I would like to introduce you to a new children’s book The Upside Down Hat Published by Stephen Barr which I received a copy of in exchange for this review.
Charlie and I’ve been talking about studying the creation of Hats and what was popular during different Centuries. As I was preparing our Lesson Plans, I added The Upside Down Hat as part of our Reading during this Unit Study as it contains a hat but also teaches about losses which we are all facing thanks to Covid.
As I read the book, I found myself shaking my head at times as I saw things not only Charlie did but David or I’ve done as well. I like how the book teaches us that even though something might be missing we can use other things to help us find what is lost and if we don’t give up, we will find the lost items.
Through the book I learned that through perseverance and not giving up anything including loss we’ve struggled with can be turned around we just have to keep moving forward. Making The Upside Down Hat the perfect book not only for children of all ages but adults as well.
All Libraries and Schools should have copies of The Upside Down Hat on hand for children struggling with loss or disappointment and use this in their Lesson Plans for Reading Class. Both boys and girls will enjoy the story and can even use it in Art Class and create their own hat.
The Little Prince meets Journey in this gorgeous, reassuring picture book fable about loss, perseverance, and finding what matters most.
What happens to a boy who has nothing but a hat?
Everything.
A boy wakes up one morning and finds that everything he owns has gone missing. With nothing but a simple green hat, the boy journeys through distant landscapes, searching high and low for the things he has lost. Along the way he discovers that perhaps everything he needs has been sitting on his head all along.
Stephen Barr makes his debut in this achingly poignant and deeply profound fable of one boy’s adventure to recover his life’s treasures. With vibrant illustrations by Gracey Zhang and a subtle message about hopeful perseverance, this book is an exquisite, emotional journey through loss, persistence, and discovering what’s truly essential.
TIMELESS PICTURE BOOK: Deeply reflective, sparingly written, and beautifully illustrated, this tale will strike a chord with its poignant storytelling. It’s a picture book for any reader, of any age, at any time.
A FABLE FOR THE AGES: Reminiscent of the stories of Aesop’s Fables, this book touches on universal themes of the human condition and shares a heartfelt message that is effortless but hopeful. Readers will come away thinking differently about what they own, what they need, and what they hold most dear.
NEW VOICE IN CHILDREN’S BOOKS: Debut author Stephen Barr brings years of experience working with authors as a literary agent to craft this gem of a picture book that will resonate with fans of classic children’s stories.
IMMERSIVE ILLUSTRATION: Gracey Zhang’s spellbinding art illuminates every step of the story, immersing the reader in a gorgeously rendered world that feels familiar yet utterly unique.
Perfect for:
• Parents interested in teaching their kids about loss and gratitude
• Children who like fables/myths
• Readers who love losing themselves in immersive picture book art
• Readers looking for a modern classic picture book
• Fans of William Steig, Erin and Philip Stead, and the Chronicles of Narnia
• Educators and librarians looking for a magical, engaging read-aloud
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
