This Is Not My Hat Review by Andrea Vollmer

An underwater crime has been committed, and the thief thinks he’ll get away with it. In fact, he’s sure of it.

This Is Not My Hat, a Caldecott Award winner, is John Klassen’s second work as author-illustrator. In this book, the talented illustrator of Extra Yarn and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole uses his trademark style of soft colors and simple shapes to masterfully build drama and suspense.

As the narrator’s story unfolds, readers learn that a small fish has stolen a hat. From a big fish. Who was sleeping. Although the small fish has no concerns about being caught, as the pages turn, the reader is privy to information that the thief is not. We have seen the big fish wake up, realize his hat is gone, and take off in pursuit of the thief.

Klassen’s clever, dark illustrations play off of the small fish’s bold confidence relayed through the text. He gives the reader subtle hints about the big fish’s emotions and intentions, while small changes in action propel the story to it’s dramatic conclusion.

Readers of every age will love this story of a risky little fish in the plant-filled sea. Younger fans will delight in being in on the secret of the big fish, while older readers will appreciate the uncertain ending and ethical questions raised. Klassen has added another must-read classroom staple to the field of children’s literature.