I Want My Hat Back
A bear politely asks about a missing hat. The ending is the funniest crime in picture books.
Why they ask for it again
Their eyes go wide the first time they work out what has happened to the rabbit. Then they want to do it to you.
Our review
A bear asks each animal if they have seen his hat. A rabbit, wearing a hat, says he has not, and that nobody should ask him any more questions. The bear wanders on. Then the bear remembers. What comes next is not shown, and that is exactly what makes it great.
It is the first book many children encounter that trusts them to work something out for themselves, and the moment they get it you can see it land. Klassen draws everything with flat, deadpan restraint, so all the comedy lives in the space between the words and what the bear is not saying.
How to read it aloud
Flat, tired, bored voices, with no acting at all. The bear must sound like a man who has spent all day on hold.
The catch
A bear probably ate a rabbit, and some parents will not want to discuss that at bedtime. Most kids think it is hilarious.
Is it scary?
Implied, off-page eating of a rabbit. Nothing is shown. A few sensitive kids may ask.
Books like I Want My Hat Back, and what to read next
The Day the Crayons QuitA step up in length, with the same dry wit.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!Another deadpan book that makes the reader part of the joke.
The Book With No PicturesFor the kid who loves being in on the prank.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is I Want My Hat Back for?
Ages 3–8. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 4 to 6.
How long does I Want My Hat Back take to read aloud?
About 3 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is I Want My Hat Back scary?
Implied, off-page eating of a rabbit. Nothing is shown. A few sensitive kids may ask.
What should we read after I Want My Hat Back?
We would suggest The Day the Crayons Quit, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, The Book With No Pictures.