Locomotive engineer Stormy Kromer needs a hat that can stand up to his job, but nothing works. Ida, his wife, tries to offer an idea, but Stormy interrupts and tells her not to worry her “pretty little head” about the problem. Instead, he turns to his buddies for advice. Each one—cowboy, pressman, fireman—recommends his hat, and each hat fails to work for Stormy. Meanwhile, Ida gets fed up listening to Stormy’s complaints; she thinks it’s time Stormy listens to her ideas for a change. When he finally does, not only does he get the perfect hat, he learns to listen. Gentle lessons about listening, respecting women and creative problem-solving are delivered free of didacticism in this timely story based on historical fact. U’Ren’s witty, colorful illustrations enhance the playful tone. The depiction of early-20th-century work and home life is an added bonus. (author’s note) (Picture book. 5-8)
