Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts
Publisher: Abrams, 2014
Ages: 4-8yrs
Themes: hats, birthdays, hatmakers
Opening: In a three story house with a shop down below lived the world’s finest hatmaker, Madame Chapeau.
Summary: (from my library catalog) When a crow flies off with her birthday bonnet as she walks to dinner, Madame Chapeau chases the thief through the streets of Paris while admirers offer her replacement hats, but none seem quite right until someone offers a special gift.
I like this book because: this has to be one of the perfectest perfect picks ever! The rhyme is so delicious, you have to read it again and again – aloud! The story is adorable, and the pictures – OH! I want to spend my next vacation IN this book!!! The illustrator includes an interesting note in the front, about his own influences and work as a milliner. The look of main character is based on the fashion editor, Isabella Blow. Get the book and read more for yourself!
Resources/activities: make paper hats – instructions HERE; learn to knit -tutorial HERE; make a chocolate gateau, like the one below – click on the image for the recipe post.
Perfect Picture Book Friday has plenty of selections listed on a themed and alphabetized list, each with teacher/parent resources, on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 
OMG – proving that even the most macabre of characters can inspire a children’s book! Will have to see this for myself to believe it Julie. Cheers! – Cathy Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:28:57 +0000 To: cathy54321@hotmail.com
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Inspired the illustrator for sure. She had cool taste though!
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I love books with delicious rhyme. So I will have to make the purchase. This story sounds like so much fun, Julie. I love the entire premise with the chase scenes and the people offering her hats. But none are quite right. Thanks, pal. *hugs*
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I wish I had a face for hats!
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I know I’m going to LOVE this book. Reminds me a bit of Tomi Ungerer’s Crictor. Maybe because it’s set in Paris and the illustrations have a similar feel. Great review, as always, Julie!
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Love your comparison!
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Can I come with you? That would be a fun vacay! Adorable!
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Wouldn’t it though! Wish we could be the tour guides too!
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Oh yes with our own special hats!
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I’m hungry for some yummy rhyme!
I will read this book, although,
for dessert, I have to say,
I want mousse and not gateau.
🙂
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Okay? You making some?
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Who would have thought a book about a hatmaker would evoke so much excitement from you. It sounds quirky and fun.
Since I can’t respond to Susanna’s blog, I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed reading her review “You’re Here.” Your illustrations look so soft and cuddly. I have a brand new great grandson, and your book will be a Christmas present. Sounds so beautiful and perfect. He will be five months old.
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I love hats, Patricia, but they don’t look that great on me – baseball caps are the worst! Thank you for the kind words too!
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Andrea Beaty does do rhyme deliciously! You’re so right. And everything about this book is delightful.
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Haha, I was going to review this next week, but I am glad you have. I love it and not just because it is set in Paris. It is whacky and smooth and skillful!
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More recommendations the merrier!
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Abrams books are often quirky gems. Most Americans don’t “do” hats like they do overseas. This looks like fun!
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We used to. I remember an episode of The Little Rascals where the mom gets all dolled up with a special hat, and how that affected me.
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I love hats. Must get this book! Hats off to you for a fun review. 🙂
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I KNOW you’ll like it!
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P.S. love the bears in your blog header 🙂
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What fun! The cat and dog pom-pom hats are divine! I.am inspired by your activities and your book selection. Hmmm. What to have for supper tonight . . .
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Gateau!
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Spending a vacation in a picture book sounds most wonderful!!! This one sounds like a destination I’ll want to consider :•)
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Maybe this will be the dress up theme for the next scbwi conference in LA!
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Hats! Yikes! I’ll have to keep the Mom Person away from this one! She’ll get too many ideas!
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Just remember that one of her ideas was you!
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I would like to go on this vacation with you! I can’t wait to see this one. Sounds like lovely rhyme.
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This sounds amazing! I love hats. 🙂
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Even if I rarely don one having a BIG bag full of them makes me happy!
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Beautiful Cover!!!
Douglas Florian 500 west 52nd street, studio 6e2 NY NY 10019 website: http://www.douglasflorian.com http://floriancafe.blogspot.com/ laugheteria@aol.com
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and those interiors as well are super!
Douglas Florian 500 west 52nd street, studio 6e2 NY NY 10019 website: http://www.douglasflorian.com http://floriancafe.blogspot.com/ laugheteria@aol.com
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You should check out Roberts’ other work too, Douglas:http://www.davidrobertsillustration.com/home.html
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This looks darling, Julie! And I love the opening rhyme – I can totally see how it makes you want to read along! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
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