Common Sense Note
A compelling plot, a delightful hero, and quirky, funny minor characters make this an entrancing read-aloud. Bartholomew faces perils cheerfully, correctly assuming that his own blamelessness will carry him through. Beautiful prose, funny dialogue, and expressive illustrations may inspire kids to write their own tales or dramatize this one. Bartholomew models good sense, optimism, and self-esteem. Helps develop counting skills.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Robyn Raymer
A delightful, funny early Seuss effort written in unrhymed prose and illustrated with witty cartoons. Though not as hilarious as its slapstick sequel, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, this classic Seuss is a satisfying read-aloud. The beautifully crafted prose rolls off the tongue, and there's a whole range of funny minor characters. A haughty, pint-sized royal hatmaker runs shrieking from the room when Bartholomew's hat clones itself. King Derwin summons three so-called wise men, but each is more ancient and clueless than the last. Sir Alaric, a royal nerd in triangular spectacles and puffy flowered trunks, follows Bartholomew around counting the number of hats he's taken off so far and tallying them up on a long curvy scroll.
The most likable character in the book (next to chipper little Bartholomew, of course) has the most grisly job: He is a huge, bald, masked executioner who whistles while absentmindedly swinging his gigantic ax. When Bartholomew informs him of the king's command--put Bartholomew to death!--the executioner responds, "Oh, I'd hate to. You seem like such a nice boy." Bartholomew is a nice boy. He's polite and helpful throughout his ordeal, and his self-confidence never seems to fail him. "The king can do nothing dreadful to punish me," he reasons, "because I really haven't done anything wrong."
This is best read one-on-one so listeners can ask questions, count hats, and peruse the lovingly drawn cartoons (black and white--with red reserved for Bartholomew's hats). Perhaps due to the fact that not everyone could see the pictures well, a second-grade reading audience had trouble focusing. They were unanimous, however, in their dislike of mean, bossy Grand Duke Wilfred: "I'd push him off that tower!"
From the Book:
"By the Crown of my Fathers!" roared the King, again leaning out of the carriage window. "Did I or did I not command you to take off your hat?"
"You did, Sire. ... I took it off. ... I took it off twice."
"Nonsense! There is still a hat upon your head."
"Another hat?" Again Bartholomew reached up his hand and touched a hat.
Plot Summary:
When King Derwin's carriage rolls into town, Bartholomew Cubbins respectfully removes his hat along with everyone else. But another hat appears upon the boy's head -- and another, and another, and another. Furious, King Derwin orders Bartholomew to be brought to the palace. Various royal experts try in vain to get rid of the boy's bewitched headgear, and when Bartholomew receives a death sentence, the friendly executioner explains that it's unlawful to behead people with their hats on.
The king's nasty young nephew offers to push Bartholomew from the highest turret, and on the way upstairs the hats -- which Bartholomew keeps removing -- grow fancier and fancier. Derwin is so entranced by hat 500, a plumed, bejeweled dazzler, that he pardons Bartholomew, spanks his nephew, and buys the hat for 500 gold pieces. Once the king lifts his purchase from Bartholomew's head, the boy is relieved to feel breezes ruffling his hair.
Related Books:
Dr. Seuss Also Wrote
Bartholomew and the Oobleck
Books With Similar Themes
Caps for Sale
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
 |
||
ViolenceBartholomew's hats are shot from his head with arrows. Bartholomew is imprisoned and subjected to a scary experiences, and repeatedly comes close to death. Bartholomew is threatened with beheading, and there's a plot to push him from a castle tower. |
|
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social BehaviorOthers persecute Bartholomew for something he cannot control. The king spanks his nephew. |
 |
|
||
Commercialism |
|
 |
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
