THE RED JACKET

A red jacket leads to big changes.

A small gray bird gives Bob, a sorrowful sea gull, a red jacket with fries in its pockets because it’s no longer needed. Bob is increasingly thrilled by the “swanky stylish” coat, which feels like “wearing a big hug,” and the jacket also inspires him to be outgoing and helpful. Crabs and flounders are astounded to see this side of Bob, and when he returns to the undifferentiated flock, they greet him enthusiastically. Oblivious to a wave about to descend, Bob is spun in the undertow. When he washes up on the beach with the other detritus, the jacket is gone. Bob is on the brink of returning to his depressed state. Then his many pals find and return the jacket. Bob realizes that he has “so many friends, even without my swanky red jacket.” He happily puts it back on, but then, as a mournful turtle trudges by, he offers the jacket, because “I no longer need it,” and the turtle visibly perks up. The speech bubbles are in clear, large letters, the jacket’s red pop brightens the pages along with red and blue crabs and the blue sea, and the animals, drawn in cartoon style, are entirely personable. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A delightful story of finding self-confidence and friends—and then paying it forward.