Gabrielle wants her tailor grandfather to make her a coat that's purple instead of boring navy blue and, after a brief discussion, the two of them reach a compromise. Gabrielle's determination and energy, subtly tempered with caution, is skillfully depicted in both the text and the illustrations. Schwartz's distinctive pencil and watercolor illustrations show fine detail, right down to Gabrielle's chronically sagging knee socks and misbuttoned sweater. (Ages 4-8)

"Every year Gabrielle knows exactly what she will get--a plain navy blue coat. But this year she has something different in mind, something purple . . . The deep shades and vibrant colors are arresting. The numerous details . . . make for pictures that can be looked at over and over; each time the story's satisfying conclusion rings sweetly true".--Booklist, starred review. ALA Notable Children's Book; Booklist Editors' Choice; Reading Rainbow Feature Book; Christopher Book Award. Full-color illustrations.