Did you know that January 15th is National Hat Day? That makes it a perfect time to celebrate all things hat-related: how they can be fashion statements, symbols of faith, and even comfort items. In that spirit, we’ve gathered seven hat-themed picture books that are sure to delight and entertain little hat enthusiasts.
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Fans of Klassen’s ultra-dry wit are sure to love this book, the first entry in his much-beloved The Hat Trilogy. When a bear’s hat goes missing, he’s on a mission to get it back. He searches high and low, but no one has seen it — but is everyone telling the truth? And didn’t the hat that rabbit was wearing look… familiar? An unexpected ending will have kids howling with laughter, and raring to read the rest of this excellent series.
Very Good Hats by Emma Straub, Illustrated by Blanca Gómez
There are lots of very good hats in the world: baseball caps, party hats, even crowns. But do you know what else makes a very good hat? Bubbles in a bath, falling leaves, and especially those little hats at the baseball stadium that are filled with ice cream. This adorable treatise on what makes a very good hat is an absolutely charming title for early readers, who will soon be looking for very good hats in everything around them.
Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina
A beloved classic celebrating its 85th year in publication, this timeless book tells the story of a cap peddler, a troop of mischievous monkeys, and a whole stack of hats. The memorable main character likes to wear his entire stock of caps on his head as he travels, and when he stops for a nap under a tree, the monkeys decide to have a little fun by trying the headwear on themselves. Children for generations have loved this silly story of problem-solving, especially for its humorous resolution.
Happy Birthday, Madame Chapeau by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
The duo behind the esteemed Questioneers books series explores a new story in this incredibly touching tale of kindness. The shy Madame Chapeau crafts the most beautiful hats imaginable, but her most prized hat was made by someone very dear who is no longer with her. For her birthday, she dresses in her finest couture and her favorite hat to eat dinner alone at a fine restaurant, but when a bird steals the hat, she is left devastated. Not only a heartwarming story of compassion but also a subtle tale of overcoming grief, this hidden gem is a must-read.
Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan, Illustrated by Sarah Walsh
From hijabs to kippahs to rasta hats to patkas, there are many ways that people use hats and headwear to show and observe their faith. Through delightful illustrations and simple text, this board book walks early readers and their caregivers through many hats of faith, providing a pronunciation guide for each and explaining how and by whom each hat is worn. It’s a fantastic early celebration of cultural diversity that will teach children the importance of celebrating what makes us different and what connects us.
Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won
Ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed? Elephant certainly did today, until he discovers an unexpected gift at his front door: a brilliant new hat! His mood improved, Elephant marches off to enjoy his new cap, only to run into Zebra, who is also having a grumpy day. Elephant shares his new hat with his friend, which turns Zebra’s day around, too! As the parade of hat appreciation and joy grows and grows, children will celebrate along with the animal friends as they learn about friendship and generosity.
Harold Loves His Woolly Hat by Vern Kousky
Irresistibly adorable bear Harold absolutely loves his special wooly striped hat. He loves it so much that he wears it everywhere – even to bed and during his monthly bath. So when a crow snatches the hat off Harold’s head and brings it high up into its treetop nest, Harold is upset. If his hat makes him special, how can he be special without it? No matter how much Harold coaxes, the crow refuses to return the hat, so Harold mounts a rescue mission — only to discover that the crow may have had its reasons for needing the hat. Kids and adults alike will love this warm and gentle tale of generosity and what truly makes someone special: their heart.
We hope that you and the young hat lovers in your life enjoy these tales of handsome hats, clever chapeaus, and heavenly haberdashery. As always, happy reading!
To see more of our children’s book favorites, check out our list of 10 Enchanting Books About Snow.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
