I Want My Hat Back

“[…] the funniest book ever written and here is why: it is always funny, every single time you read it. And if you know any children at all, you will be reading it a lot. It is funny in whatever language you read it (22 and counting) and to almost every child in the world.” * The Guardian *
Repetition for the under 5’s and giggles for the over 25’s (Best book for laughs) * The Lady *
This must be one of the simplest yet original entertaining picture books around at the moment. -- Shirley Hughes * The Telegraph *
This is an author-illustrator who takes you from page to page with a dry humour which matches his story perfectly. -- Shirley Hughes * The Telegraph *
Elegant books * Wall Street Journal *
This simple story of a bear looking for his hat is my go to for an instant pick-up and giggle. Illustrated simply but with obvious care and forethought, the images convey an extra, subtle layer of humour which for now is lost on my young children. However they still appreciate the story and question why I am laughing like a loon at a bear looking for and finding a hat. * The Cheltonian *
“Read I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. It’s the most subtle endorsement of murder you’ll ever find.” * GQ *
“Fed up with reading sugar-coated bedtime stories? Try Jon Klassen’s black-humoured book about a bear trying to track down his missing hat, which your delighted tot will spot long before our hapless detective. There’s loss, lies, vigilante justice and a sticky-pawed bunny. The deliciously deadpan dialogue and stylish muted colour palette will delight all ages, too.” * Gurgle *
“[…] hilarious and with such amazing illustrations to boot.” * Gurgle *
Recommended by Frank Cottrell-Boyce as a must read in lockdown on the Lauren Laverne Radio 6 Show. -- Frank Cottrell-Boyce * Lauren Laverne Radio 6 Show *
It’s a beautifully constructed, immaculately told joke. The kind I wish I had told. -- Dave Shelton * Books for Keeps *
Voted one of the 100 Greatest Picture Books of All Time * BBC *
Told with deadpan humour, this is a story full of big feelings that small children will recognise. Plus, for those with the inclination, there are opportunities to do lots of wacky voices. * The i Paper, The best bedtime books of all time *
This is the one of the best examples I can recall of a young children’s book being equally as funny for adults as kids. Part of how clever the book is lies in the clues in the illustrations that help you understand what has actually happened in the story. * Romesh Ranganathan, The i Paper *