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Monday, September 25, 2017

Old Hat, written and illustrated by Emily Gravett. Two Hoots, Publishers Group Canada. 2017. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"The latest hat!
It was fashionable, fresh
and fun.
It was low in fat, high in
fibre, and could provide
80% of his daily vitamins.
It was the latest,
most up-to-datest
hat there was.
     Until ... "

Do you try to keep up with trends, or opt for what is most comfortable? It is a often a tough decision for adults, never mind children, teens and animals! Harbet has a much loved hat, made by his Nana when he was little and offering warmth and comfort every time he wears it.

When his friends, who sport the fruity, turban-like headgear currently in fashion admonish him for wearing an OLD HAT!, he checks out the hat shop and finds one to match. It is very like what the others are wearing, but comes with its own set of problems. Soon, the birds have picked it clean. Harbet becomes the object of further laughter and mockery for wearing an OLD HAT once again.

This time their hats are fashioned from pylons and spotlights. Off he goes. By the time he has his, they have a new one. What is a fella to do? Determined to be first in fashion, he tries all the latest trends. The others are always ahead of him. Recognizing the futility of the process and wanting to be himself, he removes the hat ... and sets a trend of his own!

Kids will love the illustrations. You will not be surprised if you are a fan. Emily Gravett creates brilliantly colored,  bold and inventive hats that cause giggles and careful attention to detail. Imagine the creations when young children are given the materials and motivation to see what they can do - when it comes to wearable headgear!

Learning to be true oneself is valuable motivation for change.

                                                                            
 

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