This Is Not My Hat

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Klassen, John. 2012. THIS IS NOT MY HAT. Ill by John Klassen.

Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763655990 

PLOT SUMMARY

Jon Klassen tells the dark, yet humorous, story of a fish that steals the hat of a large fish. Throughout this tale, the fish is confident that he will get away with it and is constantly attempting to reassure the reader that everything will turn out okay. As he makes his way to his The story ends with the fish faces the ultimate of consequences.

 CRITICAL ANALYSIS

With his writing, Klassen gives us a glimpse into the mind of the main character. He uses the text to reassure the reader, while his crafty illustrations directly contradict what he writes. This tale hints at the consequences, while extreme, of stealing. It’s funny how he tells us he will be hiding where the plants grow big and tall, as if we are his accomplices. Then, on the very next page, an additional message of caution in trusting others is inferred when the fish is spied by a crab that promises to keep quiet: “There is someone who saw me already. But he said he wouldn’t tell anyone which way I went.” The reader can almost surely predict that this will not turn out well.

Klassen artfully develops the setting with his use of black for the background, which implies that they are in the deepest depths of the ocean, where no light can enter. The dark, muted colors used in the illustrations, lends a sense of foreboding to the story. While the artwork itself is unassuming, he uses small details to convey important elements of the plot. The eye of the large fish is very expressive as it is opened wide when he discovers his hat has been taken. His eye becomes a sliver as he is intent on finding the culprit. It gives the reader some insight, as the mood of the story changes. Klassen includes bubbles to illustrate movement throughout the story, as the thief heads to his hiding spot. The images could stand alone to tell the story, as seen at the end of book when the writing stops, and the pictures tell the rest of the fateful story. We see the large fish swim into the plants where he is hiding. Finally, the fish swims out, wearing his hat.

This book might be a bit grim for younger readers due to the implied violence. It would be more suited for older readers that would appreciate the humor and understand that this ending is not absolute.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

The Caldecott Medal

Booklist Editor’s Choice

Starred review in School Library Journal: “This not to be missed title will delight children again and again.”

CONNECTIONS

*This book can be used to lead a discussion about honesty.

*Use the illustrations in this book to teach inferences, by covering up the text and making predictions.

*Other books by Jon Klassen:

Klassen, John. I Want My Hat Back. ISBN 9780763655983

Klassen, John. We Found A Hat. ISBN 97807636056003