You have? Well, you do know about Karma, right? That all-pervading law of the universe that dictates a backlash to the power of 10 (and sometimes more)?
Bear has lost his hat. Well, he hasn't lost it. Someone has nicked it. And as lovely, lumbering bear wanders around asking all manner of woodland creatures if they've seen his hat, he gives every critter the benefit of the doubt ... even those wearing items on their noggins that curiously look like hats.
Of course, everyone denies stealing the hat - until Bear has an epiphany. Hang on a second ... didn't he just see a certain critter wearing something suspiciously looking like his hat?! Needless to say, he gets his hat back. And Karma swoops.
An ending so hilariously dry, it itches the funny bone (as opposed to 'tickling'), Klassen has created an instant classic with this adorable book. Striking, folksy illustrations are a complete eyefest - and I'm loving the coloured text that perfectly delineates whomever is currently speaking.
But most of all, I love the voice of this book - the dry, matter-of-fact dialogue that kids will adore and adults will roll along with, toting a big fat smile on their faces.
Gotta love Karma. Gotta love Klassen.
Title: I Want My Hat Back
Author/Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 October 2011
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781406336832
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture book
