I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen (Review & Giveaway)

I Want My Hat Back
is one of 4 books in giveaway

About the book: The bear's hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear's memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this delicious take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humor— and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.

My thoughts: I Want My Hat Back has justly won multiple awards. Written and illustrated for young children, adults reading this book filled with droll art will enjoy the subtle humor. 

The repeated phrase Have you seen my hat? asked by bear of a variety of woodland critters is expressionless. The replies of the critters are simple and varied. No conversational punctuation is used in the book but varied colored text for the replies is done. Manners are gentle and good behavior by all is evident.

Bear finally has an "ah-ha" moment when he realizes he has seen his hat. He realizes he has been lied to by one of the critters. The realization moment is captured using vivid red on the page as opposed to the basic sand colored pages and browns of the other pages. Bear races back to the one he realizes has his hat.

No harsh scenes are given but a subtle indication that the offending critter has justly met his "bear-end" is crafted in the art.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary book byCandlewick Press in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are my own. I received no compensation for this review.