This is a book that tells the story of Nasrettin, a man who has done much for others rather than himself and how he is treated. It helps show how you shouldnt be judging people by appearances and there are more important things in life than wealth and the display of it.

I absolutely loved The Hungry Coat by Demi. First, the illustrations in this book were fantastic. Demi used paper cuts and fabrics from Turkey to create different patterns and textures on the page. The illustrations added to the authenticity of the story, as they helped the reader gain a better understanding of Turkish art and regional dress. The pictures were also highly detailed. For example, in the middle of the book, Demi depicts the main character, Nasrettin Hoca, chasing a goat. However, Demi creates a two page panerama of the entire room, including small details like smoking pipes, cooking pots, and the fire place.

Second, this book pushes readers to examine how they judge others. This folktale was written to remind readers to look beyond a person's physical characteristics and dress. Nasrettin Hocta exemplifies this point when he says, "...if you want to look deeply, look at the man and not at his coat. You can change the coat, but you cannot change the man...many a good man may be found under a shabby coat." ( )

The Hungry Coat is a folk tale from Turkey. This is a folk tale about a man named Nasrettin Hoca. He wore a huge white turban, and a worn-out coat. He liked to help whomever he could, whenever he could. One day Nasrettin's rich friend invited him over for a banquet. On his way to the banquet, there was a great commotion going on in hostel for travelers. Nasrettin looked in the hostel and a goat was running loose all around the hostel. Nasrettin cut up an apple into small pieces and set the pieces in a row so that he could catch the goat. The owner invited Nasrettin over to eat, because he helped him. However, Nasrettin declined the offer and went on to his wealthy friend's home for the banquet. Nasretti was running late and did not have time to change his clothes, so he smelled of goat. When he arrived to the banquet his rich friend was worried that his other rich friends would make fun of Nasretti. When Nasretti walked in none of the other guest talked to him or served him food. He tried to make conversation with the other guest, but they did not respond to him. So Nasretti left the banquet took a bath and changed into a beautiful new turban. He went back to the banquet and he was the center of attention. Then, Nasretti began to feed his coat with all sorts of foods. Then, one of the guest asked why he was feeding his coat and he responded, "When I first arrived in my old coat made of patches upon patches, there was no food for me. Yet when I came back in this new coat, there was every kind of food for me. This shows it was the coat- and not me-that you invited to your banquet!" So Nasretti tells everyone at the banquet that if you want to look deeply it is about the man and not his coat. I really enjoyed his folk tale and I would love to do a read-aloud on it. I also love Demi's illustrations. ( )

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