Cecil Kim, Author
Joo-Kyung Kim, Illustrator
Imagination Press, Fiction, Sep. 28, 2013
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Hats, Resilience, Self-worth, Contentment, Optimism, Hope
Opening: “I am a hat. I am worn out here and there. I have a few holes, and even a few weeds sticking out. But I am still very much a hat. A very happy hat. I have lots of stories to tell.”
Synopsis: This is the story of a very happy and stylish hat made by the most popular hat maker in town. It is a black silk hat decorated with peacock feathers. There are many gentlemen who want to buy the hat. But, its first owner is a new groom on his wedding day. The hat feels very special to be worn for such a festive occasion. As time passes the hat ends up in a second-hand store for sale where it is purchased by a magician. The hat feels lucky that it can make so many children laugh. The hat eventually ends up with a street musician who turns it upside down to collect coins to feed his hungry family. The hat is joyful to have children dance and giggle around it. One day a dog steals the hat and abandons it in the woods where it weathers the seasons with a positive attitude, until a mother bird makes her nest in the hat. What will happen to the hat?
Why I like this book: Cecil Kim has written a beautiful story about an extraordinary hat that manages to find the good in life no matter its challenges. I love that it is told from the hat’s upbeat viewpoint. There are many teachable moments for children to learn about disappointment, challenges, self-worth, self-discovery, hope and optimism — all presented in the tale of a silk top hat. Before it was translated, it was originally published in Korean in 2011. Joo-Iyung Kim’s illustrations are bold and colorful and remind me of a collage.
Resources: The book itself is a resource. The tale ends with a double-page spread of illustrations that give children the opportunity to imagine and write a caption about what the hat, the magician and street musician are thinking. After the baby bird leaves the hat, children are encouraged to draw a picture of who they think should be the hat’s next owner. There also is a double-page spread written by Mary Lamia, PhD, for parents, teachers and caregivers on how to teach children about disappointment, encourage hope, and develop a positive outlook on life.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
This sounds wonderful… a must have to add to our shop. I forget where I heard this but I remember a person showing people a $20 bill and asking them if they’d like to have it. Of course! But then he folds it in half. Still want it? Of course. He crumples it. Still want it? Sure! The he drops it on the floor and crushes it with his foot. Still want it? Why not? Well, life can fold us up, crumple us, crush us, but we still have worth, we are still beloved, we still have something to offer. Now I can put that $20 in a hat and tell an even better story. Thank you!!!!
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Craig, I loved your beautiful anology. My husband read your response and said, “that would make a good sermon.” I LOVE the message in this book. And the ending involves children deciding the future of the hat.
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This sounds like a very sweet book. Made me think of Happy Birthday Moon! Great review, Pat!
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Thanks Robin. Yes, it does remind one of Happy Birthday Moon. It is such a good story for the classroom.
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I love the sound of this, Pat! From new to old and many adventures along the way. Great way to learn attitude and resilience.
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You and Matthew would have fun with this story. He’d like being part of the ending. It is such a great story of making a choice to be happy. There are many teachable moments.
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I will definitely check it out, Pat.
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Sounds really good. I like that the story is told from the hat’s point of view.
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It is a beautiful story about resilience and seeing the glass half full. Many teachable moments.
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Oh! What a delightful concept. I can’t remember the name of the film now, but it is a similar theme to that a story about a dress and the stories of the owners and what happens to it over time. Really lovely idea. I am certain the bird loved it!
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Yes, it is a delightful concept — one that you wish you had thought about. Excellent theme about optimism. I really engages its readers at the end.
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How charming! I will look for this lovely story of resilience and optimism.
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It is a very uplifting book. And a great book to pull out and use with kids when they are having a tough time.
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What a wonderful, unique perspective for a book! I love the sounds of it – and have put it on my library list. The illustration is intriguing too…is it collage?
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Yes, the illustrations are done in collage. Such a beautiful message for kids. And it’s interactive and invites kids to decide the next owner, with pages to do so. Great for a classroom.
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This sounds wonderful, Pat! I love the upbeat message about seeing the positive in whatever situation you happen to find yourself! Nice cover, too!
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Glad you like it. The message is so important for kids and ADULTS. Happiness is a choice.
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Just sounds adorable! And insightful … with excellent extension possibilities. Thanks for yet another intriguing lead.
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Barbara, this is a treasure for the classroom because of the ending. It really invites kids to participate in the story. I would love to see how you would use it with your students.
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My favorite books are ones that are uplifting and make you smile. I love that the hat has purpose!
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Those are my favorite ones too. This one can’t help but make you smile.
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A truly successful picture book about an object – not easy! It sounds very interactive and teeming with optimism.
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You’re right it is not easy, but the author is brilliant with her writing. And, it was originally written in Korea and translated.
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This IS a great book – I love the journey the hat makes, as well as it’s hat-titude!
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Love the “hat-titude! Very creative. It’s a treasure and I will share it with many kids.
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I love that the hat is upbeat no matter what. What a wonderful message to teach kids!! Pinning and tweeting!
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Thanks Mia. I love the optimism of the hat. And, the reader become part of the story at the end.
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I can’t wait to read this one! The cover looks lovely.
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You will enjoy this story with Enzo — the ending will involve him.
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Oh! This looks like a real treasure for sure! It brings to my mind the rabbit, Edward Tulane, who went through the same sort of journey as this hat. I’ll be looking for this one! Thanks for sharing!!
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I think it is a treasure too! It was a very happy find. And, a great book for your classroom visits because you can involve the kids in the ending.
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This sounds awesome! I collect hats, and this looks like a great book! 🙂
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Glad you liked the book Erik. Very unique. Josie would have fun with it too. You get to write the ending.
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Love your choice Pat. Such a beautiful message. I also love Craig’s anology. Thank you!
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Yes, I liked Craig’s anology. He always writes thoughtful messages. This is a very uplifting book for children and adults.
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This looks wonderful – adding it to my list of books to check out! Thanks!
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Glad you enjoyed it the book. The message is beautiful and it involves kids in the ending.
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What a lovely concept for a story – I’ll definitely be buying this one for my 5 year old granddaughter, thank you!
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Teresa Green. It is a lovely book with a very positive message. And the reader is part of the ending.
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