Jan Brett's The Hat is a darling story about a hedgehog that finds a sock and starts to wear it as a hat. The story investigates themes such as self-esteem and being your own person (or hedgehog), but the subjects are handled in a very funny and approachable way. The illustrations of the farm and its inhabitants are drawn in earthy colors that create a real feeling of comfort.
When you read this story to your child, they will really enjoy the drawings of all of the different animals. They are extremely lifelike, and the choice of the hedgehog as a hero is quite clever. The hedgehog is an unlikely main character, but your child will really love him and sympathize with his predicament. There is a lot of animal dialogue which will provide you with the opportunity to try out some fun voices as you read to your child.
The day I read The Hat to my nephew Joshua was a day that I will always remember. While we read the book, he giggled every time he saw a picture of the hedgehog wearing the sock hat. Later that day, he went up to his dad's bedroom, took out a big wool sock and tried to put it on his cat's head. This, aside from being very funny, was a great example of what an effect the charming story had on him.
--Eve
This book is a beautifully illustrated with warm colors and lovable animals. My 2 year old loves Hedgie the hedgehog and has asked me to read the book to her everyday since it arrived! I appreciate the underlying themes of this book which include friendship and self-esteem.
--Swan Stanley, Burning Moon Products