Pajama Press

A sweet and silly getting-dressed book for toddlers

It’s time for this little one to go out. But which hat will he choose? Red hat, blue hat, striped hat, penguin hat, teddy bear hat? Once that decision is made, that hat just doesn’t stay on, while shoes are tied and jacket is buttoned. One more visit to the potty. And once this child is in the stroller at last, will that hat be on his head?

Toddlers will delight in choosing their own hats after they see this charming story. A simple, rhythmic text that reflects the everyday challenge of getting a toddler ready to go out. Written by Theo Heras and Illustrated with gentle humour by Renné Benoit.

Awards and Honours:
2017 Jbrary “Favourite Storytime Picture Books” selection
2017 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens selection
2016 Resource Links “The Year’s Best” selection
2016 School Library Journal blogger Elizabeth Bird’s “2016 Great Board Books” selection

Reviews:
“…staccato phrases are extended by the charming watercolor-and-digital illustrations that bleed off the page, creating an intimate, up-close effect. Soft colors and background patterns of knitted yarn (which only adults will notice) add a cozy feeling to the text pages. Heavyweight paper and rounded corners will help little hands to turn the pages easily. A seemingly simple story is greatly enhanced by nuanced, toddler-friendly details.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Heras and Benoit tell a story that every parent will relate to, using toddler-friendly language and soft watercolor illustrations. The patterns of each hat are subtly woven into the narrative as a backdrop to many of the pages that contain text.”—School Library Journal

“The simple and repetitive language used throughout the book works well for children who are just learning to speak…The illustrations do a great job of giving visual cues for children to follow along with. Overall, Hat On, Hat Off is a lovely little book for young children and parents.”—CM Magazine

“This is a great book for toddlers. The illustrations sweetly invoke the textures of clothing itself…. an important board book that empathizes with the lived experiences of young children who get dressed every single day. Highly Recommended”—Catherine-Laura Dunnington, CM Magazine

“Hat On, Hat Off is a wonderful read-a-loud title for young children that should be incorporated into library and classroom collections without hesitation.”—Resource Links

“Theo Heras uses spare and simple language to tell a story that toddlers and preschoolers (and certainly their parents and caregivers) are sure to recognize….From the assortment of fun and funky hats piled up in a basket to the facial expressions of the toddler in question, [Renné] Benoit demonstrates an eye for details that matter.”—Canadian Children’s BookNews

“Renné Benoit’s softly hued, realistic watercolour illustrations extend Theo Heras’s simple, conversational text….The book’s design is very appealing to little hands, with a soft padded cover, and rounded corners. Infinitely relatable, Hat On, Hat Off is a warm, slice-of-life adventure that is perfect for sharing.”—National Reading Campaign

“All libraries [should buy this book]”—Youth Services Book Review

“Theo Heras’ text is not complex but that makes it easy to follow for those for whom Hat On, Hat Off is written, and the book is appropriately packaged for them: small size with padded hardcover, thick paper and rounded corners. Young children will…especially be hooked by Renné Benoit’s endearing illustrations….[A] joyful experience of style and taste and childish amusement.”—CanLit for LittleCanadians

“This simple story of a young child getting ready to go outside and play on a cooler day is a very relatable everyday activity….The soft colors keep the event light-hearted and sweet….The sturdy cover and thicker pages are perfect for a newly independent child to hold and turn the pages.”—YA Books Central

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