School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--In illustrations reminiscent of the works of James Stevenson, an older white man--a grandfather?--tells his young female charge that a hat is full of possibilities. It can keep her dry, warm, or cool. It can help her to be silly or stand out in a crowd. And a hat given from the heart? It represents the love that goes along on any adventure life brings. In Stubbs's tender debut, blue and red ink on graphite sketches depict the unnamed protagonists exploring the world through a red hat. The hat accompanies the pair on their adventures near and far, simple and serious. The strong, trusting bond between them is evident whether they are navigating bustling crowds diverse in race, age, and ability on their way to the park, or in quiet moments safe to express secrets and fears. The young girl daydreams of solo adventures in far away places wearing the hat, but always returning home. Similar in concept to Lauren Castillo's Nana in the City, this cozy story is sure to bring smiles to the faces of many and is one to share with a loved one. VERDICT A sweetly potent homage to the special love between old and young; recommended for all public library collections.--Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI
Kirkus Review
What possibilities does a red hat hold? An elder--a grandparent, perhaps, clad in a sweater, pajama bottoms, and slippers--sits in a light blue comfy chair, doting on the child upon their lap. Both present White. "I give you my hat," says the elder, and with this gift of a floppy-brimmed red homburg, the elder promises much. "It will keep you warm and dry" as both elder and child with hat are depicted gardening out in the torrential rain, and it will also "help keep you cool" as the same scene switches to a very sunny day. The red hat, it seems, can be useful in numerous moments, from standing out in a crowd to even keeping secrets and fears tucked away. Throughout these life-affirming moments, some more dreamlike than others, Stubbs' sublime, exuberantly lined illustrations bounce from scenario to scenario with a consistent sense of magical optimism, carried in each red burst and pale swoop of gray-blue. At each picture's center sit the elder and the child, an intergenerational dialogue that asks for the warmth of ambitious imagination and its potential in life. Alone with the hat on their head, the child travels to places "way down deep" and "way up high" before returning home, reunited with the elder whose arms guarantee an embrace. "This hat is for you," concludes the elder's promise, a rousing appeal carried by the weight of dreams. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.4-by-17.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 38.9% of actual size.) Like a gentle prod to the heart. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
