Author: Jon Klassen
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: October 11, 2012
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I am sorry to say but prior to receiving this book, I was not aware of the bestselling and award-winning “I Want My Hat Back”, by Jon Klassen. Though since reading “This is Not My Hat, I have revisited the first book. Klassen really delivers a simple yet very successful lesson in taking what is not yours. The illustrations are very cute and simple but also effective. They are able to convey the story very well. Even though the book is aimed for kids, the visual humor is very apparent and I found myself laughing out loud by the end.
Premise: From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Backcomes a second wry tale. When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened. . . .
Even though the book is titled similar to “I Want My Hat Back”, it’s really only related due to the use of hats. The book is aimed for kids, but includes rather dark ending…but innocent overall (don’t get nervous parents). It is also strange but it is a real page turner, I found myself speeding through the 40 pages to find out the rest of the story. Then going back and enjoying the subtle and splendidly told story and illustrations. It is rare that picture-books are long on the New York Times Bestsellers but like Klassen first book, this one deserves to be up there also.
