still love the top-notch illustrations and the idea of a gist running around a forest giving away bits of his coat away to each animal he meets.
February 28, 2019
Super sweet story about a goat with a very big heart and a fancy coat. Alfonzo will literally give the coat off his back to help out somebody in need, and he never hesitates to do the right thing.
I think we all (myself included) could stand to be a little more like Alfonzo.
I think we all (myself included) could stand to be a little more like Alfonzo.
August 6, 2019
A sweet story of friendship and putting other's needs before our own. This one is similar to the Giving Tree, but the beneficiaries give back at the end, it's not all take, take, take. Definitely a good group read aloud!
September 23, 2019
I think this is a great book to introduce to students about giving back to those in need. Students will learn that the more good you do, you will also receive good things in return. This is also a good book for kids to play around with predicting the next event.
September 29, 2019
Delightful story about giving what's yours and how it enlarges life. Goat's new coat is used to help many other creatures, all of whom come to goat's rescue when his coat is gone and the winter closes in. Winsome illustrations by Christine Pym.
September 18, 2021
I feel like Alfonzo could have found other ways to help these critters. I hate that he has to use his coat. I actually bought this book because the cover was so cute, but as I was reading it it just rubbed me the wrong way. We don't always have to destroy the things we love in order to help others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews