Review: This is Not My Hat

Following on from Jon Klassen's original and brilliantly funny book I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat is a seriously stand-alone picture book that's also deeply dry and clever and funny. How much fun to see a 'sequel' that's every bit as joyful as the first.

In This is Not My Hat, we hear things from the point of view of a thieving little fish.

He's nicked a hat, you see - a sweet little hat that was FAR too small for the enormous fish he nicked it from. The enormous fish was sleeping at the time of the robbery, but now this big fish is awake, and unbeknownst to our little thief, he's Onto It.

The comedic drama and sinister nature of Jon Klassen's books are beautifully kiddified and made hilarious without causing too much terror over the obvious 'outcome' for our thief. His books are also most cleverly subtle on the moral preaching - turning an otherwise pointed message into one of great warmth and humour.

Let's just say this author 'gets' kids.

A treasure of a book that will make you laugh out loud. Pictures are awfully nice, too.

Title: This is Not My Hat
Author/Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Publisher: Candlewick Press, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 October 2012
Format: Hard cover with dust jacket
ISBN: 9780763655990
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book