"This Is Not My Hat" by Jon Klassen

Citation:
Klassen, Jon. This Is Not My Hat. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2012.
ISBN: 9780763655990

Plot Summary:
This Is Not My Hat follows a small fish as he attempts to steal a bigger fish's hat-- and get away with it!  The small fish attempts to convince the reader that taking that hat is okay and he won't be caught.  The small fish uses a variety of justifications for why he will get away with his thievery!  The illustrations in the book are used to tell another story.  The reader must pay special attention to find out what really happens.

Critical Analysis:
Klassen's writing is simple and direct.  The repetition of "even if..." throughout the book mimics the arguments a child might make to get away with something that he or she knows is wrong.  Imagine: It's okay that I ate that cookie because mom wasn't around.  Even when mom gets here, she won't notice.  Even if she notices, she won't know it was me!

The arguments that the small fish makes are disproved by the accompanying illustrations.  When the reader reads "And he probably won't wake up for a long time."  The big fish is shown with his eyes wide open!  The text ends with "No one will ever find me."  By reading the text alone, the reader will not know the whole story as the illustrations make it known that the small fish is in fact found!

For this reason, the book is probably not the best choice for a read aloud to a large group.  Readers should be able to see the pictures up close in order to decipher the whole story Klassen wished to communicate.

The story is a great introduction to irony for the young reader.  The audience knows that the small fish is being followed by the owner of the hat-- but the small fish does not!  This builds suspense and interest as the story unfolds.

Review Excerpts:
Notable Children's Book 2013
Caldecott Medal Winner 2013
Starred BOOKLIST review (Ian Chipman): "Once again, the simple, dramatic tension and macabre humor mesh splendidly with Klassen’s knack for tiny, telling details and knockout page turns."

Connections:
*This is a good one on one read, that way you can observe and discuss the illustrations and what is implied in each. 
*Other books by Jon Klassen:
I Want My Hat Back ISBN: 9780763655983