Something from Nothing, Written and Illustrated by Phoebe Gilman,
      This story originated from a Jewish folktale and is about a boy named Joseph and his grandfather. Joseph's grandfather makes him a blanket when he is born. The blanket wears out and Joseph takes it to his grandfather. He makes the blanket a jacket. The jacket eventually is too small and his grandfather turns it into a vest. Eventually, the material becomes so worn that there is only enough left for a button. Joseph wears this button proudly until he loses the button. Joseph's grandfather says that he cannot make something new without any of the blanket. Joseph does not lose heart and says that he can make a story out of all of these events. In this way, he made "something from nothing."
       This story is most appropriate for first and second grade. It has a lot of repetition, so the students can find comfort and confidence in knowing and saying some of the words with the teacher during a class read-aloud. Additionally, the illustrations add to the story and do not only tell the events. For example, the scraps of the material of the blanket end up with the mice that live below the house. The mice can be seen on each page with curtains, clothes, and tablecloths made out of the blanket. This would help the students be engaged in the story. The students could also reflect on what it means to create "something from nothing" and if that is truly possible.