The Magic Hat book is a captivating children's story that follows the adventures of a magic hat as it travels from person to person, spreading happiness and wonder along the way. The story begins with a young boy named Joe who discovers the hat in an old attic. From the moment he puts it on, Joe is transported into a world of magic and imagination. Each person who encounters the hat experiences something unique and special. Whether it's turning a boring day at work into a circus extravaganza or making a shy child the star of the school play, the hat has the power to transform people's lives in unexpected ways. Throughout the story, the magic hat acts as a symbol of hope and possibility.
The titular topper of this rollicking, rhyming read-aloud is indeed magic: when it blows into town one day, it plops down on the head of resident after resident, instantly transforming each person into an animal. Each time the chapeau lands, Fox (Time for Bed) reprises the refrain, "Oh, the magic hat, the magic hat! It moved like this, it moved like that! It spun through the air!" At this point the author inserts a varying line (e.g., "Like a bounding balloon"; "For a mile and a half"), and a flip of the page reveals what animal the new hat-wearer becomes (in the above instances, a baboon and a giraffe). Kids will eagerly join in the guessing game, which Tusa's (Camilla's New Hairdo) fittingly silly, bustling ink-and-watercolor illustrations whip up into high-octane action. Her clever details add to the clues; for instance, a fruit-stand seller juggles bananas as the hat transforms him into a baboon. A supporting cast of animated children witness the zany goings-on, reacting gleefully to each transformation. These characters' unbridled enjoyment will almost certainly evoke the same response from readers. Ages 3-7.
TRICIA TUSA has illustrated several picture books, including her own Maebelle s Suitcase ; Camilla s New Hairdo , a Parents Magazine Best Book; and Bunnies in My Head , which features drawings by the young patients at the M. With irresistible rhyming language and bright, whimsical illustrations, this perfect read-aloud by internationally acclaimed author Mem Fox will weave its way into the hearts of young children everywhere.
Throughout the story, the magic hat acts as a symbol of hope and possibility. It reminds readers that even in the dullest of moments, there is always a chance for something extraordinary to happen. The main theme of The Magic Hat book is the power of imagination and the importance of embracing the magic in everyday life.
The Magic Hat
One fine day, from out of town--and without any warning at all--a magic hat appears in the sky. It tumbles and bounces through the air and makes magic wherever it lands. Everyone is delighted as, one by one, the townspeople are transformed into giant playful animals. And then a wizard arrives. . . .
With irresistible rhyming language and bright, whimsical illustrations, this perfect read-aloud by internationally acclaimed author Mem Fox will weave its way into the hearts of young children everywhere.
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Publisher's Weekly
The titular topper of this rollicking, rhyming read-aloud is indeed magic: when it blows into town one day, it plops down on the head of resident after resident, instantly transforming each person into an animal. Each time the chapeau lands, Fox (Time for Bed) reprises the refrain, "Oh, the magic hat, the magic hat! It moved like this, it moved like that! It spun through the air!" At this point the author inserts a varying line (e.g., "Like a bounding balloon"; "For a mile and a half"), and a flip of the page reveals what animal the new hat-wearer becomes (in the above instances, a baboon and a giraffe). Kids will eagerly join in the guessing game, which Tusa's (Camilla's New Hairdo) fittingly silly, bustling ink-and-watercolor illustrations whip up into high-octane action. Her clever details add to the clues; for instance, a fruit-stand seller juggles bananas as the hat transforms him into a baboon. A supporting cast of animated children witness the zany goings-on, reacting gleefully to each transformation. These characters' unbridled enjoyment will almost certainly evoke the same response from readers. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 2002 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3-A whirling, magical hat sweeps into a bustling park, transforming each adult on whom it alights into a fun-loving animal. Rhymed verses add to the humor and allow listeners to predict what will follow as the page turns. A group of delighted children takes up the path of the hat's swirling confetti, until, at last, a large, but impish wizard appears. He restores the characters to their former selves and leaves a large, spotted egg that hatches, distracting the crowd as he turns to leave. But that's not the end. Donning the hat himself, the wizard becomes a high-spirited boy, framed by starlight, kicking up sparkles. Tusa's ink-and-watercolor images dance with life (even the flowers seem to be in motion); kinetic, double-page designs spill off the pages. Add this to your favorite headpiece storytime. Children will be bursting to participate.
Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"This giddy, rhymed episode . . . . will have children demanding repeated readings and completing each verse at top volume." - Kirkus Reviews
It encourages children to dream big and believe in the extraordinary. The book also emphasizes the impact that kindness and generosity can have on others, as each person who receives the hat is inspired to pass along the magic to someone else. With its colorful illustrations and playful storytelling, The Magic Hat book is sure to captivate young readers and ignite their imaginations. It serves as a reminder that with a little bit of magic and a big dose of imagination, anything is possible..
Reviews for "Explore the power of belief with The Magic Hat Book"
1. John - 1 star - I found "The Magic Hat Book" to be extremely predictable and uninspiring. The plot was weak, and I felt no emotional connection to the characters. The magic hat concept seemed interesting at first, but it didn't really add any depth to the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - "The Magic Hat Book" was an okay read, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The illustrations were beautifully done, but the story lacked originality. It felt like I had read similar plots in other children's books before. Additionally, the pacing was quite slow, and it failed to keep my interest throughout. I was hoping for a more captivating and unique experience, but unfortunately, this book fell short for me.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - While "The Magic Hat Book" had some charming elements, I found it to be somewhat confusing and disjointed. The transitions between scenes felt abrupt, and I struggled to fully grasp the underlying message of the story. The characters were underdeveloped, and their actions often didn't make much sense. Overall, it felt like the book was trying too hard to be magical and whimsical, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
4. David - 2 stars - "The Magic Hat Book" had a promising premise, but I found the execution to be lacking. The writing style was overly simplistic, and the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. The illustrations were lovely, but they couldn't make up for the weak storytelling. I was hoping for a more engaging and immersive experience, but unfortunately, this book failed to captivate me.
5. Emma - 1.5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "The Magic Hat Book." The story was predictable, and it followed the usual cliches of children's literature. The characters lacked depth, and their actions felt one-dimensional. The book failed to spark my imagination or curiosity, and I found myself quickly losing interest. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book as there are much better options out there for young readers.