Do I Have to Wear a Coat?

Rachel Isadora received a Caldecott Honor for Ben's Trumpet, and has written and illustrated numerous other books for children, including several classic tales set in Africa (such as Old Mikamba Had a Farm and The Princess and the Pea), My Dog Laughs, I Just Want to Say Good Night, I Hear a Pickle, Bea in the Nutcracker, Bea at Ballet, Jake at Gymnastics, Say Hello!, Peekaboo Morning, and the Lili at Ballet series. She lives in New York City.

"This pleasant picture book highlights activities that children enjoy as the seasons cycle through the year. . . . Isadora’s illustrations, rendered in fine ink lines with bright watercolor washes, have a fresh, airy quality and a cheerful tone. A good book for starting discussions about the seasons and sharing with young children at any time of year."—Booklist

"As children fling open their doors to run outside, the titular question comes to mind: ’Do I have to wear a coat?’ . . . Various vignettes of diverse tots explore spring, summer, fall, and winter. . . . Isadora explores the seasons not only through outerwear, but also activities that are intimate and familiar to those who experience these seasons. . . . Children will feel each season deeply, with or without their coats! A fresh perspective on a cyclical topic."—Kirkus Reviews

"Isadora walks youngsters through each season, repeating the lively vignette-sequence format employed in her I Hear a Pickle. . . . [Readers] will also be tickled by the bits of dialogue in many vignettes. . . . Friendly line and watercolor art features a multiracial and multiabled batch of kids and a generous sprinkling of loyal little pups; there’s the occasional parental guest appearance, but mostly this is kids out and about in enticing scenarios that viewers will long to join."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Hosts a lovely cast of adorable children interacting in each season. . . . A solid primer to introduce the seasons."—School Library Journal

"Isadora’s characteristic ink and watercolor art uses vignettes set against white backgrounds to show children joyfully experiencing the changing seasons. . . . Brief text and coordinating illustrations highlight the distinct natural elements and activities that each season brings."—The Horn Book