What a Hat! [Hardcover]

Holly Keller (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Henry and Wizzie's cousin Newton is coming to visit, and they can't wait. But when Newton arrives, he won't take off his hat.

He wears it at dinnertime;
he wears it in the bathtub;
he wears it to bed.

Henry thinks Newton is being weird.

Wizzie thinks Newton needs a friend.

Acclaimed picture book creator Holly Keller turns an anxious situation into an unexpected chance for Newton to shine.

What surprises!

What generosity!

What a Hat!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-A charming story about a hat and the comfort it provides. During a visit to his cousins' house, a young rabbit named Newton won't take off his knitted cap. Wizzie is willing to let it go, but Henry is determined that his cousin give up this security object, and first taunts, and then ignores his guest. In an act of empathy, Newton finally takes off his hat to comfort Wizzie, and the three characters learn valuable lessons. Young children will relate to this simply written story. Full- and half-page colorful illustrations featuring animals with expressive eyes and postures, all placed against uncluttered backgrounds, clearly depict the action in this amusing yet reassuring tale. Delightful.
Leanna Manna, Villa Maria College, Buffalo, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS. Keller gives young ones a gentle lesson in empathy, and even though children may not know the word, they will certainly understand the feelings the book engenders. Cousin Newton, a little bunny child, is coming to stay with Henry and his sister, Wizzie. When Newton arrives, he refuses to give up his "security blanket," in this case, his orange hat. Nor will he take it off at the table, in the bathtub, or even in bed. Henry thinks Newton is a pain, but Wizzie is sympathetic. Then when Wizzie has a bad day, it's Newton to the rescue, helping the only way he knows how--by letting her wear his hat. Keller's familiar artwork is always child friendly, and that's the case here, with rabbit children that look, act, and interact just as real kids do. The oversize art extends a text that could use slightly more action, but the mix of mirth and message still comes through. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1 edition (September 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060514795
• ISBN-13: 978-0060514792
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,116,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Rabbit Pulled Out of His Hat!, March 22, 2005

By 

M. Allen Greenbaum (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: What a Hat! (Hardcover)

Visitors are exciting, but they may also bring unexpected and inexplicable habits to one's house. Take Newton the bunny, for example. While visiting cousins Henry and Wizzie, he won't take off his hat. Not for dinner, not in the bathtub, not even when he goes to bed! He merely says "No hat." Bunny Henry does not have his sister Wizzie's patience; he calls Newton "weird," steals his hat ("Mama made Henry wait an extra ten minutes for his muffin"), and tries to trick him into taking off. Finally, Henry ignores Henry, pretending he doesn't even see him, while Wizzie and Newton make a "tiger house" in the sandbox. When meanie bunny Gus knocks the house down, Winnie cries and Newton tries to cheer her up: He gives her his tiger, hugs her, and finally gives her his hat. That does the trick--Wizzie stops crying.

The funny thing is that Wizzie keeps the hat on. She wears it all that afternoon, during dinner, when she takes her bath, and even when she goes to bed! Newton isn't upset that he doesn't have a hat; in fact, he jokes with Henry about it: "'No hat!" Newton said to Henry, and Henry laughed. BY the next day, all three bunnies are playing happily together, and none of them are wearing a hat (it's on Newton's toy tiger).

Although a very simple story, I liked the example of Wizzie's acceptance of Newton's seemingly strange attachment to his hat. The affection between the two leaves a warm feeling, and we also discover that Newton is neither "weird" nor so attached to the hat as Henry originally thought. Conversely, those toddlers somewhat dependent on a favorite object may learn that they can give it up, so that others can enjoy its security too. Soft colors and nice interior details, along with the bunnies' expressive faces add to the book's appeal.

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm feelings, August 19, 2009

By 

C. J. Stark "Louie's Mama" (Portland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What a Hat! (Hardcover)

This is a sweet story about compassion and sacrifice. I love the illustrations. This book gives me a warm feeling. I love it more than my 2 year old but an older child would probably appreciate it, too.