Review- We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

We Found A Hat  (5 star)

by Jon Klassen
Candlewick Press
Published October 11, 2016
Hardcover, $17.99

• ISBN-10: 0763656003
• ISBN-13: 978-0763656003

My review: Intro

I ordered Jon Klassen's new book as soon as I could. I teach at the elementary level as a library media specialist. Ever since I received advanced copies of I Want My Hat Back and This is Not My Hat I have been over the moon in love his writing. His untouchable gift to the reader is his simple text delivered through personification  by cute utterly adorable animals.  His brilliant illustrations show personality and hint at what each character may be thinking. (No thought bubbles needed).  How truly gifted he is. My students go wild for all his books and discussions abound at the end. This is not a read it once book, but will become worn through use.  My students participate and role play the text with such glee. It's an experience that Klassen provides my kids that is rare.

His new book:

So, I just received We Found A Hat in my mail. I ran to the doorstep and couldn't wait to hold his new book. Once again, it is stellar, fun, witty and ADORABLE. A story of two turtles who discover one hat. Problem: What should they do?  I'm never a spoiler in my reviews, so this one you have to read for yourself.  I am already thinking about the questions and lessons this story will bring to my classes in the next few weeks.

Jon Klassen has a talent for pushing kids buttons in a way that makes them think, laugh and enjoy reading.....again and again.  What more can we ask for? Highly recommended and a great discussion started.

In case you are interested Jon Klassen is on tour promoting his book. Details of an upcoming appearance at the Eric Carle Museum can be found here. 
Further info is on his blog. 

~ WISTERIA LEIGH OCTOBER 2016

© [WISTERIA LEIGH] AND [BOOKWORM'S DINNER], [2008-2016). UNAUTHORIZED USE AND/OR DUPLICATION OF THIS MATERIAL WITHOUT EXPRESS AND WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THIS BLOG’S AUTHOR AND/OR OWNER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. EXCERPTS AND LINKS MAY BE USED, PROVIDED THAT FULL AND CLEAR CREDIT IS GIVEN TO [WISTERIA LEIGH] AND [BOOKWORM'S DINNER] WITH APPROPRIATE AND SPECIFIC DIRECTION TO THE ORIGINAL CONTENT.

DISCLOSURE: A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PURCHASED BY MYSELF THROUGH AN ONLINE BOOK VENDOR.

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

OWL BABIES
Written by Martin Waddell
Illustrated by Patrick Benson
Candlewick Press
2002
Picture Book: Age 2-8, Pre K-Grade 3
9780763617103

Themes: family, caring, feelings



Owl Babies is one of my favorite children's books to read aloud.  I teach special needs students and ELL students who have responded with enthusiasm when they hear this story.  As a media specialist I teach technology skills and information literacy skills and often use technology with the students after they have listened to a story. With Owl Babies, students have created their own Pixie slides as they recall a favorite part of the story.  Where the author uses speech bubbles, the students are able to relate the visual to the text dialogue.  I was so thrilled to discover this video slideshow that will have an even greater impact on their comprehension.  The illustrations by Patrick Benson are so vivid, they capture the adorable expressions of the three babies, most especially Little Percy.  This will be a real treat for my students. Take a look.....



Disclosure:  I own a copy of this book that I purchased.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

THIS IS NOT MY HAT, by Jon Klassen

  

THIS IS NOT MY HAT
by Jon Klassen
Candlewick Press, 
October 9, 2012
978-0763655990
40 pages, Age: 4+




 





Another winner from Jon Klassen has delighted my classes.  THIS IS NOT MY HAT, is a eye catching picture book about a little fish takes a perfectly sized hat for his own head from a rather larger sleeping fish.   Swimming around as he tries to escape,  the little fish believes he has the perfect solution to hide from the big fish.  Does he keep his little hat? Readers will be on edge trying to figure out what happens at the end. The story provides a perfect opportunity to ponder a moral question. 


Jon Klassen won a Geisel Honor Award from the ALA in 2012, and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award for I WANT MY HAT BACK.  Even before Klassen's awards were announced my students wanted to share I WANT MY HAT BACK over and over. They were enchanted by bear, little rabbit and friends in this story.  

I was therefore, overjoyed to receive a copy of THIS IS NOT MY HAT by the publisher.  I knew immediately it would be well received. At storytime, my students lit up when they saw the cover, with obvious recall to his first book.  You will find that children want to read these two books over and over. They act it out and are able to recall details with little prompting. 

THIS IS NOT MY HAT is adorable and children love how the little fish boldly takes what doesn't belong to him, even though it appears to be an ideal fit.  His seemingly careless attitude will end with a comical chuckle.  THIS IS NOT MY HAT stole the hearts of my listeners and the reader as well.  Don't miss it!!

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2012].
  

Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton

Oh No, GEORGE!
by Chris Haughton
Candlewick Press
978-0-7636-5546-4
To be released 2012
$15.99/$18.00CAN






I received a surprise package from Candlewick Press today with the book Oh No, GEORGE.  I couldn't help but flip it open to read about the boldly colorful owl-eyed dog called George.  Harry, his owner goes out and George copes with numerous temptations that test his resolve.  As the author allows us to listen in on how George thinks, you just know trouble is inevitable.  Chris Haughton, hits the nail on the head with simple text, making this a perfect early reader and read aloud. With humor and perceptive expressions, the author captures the essence of George- a "wanabegood" pet who struggles with the ultimate test of will power.  Children will empathize with George's feelings,  when he gets into mischief.  A fun, lovable story for anyone who has tried to understand what goes on in their own pet's mind. This character should have a long life in the artful hands of Chris Haughton.

The copy of this book was furnished for free by the publisher. My review is my honest and unbiased point of view.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].