This Is Not My Hat

A tiny fish has a secret: that round blue hat sitting perfectly on his head? It isn't his. He borrowed it from a much bigger fish — while the bigger fish was sleeping — and he's pretty sure he's going to get away with it. The bigger fish will never wake up. And even if he does, he'll never find him. Probably.

What makes this story so irresistible is the gap between what the little fish tells us and what the illustrations quietly reveal. While the little fish narrates his own confident escape, Klassen's artwork tells an entirely different story — one where a very awake, very aware big fish is already on the move.

Winner of the 2013 Caldecott Medal and the 2014 Kate Greenaway Medal — the first picture book ever to win both — This Is Not My Hat is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Klassen uses minimal text, subtle eye movements, and the slow tilt of seagrass to build tension and dark humor that works on every age level. Kids will delight in the silliness; adults will catch the layers.

Part of the beloved Hat Trilogy alongside I Want My Hat Back and We Found a Hat, this is a book that rewards repeated readings and sparks great conversations about honesty, consequences, and the art of the deadpan.

Perfect for: Ages 2–6 · Storytime · Gifting · Early readers · Classic shelf additions