Something from Nothing | Scholastic Canada
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Something from Nothing Read an excerpt Available in French

Awards

  • Winner, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, 1993
  • Winner, Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Younger Readers, 1993
  • Short-listed, Utah Children's Picture Book Award, 1995
  • Short-listed, Mr. Christie's Book Award, 1992
  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2008
  • Commended, Antigo Sugar Maple Award, 1995
  • Commended, Canadian Materials Best of the Year List, 1994
  • Commended, White Ravens Selection (International Youth Library), 1994
  • Commended, American Bookseller Magazine's "Pick of the List", 1993
  • Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Our Choice, 1992
  • Commended, Canadian Library Association, Notable, 1992

Something from Nothing Canadian Title

By Phoebe Gilman   

Scholastic Canada Ltd | ISBN 9781443119467 Paperback
32 Pages | 7.77" x 11.26" | Ages 5 to 8

Phoebe Gilman's beloved classic celebrates its 20th anniversary!

Joseph's grandfather made him a beautiful blanket when he was a baby, but now it's frazzled and worn, and Joseph's mother says it is time to throw it out. Joseph doesn't want to part with his special blanket, and he's sure that his grandfather can fix it. Sure enough, Grandfather miraculously alters the blanket into useful items again and again. But when Joseph loses the final item, even Grandfather can't make something from nothing. But maybe Joseph can?

Based on the Yiddish folktale "Joseph's overcoat," Phoebe Gilman's gorgeous artwork charts the transformation of the blanket and the progress of Joseph's family through the years, subtly teaching young readers about a lost way of life.