A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat

Reviewed by Grace (age 5) and Ella (age 4) Gleichner and Dad for Reader Views (11/09) "A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat" is a love story--a love story between a boy and his red hat. The boy wore his red hat everywhere, and while doing anything and everything. But, a red hat wasn't the only thing he got from his mother. The boy receives a mouse, shoes, boots, skis, a mask, a cello, and an elephant. The boy manages to keep all of his new-found possessions with him and it becomes a very funny juggling act. This was an enjoyable book to read and share with my daughters, ages 4 and 5. Ella: "Can I wear my boots in the bathtub? He gets to and if you don't let me it's not fair!" This was not an unexpected response from her, she questions everything and even if you try to explain it, she sometimes thinks she should be able to do it anyway. At least she didn't ask for an elephant! Grace: "I wish we could get an elephant for Cheeto (our cat). Even though elephants are big I think they could be friends. What do you think dad, can you buy elephants at the pet store or do we have to go to the zoo for them?" "A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat" by Karla Kuskin is recommended for ages 3-8. While I would agree, I think the older kids might not enjoy it as much. All in all this was a very enjoyable and silly ride. Grab your own red hat and hang on for fun.

The title says it all for A BOY HAD A MOTHER WHO BOUGHT HIM A HAT! A young boy enjoys his mother's gift to him of a new red hat so much that he takes it with him everywhere. As more gifts are provided to him, his list of items to tote everywhere grows rapidly and increasingly whimsical in usefulness. A BOY HAD A MOTHER WHO BOUGHT HIM A HAT is told through repetition and alliteration, making the words flow almost like a song. The author juxtaposes the ordinary with the creative, producing images such as a nurse being scared by the boy in a mask rather than the reverse. The ending offers parents an opportunity to discuss the difference between necessities, such as a warm hat on a cold day, and frivolous but fun things such as a pet mouse. Children will enjoy the pacing and the illustrations of this imaginative and joyful tale. COURTESY OF BOOK ILLUMINATIONS

A mother loves her son so much that she buys him a woolly red hat, a mouse, new shoes and a variety of other gifts from the practical to the fanciful. Wherever the boy goes, he takes each gift with him, piling one on top of the other until the inevitable happens. With each new gift, the story of past gifts are repeated. Rhyme and repetition of each item as one more is added makes the story fun to read aloud. The illustrations by Kevin Hawkes are the perfect compliment to the fun, joyful spirit of the story. The boy is energetic and playful as he discovers the world around him. Illustrations of animals and different seasonal activities as well as a visit with the boy's grandparents are all activities that create a feeling of wonder and warmth. Author and illustrator do an excellent job at combining everyday activities to which children can relate to more fantastically fun. A BOY HAD A MOTHER WHO BOUGHT HIM A HAT is a wonderful book for a mother to share with her son(s) but don't let the title fool you. I read this book aloud to my husband who loved it. A BOY HAD A MOTHER WHO BOUGHT HIM A HAT is also a book fathers and grandparents might also enjoy sharing with their children and grandchildren too! Courtesy of Book Illuminations

In A Nutshell: The book is cute, large, and a fun read. Any book that keeps your kids attention is a good book. We have to read every night and I love books that are repetitive. It helps keep your kid actively involved. By the 2nd verse my son and daughter were saying the story along with me. Repetition is very important to children who have Sensory Processing Delays or ADD. What I Can Tell You: The book is great for ages 4-10. My daughters preschool class has my copy right now and I am dying to hear how they did with it. My daughter has asked me to read it a few times. I love this book because it is a bigger book that can lie on all of our laps as we read.