A GOOD DAY FOR A HAT

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 rain…just 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.