A picture book debut by a rising talent tells a cumulative tale with a cheeky twist, aided by graphically simple, and truly hilarious, illustrations.
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 it he begins to lose hope, lying flat on his back in despair, a deer comes by and asks a rather obvious question that suddenly sparks the bear s memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this quirky take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humour and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.
About the Author
Jon Klassen has created illustrations for popular series The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place and served as an illustrator on the animated feature film Coraline. His illustrations for Caroline Stutson's Cats Night Out won the Governor General's Award in 2010. I Want My Hat Back is the first book he has both written and illustrated. Originally from Niagara Falls, Canada, he lives in Los Angeles, USA.
Industry Reviews
"[...] the funniest book ever written and here is why: it is always funny, every single time you read it. And if you know any children at all, you will be reading it a lot. It is funny in whatever language you read it (22 and counting) and to almost every child in the world." * The Guardian *
Repetition for the under 5's and giggles for the over 25's (Best book for laughs) * The Lady *
This must be one of the simplest yet original entertaining picture books around at the moment. -- Shirley Hughes * The Telegraph *
This is an author-illustrator who takes you from page to page with a dry humour which matches his story perfectly. -- Shirley Hughes * The Telegraph *
Elegant books * Wall Street Journal *
This simple story of a bear looking for his hat is my go to for an instant pick-up and giggle. Illustrated simply but with obvious care and forethought, the images convey an extra, subtle layer of humour which for now is lost on my young children. However they still appreciate the story and question why I am laughing like a loon at a bear looking for and finding a hat. * The Cheltonian *
"Read I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. It's the most subtle endorsement of murder you'll ever find." * GQ *
"Fed up with reading sugar-coated bedtime stories? Try Jon Klassen's black-humoured book about a bear trying to track down his missing hat, which your delighted tot will spot long before our hapless detective. There's loss, lies, vigilante justice and a sticky-pawed bunny. The deliciously deadpan dialogue and stylish muted colour palette will delight all ages, too." * Gurgle *
"[...] hilarious and with such amazing illustrations to boot." * Gurgle *
Recommended by Frank Cottrell-Boyce as a must read in lockdown on the Lauren Laverne Radio 6 Show. -- Frank Cottrell-Boyce * Lauren Laverne Radio 6 Show *