A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat by Karla Kuskin

A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat
Karla Kuskin
HarperCollins (2010)
ISBN 9780060753313
Reviewed by Grace (age 5) and Ella (age 4) Gleichner and Dad for Reader Views (11/09)

“A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat” is a love story–a love story between a boy and his red hat.  The boy wore his red hat everywhere, and while doing anything and everything.  But, a red hat wasn’t the only thing he got from his mother.  The boy receives a mouse, shoes, boots, skis, a mask, a cello, and an elephant.

The boy manages to keep all of his new-found possessions with him and it becomes a very funny juggling act.  This was an enjoyable book to read and share with my daughters, ages 4 and 5.

Ella: “Can I wear my boots in the bathtub?  He gets to and if you don’t let me it’s not fair!”

This was not an unexpected response from her, she questions everything and even if you try to explain it, she sometimes thinks she should be able to do it anyway.  At least she didn’t ask for an elephant!

Grace: “I wish we could get an elephant for Cheeto (our cat).  Even though elephants are big I think they could be friends.  What do you think dad, can you buy elephants at the pet store or do we have to go to the zoo for them?”

“A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat” by Karla Kuskin is recommended for ages 3-8.  While I would agree, I think the older kids might not enjoy it as much.  All in all this was a very enjoyable and silly ride.  Grab your own red hat and hang on for fun.