Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The subcategory of hat-related children's literature is extensive and august, but Fuller and Hodgson acquit themselves with style in this sweetly silly tale. Their hero, Mr. Brown, is a dapper bear who has "just the hat" for every occasion. Unfortunately, the ever-changing environment outside his home turns Mr. Brown into in a kind of millinery Sisyphus-he's too busy changing his hats to get where he needs to go. He swaps his rain hat for a warmer one when it begins to snow, only to discover that a band is now marching by. He goes inside, returning with a marching band hat and trumpet, but now there are "magical rabbits loose on his lawn." (In fact, the only constant besides Mr. Brown is a wand-wielding white rabbit tucked into each scene, raising the question of whether a bit of magic might be responsible for all of the chaos.) Fuller and Hodgson's story has a naive, crafts-room look, the unstoppable momentum of a windup toy, and a punch line that's just right (it's Mr. Brown's birthday, and there's a hat for that, too). Hats off! Ages 3-5. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
Soft, shaggy bear Mr. Brown owns many hats. One day, each time he tries to leave his house, conditions require a different hat: one for rain, then snow, a rodeo, etc. When he finally arrives at his friend's home, he adds another to his collection: a party hat. Ample white space emphasizes the bright mixed-media illustrations. Decorated endpapers introduce an even wider selection of headwear. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Although the world beyond his front door continually changes, this hat-loving bear has the hats ready to face it."Today is a good day for a hat." Mr. Brown is on his way to Miss Plum's house, and he's wearing the perfect hat for the occasion (a purple derby with a flower). Unfortunately, he wasn't expecting the rain. Mr. Brown dashes back inside and grabs a hat well suited for the rainjust as snow begins to fall! But this second change in scenery doesn't faze the amiable bear. "I have just the hat for that." Fuller establishes a pattern from the get-go, sending Mr. Brown out into scenarios that escalate in absurdity, from a "rootin' tootin' rodeo" to a ferocious dragon. The story thrives on this repetitive silliness with well-timed page turns, and the author wisely moves the story forward before it devolves into monotony. Hodgson's digital illustrations are colorful, zany, and suitably flat, with plump circles and sharp squares delineating a clean and clear-cut art style. Mr. Brown conveys a vague sense of cheery optimism through modest facial gestures, matching the story in a pleasant if nondescript way. Already late for Miss Plum's, Mr. Brown dons a heap of hats, which subsequently topples when all his friends surprise him for his birthday. What hat will he wear next? A predictable ending delivers a meager payoff. Mild hat-inspired silliness makes for mild fun. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
