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A Hat Full of Sea

Maudie Smith author Jen Khatun illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Lantana Publishing

Published:16th May '24

Should be back in stock very soon

A Hat Full of Sea cover

One girl’s determination to cheer her grandpa up sees her bring his hospital ward to magical life.

Grandpa Jim can only see a small square of blue sky from his hospital window so Cora decides there’s only one thing for it – she will bring him some sea to go with it! Can Cora bring the hospital ward to magical life until her grandpa is ready to go outside and play with her once more?Grandpa Jim can only see a small square of blue sky from his hospital window so Cora decides there’s only one thing for it – she will bring him some sea to go with it! First, she brings him a hat full of sea. Then she brings him a hat full of countryside. She even brings him the moon, the black velvet night and the shimmering, glimmering stars. She empties them all out onto the hospital bed for her beloved Grandpa Jim to share. Can Cora bring the hospital ward to magical life until her grandpa is ready to go outside and play with her once more? A heart-warming story about one very special hat. Or should that be one very special girl?

“Lovely, exuberant, scratchy illustrations enliven this inclusive picturebook about a little girl cheering up her grandfather in hospital with gifts from her imagination. It breezes along to a happy ending.” - The Sunday Times


“The art is as playful as the concept, with images made up of loose lines and filled with solidly bold colors. Grandpa’s ailment is not discussed, though his stay is only temporary; children visiting relatives in the hospital will find the tale relatable and reassuring. Tackles a potentially tough topic with a blend of whimsy and warmth.” - Kirkus Review


A touching, heart-warming story about one very special hat, a very special little girl and an intergenerational friendship that’s full to the brim with love. - Clare Helen Welsh, children’s author and founder of Books That Help


A sumptuous, lyrical story about the love between a grandchild and grandparent that makes your heart melt. - Anna Wilson, children’s book author


A charming depiction of a loving bond between grandparent and grandchild – an example of how the imagination can reach across generations to make the world a richer place. - The Letterpress Project


As a nurse, I love this book! This book does a great job teaching how to show love to someone in the hospital, without being preachy. I am so happy to see a book that portrays sickness as secondary to the love and strong bonds the characters share, even a hospital stay could not stop these adventurers! - Paperbound Jess


"I love the playfulness of Jen Khatun’s digitally created illustrations that are perfectly in keeping with Maudie Smith’s warm, equally playful text. A beautiful portrayal of inter-generational love that reminds us all how important it is to spend time with loved ones." – Jill Bennett, Librarian, Red Reading Hub


"A breathtaking exploration of the relationship between grandparent and grandchild, reminding us that love is all around, waiting to be embraced and waiting to embrace in return. This story is marvellous, it positively oozes love with its captivating expressions of feeling in word and illustration. A true delight to share with children of all ages." – Armadillo Magazine

ISBN: 9781915244666

Dimensions: 260mm x 260mm x 7mm

Weight: 367g

32 pages