The eNotes Blog This Is Not My Hat Wins the 2013 CaldecottMedal

This Is Not My Hat Wins the 2013 CaldecottMedal A couple of years ago, I was going about my Sunday chores and listening to NPRs  Weekend Edition  with Scott Simon.   A writer of childrens books myself and a lover of childrens literature in general, my ears always perk up when Daniel Pinkwater comes on the show to discuss a new childrens book.   The one he selected for this program was I Want My Hat Back  by Jon Klassen. I was captivated by the deceptively simple story and delighted in Simon and Pinkwaters animated reading of the book and their descriptions of Klaussens illustrations.   It seemed to me to strike the right balance of humor and a bit of angst, just right for the 4-to-8 year old set.   (You can listen to that broadcast here.) Of course, I wasnt alone in my delight. Klaussens book went on to become a #1 New York Times bestseller, winning a place on its list of Best Books of 2011, and also nabbing the Theodore Geisel Honor (Dr. Seuss) that same year as well. This year, Klaussen followed his runaway hit with  This Is Not My Hat,  and again found popular and critical success, ultimately winning the Caldecott Award, the highest honor for an illustrated childrens book.   In this story, a tiny fish comes upon a round top hat which fits him perfectlyand all will be well, unless the enormous fish to whom it belongs wakes up. Hats and childrens books have a long history.   Here are some examples which you might also recall fondly: Curious George (Original Edition) by H.A. Rey   Caps for Sale  by Esphyr Slobodkina Madeline and the Bad Hat  by Ludwig Bemelmans Go, Dog, Go!  by P.D. Eastman