"Hardcover books are nicely dramatic hats,
if you have excellent posture.
Paperback books are
floppier than a soggy beret.
Bubbles make very fine hats,
if temporary.
A crown is a hat for a queen,
but flowers can be too."
This is Emma Staub's first picture book ... you would not know it. It is a book that charms from the first turn of the page. She starts with the premise that her readers might think they know what a hat is. She does not go on to describe those hats for the good they do, or when each should be worn. Instead, she wants her audience to know all the many things that can be a hat!
"Acorns make snug hats for your fingers.
Raspberries, chewed-up gum, tortellini,
and doll shoes work too."
Digital collage artwork brings the many ideas shared to bright and glorious light, adding humor and context for the variety of objects that make 'very good hats' for anyone willing to give them a chance. Imagine the hat you might make using a pudding cup, a pet, a pot lid, even pajama pants. The list is endless, and will certainly encourage involvement and ideas for even more things to try.
To add to the fun, the author wonders why only people wear hats. What about houses, and stuffies, and animals in the forest. Kids will want to hear it again and again, and they will surely want to add their ideas to the long list of hats presented for their reading pleasure. Try reading it at home or at school, then listen to the ideas it will inspire. Now you can make it an art lesson so kids can create their own hats and share their ideas for more. What fun! Have your camera ready!
"Anything can be a hat if you believe it is."
Do you know what a haberdashery is?
No comments:
Post a Comment