Harold Loves His Woolly Hat

by Vern Kousky

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

An impactful story of appreciation, Harold's quest to retrieve the hat he loves so dearly teaches him just how much it means to him.

An Indie Next List Pick!

"All libraries should make space on their shelves for Harold."—School Library Journal (starred review)

In this sweet picture book that celebrates selflessness and the joy of helping others, a little bear named Harold loses his beloved woolly hat—only to discover that others need it more.

What makes a bear special? For Harold, it is his beloved striped woolly hat. He wears it when he sleeps, when he goes to school, and even when he takes his monthly bath. But when a crow whisks the hat off his head and high up into a nest, Harold doesn't feel so special anymore. He tries everything to get it back—offering the crow blueberries, worms, and even shiny objects—but alas, the crow will not budge. Turns out that the hat has a new special purpose: keeping three baby crows warm. This heartwarming picture book features an irresistible bear and gently reinforces the notion that it doesn't matter what you have, it's who you are that matters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781524764678
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	12/11/2018
Series:	A Harold the Bear Story
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.70(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

VERN KOUSKY is the author-illustrator of THE BLUE SONGBIRD, called "lovely" by School Library Journal, and OTTO, THE OWL WHO LOVED POETRY, deemed "a witty homage to Leo Lionni's classic Frederick" by the New York Times. Visit him on the web at vernkousky.com or on Instagram at @vernkousky.

Editorial Reviews

"This delightful story deals with problem-solving and identity in an accessible and appealing way."—School Library Journal, Starred review

Winter 2018-2019 Indie Next List selection

From the Publisher

2018-09-17

Above all else, Harold treasures his woolly hat until a crow swoops down and steals it from him.

Harold the bear wears his woolly hat day and night, in winter and in summer. It makes him feel "special" and "different from all the other bears." When a crow snatches his hat, Harold desperately seeks to win back his most prized possession. Pencil-and-watercolor illustrations depict the forest setting and the conflict amid an all-animal cast of characters. Kousky captures the full range of Harold's emotions in his expressive face and body language. As the story progresses, Harold offers worms, berries, and shiny treasures in exchange for his hat. Each time, Harold grows more upset as the crow takes the offerings but only caws in reply to his plea for the return of his hat. After Harold discovers the crow's nest of baby birds, he immediately forgets his anger, asking for neither an apology nor the return of his belongings. He even pursues a friendship with the crow family. While the crow may have acted according to its nature, the abrupt shift in Harold's relationship with the crow shares the message that being a "helpful bear" is more important than personal feelings or the impact of hurtful actions.

Despite the lively illustrations and a conflict readers will readily recognize, the resolution excuses unkindness to uphold a lesson about self-sacrifice and generosity. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews