Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

 

Many of us were introduced to Jon Klassen’s illustrations with his debut picture book, I Want My Hat Back (picture book gold, by the way). This was followed with This Is Not My Hat, which I’ve yet to review, but as it was recently awarded the Caldecott Medal, it goes to show that it wasn’t just me that thought it was brilliant. 

So, you can imagine that I was pleased to see that there was yet another picture book illustrated by Jon Klassen in the market. (I know it’s been out a while now, ‘Life’ has been keeping me from writing reviews).

The fact that it’s illustrated by Jon is enough for me to love it already, but it shouldn’t overshadow Mac Barnett’s writing. This is a smart and snappy book that delights in play between words and pictures. 

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

If you’re like me, and you love a bit of dry humour, then this is the book for you!

Bear’s hat is gone. Naturally, he wants it back. So he sets out to inquire other forest creature concerning its whereabouts.

He is so blinded by the loss of his hat, he moves politely from conversation to conversation barely hearing what is being said to him, bust always with the best of manners.

Then he collapses in despair.

Of course I’m describing this with more flourish than is actually in the book. Klassen brilliantly pares back the store to its bare, hilarious, minimum. And I mean hilarious! The first time I read this book, I was in tears, doubled over with laughter. Even now, having read it so many times I’ve lost count, I still giggle in anticipation and laugh at the obscure rather left of field punch-line.  Left of field for a children’s book, but one that I can see anyone over 5 getting a good laugh at.

So, go to your local bookshop, find this book, and read it right through to it’s surprising and uproarious ending. You won’t be disappointed, I've deliberately not talked about it so you can discover it for yourself. 

 

5 Gold Stars