GRUMPY HAT

A tussle over a toy leads to a case of crankiness.

When a sibling squabble gets out of hand, Ravi, a young puppy, breaks his sister Ruby’s treasured toy car, and both kids end the day feeling bad. Often a good night’s sleep is all one needs to feel better, but Ravi wakes up the next morning with yesterday’s grumpy mood still hanging heavy, manifesting as a red hat that won’t come off. Ravi’s dad tries to help him shake off his sorrows, pulling out time-tested parental fail-safes like food and a change of scenery, but nothing works. Ravi is determined to get the hat off himself but discovers that sometimes the harder we try to change a bad mood, the worse it gets. Ravi feels alone and sad until he remembers that there’s one thing he hasn’t tried: an apology. Young children will recognize familiar behavior and emotions. Kent models solid ways to start conversations about problem-solving and big feelings. Subtle touches in the childlike illustrations, such as a sock that pops up on various pages and Ruby imitating Ravi’s actions in the background, make this relatable story even more charming and believable. Details including Ruby’s vehicle-themed bedspread and omnipresent car, as well as Dad carrying the domestic load, gently subvert gender stereotypes.

An appealing choice to help little ones cope with big emotions.