Parents' Guide to

I Want My Hat Back

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Silly theft story ultimately shows bear is the boss.

Book Jon Klassen Picture Book 2011
I Want My Hat Back Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

Grade 4 Nashwaak Valley School
Grade 4 Nashwaak Valley School Adult
January 13, 2020
age 4+

Super Interesting

This book is so hilarious that when you read it you will lose it with intense laughter! You will repeat read it 1 million times. Kids under 4 years old wouldn't really comprehend it, and might find it stressful to read. You can lay in bed, read this book, and have wonderful sweet dreams.

This title has:

Educational value
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

A big bear's hat is gone and he wants it back. He asks other animals, one by one, \"Have you seen my hat?\" One by one they say no, until he realizes one of the animals was lying. (Kids can figure it out before the bear does.) Will that animal get away with his crime, or will the determined bear get his hat back -- and make the thief pay?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

I WANT MY HAT BACK is told entirely in dialogue and is a wonderful showcase for author-illustrator Jon Klassen's sly, deadpan humor. The low-key but determined bear gets what he wants in the end, and it doesn't look good for the thief.

The repetitive motif is perfect for preschoolers, and the spare earth-toned illustrations are fun, with just enough emotion to carry the tale in this Caldecott Honor book. However, having one character kill and eat another character (offstage) in a picture book may be a tad edgy for some families.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about picture books. How do the pictures help tell the story?

  • What clue did you spot that showed who took the bear's hat?

  • Take a look at Jon Klassen's Extra Yarn. You'll find the bear in I Want My Hat Back makes a surprise appearance on one of the pages in that story.

Book Details

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