Books Like I Want My Hat Back

David Ezra Stein

Like Klassen's bear, a small animal with a single-minded focus drives the story, and the comedy comes from a gentle, knowing tone that adults and children both enjoy.

Drew Daywalt

Its letters from disgruntled crayons deliver the same kind of dry, escalating absurdity, with a deadpan voice that makes the premise land as well as the hat story does.

Aaron Becker

A nearly wordless adventure in which the pictures carry the whole plot, matching the way I Want My Hat Back lets its illustrations say what the text leaves out.

David Wiesner

A mischievous, almost wordless tale with a sly sense of humour, offering the same pleasure of watching a story unfold through small visual details.

Sophie Blackall

Quiet, detailed illustrations and a calm, unhurried pace give the same restful feel as Klassen's book, with a story told mostly through its images.

Crockett Johnson

A classic with a spare text and a single central idea, as in Klassen's book, where a simple premise is followed with confidence and a light touch of humour.

Antoinette Portis

A short, witty picture book about a simple object and the imagination of a small character, fitting readers who enjoy the economy and playfulness of I Want My Hat Back.

Alice Schertle

A warm, rhythmic read-aloud with a clear emotional arc and bold, uncluttered art, suited to the same young audience and the same shared-reading pleasure.

Maurice Sendak

A landmark picture book that, like I Want My Hat Back, uses simple text and expressive images to tell a story with a mischievous edge and a satisfying shape.

Ezra Jack Keats

A calm, perceptive picture book about a child's small adventure, with the same unhurried pace and attention to simple everyday moments that make Klassen's book so rereadable.

Rod Campbell, Roger Boore

A cumulative, lift-the-flap favourite with a repeating pattern and a satisfying twist at the end, appealing to the same young readers who enjoy the rhythm of Klassen's book.