A Cote of Many Colors
#11 in Janette Oke'S Animal Friends Series
on Goodreads (114)
What’s inside...
When their caretaker is hospitalized, Blue Boy and the other homing pigeons receive food, water, and excellent care from two young boys who love pets. Mark and Timmie's landlord has a whole loft of prize-winning carrier pigeons, but the gruff man said 'absolutely no pets' when he rented the small house to the boys' mother. So Mark and Timmie can only watch the pigeons--including Blue Boy, their favorite--from across the fence and wish they had a pet of their own. But what will happen when their landlord is hospitalized and can't care for his pigeons? How will Blue Boy and the other pigeons survive without the watchful eye and care of their owner? Will the boys' dream for their very own pet ever come true?
Discussion points
How do you think Dolly felt when she received the coat of many colors? What would you feel if you were in her place?
Why do you think the coat was so special to Dolly, even though others thought it was just made of rags?
What does this story teach us about how we should treat people who are different from us?
Can you think of a time when something small or simple made you very happy?
How can we show love and appreciation for the things we have, even if they aren't new or expensive?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the feelings associated with the coat—joy, pride, and love—to help your child connect emotionally with Dolly’s experiences.
Encourage your child to think about personal belongings that hold special significance for them, similar to Dolly’s coat, to make the story relatable.
Discuss the reactions of Dolly’s peers and explore themes of empathy and kindness with your child.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss values like gratitude and contentment with what we have.
After reading, ask your child to draw their version of a 'coat of many colors' and explain why they chose those colors, fostering creativity and personal expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of accepting differences through the diverse colors of the protagonist's coat, emphasizing inclusivity among various characters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures in their classes and neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: The Value of Sharing
Explanation: The protagonist shares his colorful coat with those who are less fortunate, teaching the joy and importance of sharing.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys, books, or snacks with friends, fostering generosity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-expression
Explanation: The protagonist uses his coat to express his personality and creativity, showing that self-expression is valuable and should be cherished.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in creative activities like drawing, dressing up, or storytelling to express themselves uniquely and confidently.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters challenges that he overcomes by thinking creatively, particularly in how he uses his coat to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This instills the ability in children to think critically and solve problems they meet in school or play creatively and effectively.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Compassion
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates kindness by helping others in need throughout the story, which reinforces the moral of compassion.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be empathetic and helpful towards their peers and others in their community, building stronger, supportive relationships.