Simple text, twisted humor, deadpan expressions and sublime illustrations, the cover of Jon Klassen's recently released picture book won me over before I even cracked the spine. Half way into it, I was completely infatuated. Oh yeah, and the kids were pretty nuts about it, too.
A bear has lost his beloved hat. He walks around politely questioning a variety of woodland creatures whether or not they've seen it. Apparently no one has seen his hat, although a rabbit (who happens to be sporting a red, pointy cap) appears suspiciously on edge regarding his inquiries. When deer happens upon bear lying on the ground, crestfallen and dejected, he asks bear what his hat looks like. As bear begins to describe his hat, "It's red and pointy and," he sits up at attention, the page turns red, and his eyes widen as it dawns on him: "I HAVE SEEN MY HAT."
By the end of the book bear sits among a tangle of broken twigs and grasses, reunited with his hat. And a squirrel asks him, "Have you seen a rabbit wearing a hat?" I don't want to give away too much, but for the sake of those with pet rabbits, it's understood the bear has devoured the unscrupulous bunny.
Klassen's I Want My Hat Back is a rare picture book that makes restrained, subtle humor approachable for little kids, with all the comedy and emotion conveyed in simple dialogue and subtle eye movements. His muted palette and sparse Chinese ink illustrations have an effortless charm about them, like a perfectly buttered slice of toast.
If only there were more wonderfully weird, darkly humorous, and beautifully inked picture books in the world.
If you're as keen as we are with Klassen's work, you'll love the rest of his art (including prints from the book) showcased on his website and available for purchase through Gallery Nucleus.
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, $8.79
(Interior Images: I WANT MY HAT BACK. Copyright © 2011 by Jon Klassen. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA. Photos: Ben Partridge)
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Thanks! This sounds like just the ticket for my niece and nephew.
This looks great (as is your synopsis)! I'd be interested in feedback from parents whether there's an appropriate age for themes of theft and murder. Or am I being overprotective?
You're not overprotective, just remembering the stories of childhood through a frosted lens -- after all, "Ring around the rosy" is about the plague, and EVERY fairy tale is about violence, murder, theft, rape, kidnapping, or some other horror. I realized this, myself, when I had my first child -- but then I realized that I didn't remember ANY of them that way, so I decided my son wouldn't, either. And it worked!
This sounds right up my kids' alley. Other favorites around here include It's a Book, Jackass and All My Friends Are Dead.
I really want to get this book!
Tasterspoon:
I read this the other day while at the bookstore. I loved the illustrations and I was ready to purchase it up until the bear lied. I was ok with the story, even the eating part, but I was not ok with the bear lying. I hope that helps.
As much as I loved this book for my self or even maybe an older child, I had a hard time with the book making revenge and lying look like the solution. Not what I want to be teaching my son right off the bat. I don't think of my self as overprotective but in this case I had to walk away. Sad, because the book is wonderfully illustrated.