I Want My Hat Back
Jon Klassen | Candlewick Press 2011
I Want My Hat Back is a breath of fresh air—understated and exquisite in its illustration, story, typography, and design. This is Jon Klassen’s first book that he has penned and a charming tale he has told. It is a deceptively formulaic search the bear takes on to find his hat. So used to the answer ‘no’, he misses the solution when it’s under his nose. Several tiny exchanges between shifty-eyed creatures lend additional warmth to the storyline. The illustrations are graphic with the subtlest rendering and coloration. Large silhouettes are contrasted with delicate foliage beneath softening each page and creating the environs. The illustrations are just masterful in all ways. Uncoated paper, big Century Schoolbook font, muted palette, command of scale and surprise—all remind me of a classic Leo Lionni book. The end sheets are sublime. Oh, the moral of the story—thievery is punishable!
10 Responses to “I Want My Hat Back”
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This is one of my favorite new books of the year. I have it hiding in my closet for my son for Christmas, but I keep sneaking it out to have a peek!
I saw this in a bookshop about eight hours ago, and forced my wife to read it in the shop. It’s very funny, and the text and art match each other perfectly.
Love the use of color in this!
Tomoe Mami wants her head back.
This book is brilliant. I read a review here in Australia and decided I need the book (I am 45 with no children). The story is delightful and has a somewhat barbed message that little people, depending on their age, will appreciate at their own level – did the bear eat the rabbit ? (I say ‘Yes’). I’d love to see an animated series of these lovely articulate and polite characters. The bear is just awesome.
Mr Klassen is someone who will go places …
Reviewed this book as part of my workexperience in a bookstore – sat in the middle of the floor, burst out laughing much to the surprise of many customers. I want this book.
awesome book, love the style of artwork.
You missed a few pages.
[…] a little fish who steals – is his second tale about head coverings. Klassen’s 2011 I Want My Hat Back won the library association’s Theodor S. Geisel award honoring books for beginning readers. […]
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