I Want My Hat Back

In his bestselling debut picture book, the multiple award-winning Jon Klassen, illustrator of This Is Not My Hat and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, tells the story of a bear who's hat has gone. And he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no (some more elaborately than others). But just as it he begins to lose hope, lying flat on his back in despair, a deer comes by and asks a rather obvious question that suddenly sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance... Told completely in dialogue, this quirky, hilarious, read-aloud tale plays out in sly illustrations brimming with visual humour and winks at the reader who will be thrilled to be in on the joke.

An exciting new author/illustrator talent, previously an artist for Dreamworks Feature Animation. Subversive humour sure to please children and adults. Perfect as a read aloud.

Short-listed for Kate Greenaway Medal 2013
Short-listed for Waterstones Children's Book Prize: Picture Books Category 2012

"[...] hilarious and with such amazing illustrations to boot." Gurgle "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 "Read I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. It's the most subtle endorsement of murder you'll ever find." GQ 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 Elegant books Wall Street Journal 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 This must be one of the simplest yet original entertaining picture books around at the moment. -- Shirley Hughes The Telegraph Repetition for the under 5's and giggles for the over 25's (Best book for laughs) The Lady "[...] 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

Jon Klassen is the author-illustrator of I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat, the only book to ever win both the Kate Greenaway and Caldecott Medal. He also illustrated Mac Barnett's Extra Yarn and served as an illustrator on the animated feature film Coraline. His illustrations for Caroline Stutson's Cats Night Out won the Governor General's Award in 2010. Originally from Niagara Falls, Canada, Jon now lives in Los Angeles, California. Visit Jon's website at and follow him on twitter @burstofbeaden.

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