This is Not My Hat

Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick.

About the Book

Little Fish has stolen Big Fish's hat. He admits he just took it. He rambles on and on about how and why he thinks it is Okay. All the while he is swimming somewhere to hide from Big Fish, so he does not have to give the hat back. In the end, Big Fish finds Little Fish and retrieves his hat. Leaving Little Fish in a situation where he can not steal any more.

Visual Elements of Art Evaluation

Shape – The illustrations in this book are very simple and repetitive. The oval shape of the fish is used in large and small form. Most of the drawings are done with curved shapes, circles and ovals. 

Literature Evaluative Criteria

Theme – I think this book illustrates dishonesty and stealing as the theme. The thief very proud and boasting about what they did, only to be put in their place in the end. The moral of the story: If it is not yours do not take it, no matter what you think or feel. If you choose to help yourself to someone else’s things, than be willing to take the consequences.