Bibliographic data
Fox, Mem. The Magic Hat. New York: Harcourt Children's Books, 2002. ISBN 0152010254
Brief plot summary
A magical hat blows into a town and brings magic upon the heads of some unexpected people.
Critical analysis
The illustrations of this book are what first attract the reader’s attention. Tricia Tusa’s vibrant watercolor scenes only add to this humorous story. The people to animals’ depiction are quite humorous. For example, a mother carrying her baby in her arms is seen as a kangaroo with a baby kangaroo (joey) in her pouch, after the magic hat lands on her head.
The Australian culture within this cute story is very few and far between, but peeks up with the kangaroo featured in the book as one of the characters. However, the story is very cute and children will definitely read along with you as you read the singsong words.
Even though this picture book is not drenched with the Australian culture as a few other Mem Fox books are, this story is still a great book. This book will make a great read aloud for story time programs.
Review excerpt
Booklist
The bouncy rhyme is fun if undistinguished, but the artwork, in its oversize format, overflows with good humor. Executed in watercolors, the paintings feature rambunctious children, delightful animals, and a fresh-faced wizard who finagles the hat here and there. Fox moves this feast across the two-page spreads with an ease that buoys the spirit. Good for story hours; even children in the back row will be able to see what's going on.
Publishers Weekly
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.
Connections
“Koala Lou” by Mem Fox
“Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!” by Mem Fox
“Tough Boris” by Mem Fox
“Possum Magic” (Voyager Books) by Mem Fox
Fox, Mem. The Magic Hat. New York: Harcourt Children's Books, 2002. ISBN 0152010254
Brief plot summary
A magical hat blows into a town and brings magic upon the heads of some unexpected people.
Critical analysis
The illustrations of this book are what first attract the reader’s attention. Tricia Tusa’s vibrant watercolor scenes only add to this humorous story. The people to animals’ depiction are quite humorous. For example, a mother carrying her baby in her arms is seen as a kangaroo with a baby kangaroo (joey) in her pouch, after the magic hat lands on her head.
The Australian culture within this cute story is very few and far between, but peeks up with the kangaroo featured in the book as one of the characters. However, the story is very cute and children will definitely read along with you as you read the singsong words.
Even though this picture book is not drenched with the Australian culture as a few other Mem Fox books are, this story is still a great book. This book will make a great read aloud for story time programs.
Review excerpt
Booklist
The bouncy rhyme is fun if undistinguished, but the artwork, in its oversize format, overflows with good humor. Executed in watercolors, the paintings feature rambunctious children, delightful animals, and a fresh-faced wizard who finagles the hat here and there. Fox moves this feast across the two-page spreads with an ease that buoys the spirit. Good for story hours; even children in the back row will be able to see what's going on.
Publishers Weekly
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.
Connections
“Koala Lou” by Mem Fox
“Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!” by Mem Fox
“Tough Boris” by Mem Fox
“Possum Magic” (Voyager Books) by Mem Fox
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