Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

1/30/12

I Want My Hat Back



I just bought the book, I Want My Hat Back, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Published in 2011, it won the Ted Geisel Award. It's such a simple book with a bear asking his animal friends, "Have you seen my hat?" A bunny, who is obviously wearing his hat, says "No. Why are you asking me. I haven't seen it. I haven't seen any hats anywhere. I would not steal a hat. Don't ask me any more questions." The bear moves on, until he realizes that the rabbit is indeed wearing his hat. The ending is priceless, and I laugh every time I read Bear's guilty answer to squirrel who is looking for a rabbit wearing a hat.

7 comments:

Lauren said...

I have yet to look through this book, but I love the cover! It sounds wonderful. I have enjoyed the picks for the Ted Geisel Awards over the years.

Christy said...

I love his work. My daughter and I both aspire to do artwork like his.

Annie said...

I have been waiting for this to come in at my Indie! I love this!

Mark said...

I haven't checked this one out yet, it sounds like fun. Thanks for the recommendation!!

Stephanie said...

It looks so cute:)

David LaRochelle said...

I LOVE this book as well, Diane! It is so simple, yet so very skillfully done. I love the design of the book, how the text of what each animal says is printed in the same color as the animal, eliminating the need for speaker tags (i.e. "rabbit said"). And I marvel at how Klassen shows us that Bear is at heart a good guy (he says thank you, helps turtle climb a rock, etc) which makes the ending all that more rich. And it is so doggone funny!
I may have to buy this so I have my own copy, the way I wanted my own copy of Mo Willem's "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus."

Diane Adams said...

David, you will not be alone in needing a copy of this book. I have shown it to so many people and enjoyed watching their reactions to it!