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Hat
Bertie the gardener is happy with his life, so is Oscar - his dog. However, this happiness turns to discontent when Bertie sees George looking ‘important’ in his new bowler hat. Bertie wants one just like it, so that he can look important too. Consequently, he hangs up his comfy old hat and that’s when his adventure begins.
There's a fun activity page at the back of this book so that children can learn more about different types of hats and their names.
There's a fun activity page at the back of this book so that children can learn more about different types of hats and their names.
ebook
Published May 1, 2018
17 people want to read
About the author
Renée Paule
9 books265 followers'Self-reflection', 'Know Thyself' and 'Semi-autobiography'
'Top of the morning' from Ireland.
Many years ago I wrote my autobiography - probably more as therapy than anything else - but life continued happening to me and I got to thinking, what good will this story do, isn’t there enough misery in the world without me adding to it? I subsequently burnt the manuscript. It was around that time that I began searching for meaning in my life and had a profound experience - a realisation that we’re all connected; we’re One. In my books, I take an honest look at our quirky and often bizarre behaviour in society and challenge the status-quo we accept as unchangeable - questioning and pushing the boundaries we set ourselves, and those that have been set for us. I’m convinced that if we want to change our lives and change our world then we must first change ourselves. I invite you to join me on my journey, questioning the society we call ours and the role we play within it.
My Reviews
I rate/review books that have given me pause for thought. 5 stars = something resonated with me.
Author Interviews, Articles and Questionnaires are at:
Pebble in the Still Waters
Smashwords
Two Girls and a Blog
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - Just Around the Bend
Books, Teacup and Reviews
BookWorks
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - The Frightened Little Flower Bud
Show good will to each other - every day.
'Top of the morning' from Ireland.
Many years ago I wrote my autobiography - probably more as therapy than anything else - but life continued happening to me and I got to thinking, what good will this story do, isn’t there enough misery in the world without me adding to it? I subsequently burnt the manuscript. It was around that time that I began searching for meaning in my life and had a profound experience - a realisation that we’re all connected; we’re One. In my books, I take an honest look at our quirky and often bizarre behaviour in society and challenge the status-quo we accept as unchangeable - questioning and pushing the boundaries we set ourselves, and those that have been set for us. I’m convinced that if we want to change our lives and change our world then we must first change ourselves. I invite you to join me on my journey, questioning the society we call ours and the role we play within it.
My Reviews
I rate/review books that have given me pause for thought. 5 stars = something resonated with me.
Author Interviews, Articles and Questionnaires are at:
Pebble in the Still Waters
Smashwords
Two Girls and a Blog
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - Just Around the Bend
Books, Teacup and Reviews
BookWorks
Read, Rant and Rock and Roll - The Frightened Little Flower Bud
Show good will to each other - every day.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 6, 2018
I read The Frightened Little Flower Bud last year by Renée Paule and G.R. Hewitt. It quickly became one of the best and most essential books in my children's library. Here we are in 2018 and their newest book HAT is now one of my personal favorites and my #1 children's read of the year. I'm amazed with how educational this book is and the many lessons it teaches.
The book opens with Bertie, an excellent gardener who loves his old brown, floppy hat. His intelligent dog named Oscar has one just like it. Bertie wouldn't be caught without his favorite hat, until one day he discovers other people wearing hats that make them look distinguished and important. He wants to trade in his old, floppy hat so that he can feel just like they look: professional, honorable, and clever. What do you think Bertie will do? Oscar seems to know. Will Bertie finally find a hat that makes him feel better than his old, floppy one?
Some of the most important lessons to reiterate to children (I feel) are to be yourself, embrace what you're good at and run with it, accept every part of yourself and love yourself for who you are, and don't be afraid to try new things and make your own decisions, but do what feels right. This book teaches all of these lessons and more. Not only that, I think we can all use a reminder that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
This book is great for all ages and I think I enjoyed it just as much as my children did. The questions open up multiple windows for discussion and get them thinking. We also enjoyed the Hatology section in the back which educates you about different types of hats and what they're called.
I think it's much needed in classrooms, libraries, and every home. I can't wait to get my own physical copy to add to our collection. 5***** for HAT!
You can see all my reviews @ www.readrantrockandroll.com
The book opens with Bertie, an excellent gardener who loves his old brown, floppy hat. His intelligent dog named Oscar has one just like it. Bertie wouldn't be caught without his favorite hat, until one day he discovers other people wearing hats that make them look distinguished and important. He wants to trade in his old, floppy hat so that he can feel just like they look: professional, honorable, and clever. What do you think Bertie will do? Oscar seems to know. Will Bertie finally find a hat that makes him feel better than his old, floppy one?
Some of the most important lessons to reiterate to children (I feel) are to be yourself, embrace what you're good at and run with it, accept every part of yourself and love yourself for who you are, and don't be afraid to try new things and make your own decisions, but do what feels right. This book teaches all of these lessons and more. Not only that, I think we can all use a reminder that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
This book is great for all ages and I think I enjoyed it just as much as my children did. The questions open up multiple windows for discussion and get them thinking. We also enjoyed the Hatology section in the back which educates you about different types of hats and what they're called.
I think it's much needed in classrooms, libraries, and every home. I can't wait to get my own physical copy to add to our collection. 5***** for HAT!
You can see all my reviews @ www.readrantrockandroll.com
June 3, 2018
A perfect children's book that can be appreciated by all ages. The illustrations are wonderful throughout the book and the story teaches a great lesson we can all take something from in life, a very unique story that could be enjoyed over and over again.
I loved the characters!
I loved the characters!
July 24, 2018
Renée Paule writes the most charming children's books. Well, usually geared towards both big and little kids (ages 6-99). I first read her book The Frightened Little Flower Bud and loved it. I loved the drawings, the story, and the message it taught children. So when she asked if I would like to read her new book, I did not hesitate.
Hat is the story about Bertie the gardener who has a tattered old brown hat and a cute, very intelligent, dog named Oscar. Bertie is happy until he sees a man with a different type of hat that makes him look important. And so the tale of Bertie begins. He gets the new hat to feel important. Until he sees another man with another kind of hat who looks dignified, and Bertie want to look the same. And this continues on and on all the while Oscar looking on, almost chuckling at Bertie. What I love most about Renée's books is there is always a lesson to be learned from it for children. Each hat Bertie gets doesn't make him any different. Bertie should love himself as he is but not be afraid to try new things....like wearing a wizard hat. Love it! The drawings by G.R. Hewitt are wonderful too. A special read for children that also teaches them a lesson. And a fun game at the end guessing all the different types of hats.
I would suggest any of the books by Renée, even lessons for adults can be found in Just Around The Bend: Más o Menos. Thanks to the author for a copy of the book, this in no way influenced my review. I'm just sorry I took so long to read this one. Now, I'm going to play the guessing game of hats in the book. What fun!
Hat is the story about Bertie the gardener who has a tattered old brown hat and a cute, very intelligent, dog named Oscar. Bertie is happy until he sees a man with a different type of hat that makes him look important. And so the tale of Bertie begins. He gets the new hat to feel important. Until he sees another man with another kind of hat who looks dignified, and Bertie want to look the same. And this continues on and on all the while Oscar looking on, almost chuckling at Bertie. What I love most about Renée's books is there is always a lesson to be learned from it for children. Each hat Bertie gets doesn't make him any different. Bertie should love himself as he is but not be afraid to try new things....like wearing a wizard hat. Love it! The drawings by G.R. Hewitt are wonderful too. A special read for children that also teaches them a lesson. And a fun game at the end guessing all the different types of hats.
I would suggest any of the books by Renée, even lessons for adults can be found in Just Around The Bend: Más o Menos. Thanks to the author for a copy of the book, this in no way influenced my review. I'm just sorry I took so long to read this one. Now, I'm going to play the guessing game of hats in the book. What fun!
July 4, 2018
Bertie the gardener and his dog Oscar like their life, and their tatty old brown floppy hats too. They wear them everywhere. One day though, Bertie sees someone with a different type of hat, one that makes the guy look important, and he wants to look that way too, so he puts his brown floppy tatty one away and buys a bowler. He is soon dissatisfied when he seen another man looking dignified in a different type of hat, and buys one of those, and so it goes when he sees others in hats looking professional, clever, mysterious and magical, only to find when he wore the other hats, he didn't feel that way at all.
My grandson and I like this book-- beyond learning the names of different types of hats, it offered a profound lesson... that what is on the outside is not what makes a person what they are, but on the inside. It is an adorable book for kids! I received this book in exchange for an honest review-- thank you Renee!
My grandson and I like this book-- beyond learning the names of different types of hats, it offered a profound lesson... that what is on the outside is not what makes a person what they are, but on the inside. It is an adorable book for kids! I received this book in exchange for an honest review-- thank you Renee!
July 10, 2018
5 fitting-in stars to Hat!
Suitable for ages six and up.
Bertie is a gardener living a content life with his dog, Oscar. He notices his friend, George, has a sharp bowler hat and feels green with envy. The bowler makes George look important, and Bertie wants to feel important, too.
An adventure evolves from there as Bertie discovers a few life lessons like the importance of being yourself, loving yourself, and how good it feels when you truly accept yourself. There is a fun lesson with naming different styles of hats as well.
The illustrations in Hat are colorful and engaging, and great discussions can be had with these important topics!
I won a copy of this book from dear friend, Mischenko, via her blog: www.readrantrockandroll.com
Suitable for ages six and up.
Bertie is a gardener living a content life with his dog, Oscar. He notices his friend, George, has a sharp bowler hat and feels green with envy. The bowler makes George look important, and Bertie wants to feel important, too.
An adventure evolves from there as Bertie discovers a few life lessons like the importance of being yourself, loving yourself, and how good it feels when you truly accept yourself. There is a fun lesson with naming different styles of hats as well.
The illustrations in Hat are colorful and engaging, and great discussions can be had with these important topics!
I won a copy of this book from dear friend, Mischenko, via her blog: www.readrantrockandroll.com
June 1, 2018
Hat is a beautiful book for everyone to read - not just children. I found myself drawn to the catchy illustrations and the wonderful cover the minute I saw it. Hat is fun to read with children and to watch them enjoy the fun quiz at the end of the book. It is a short playful book where you can follow Bertie and his advertures experimenting with different hats - much to Oscar's dismay. Wait ... I feel there is something more to the story than meets the eye ... ask the kids, maybe they know.
August 14, 2018
*** Note: Many thanks to author for sending me beautiful copy, in exchange for an honest review. ***
Hat was fun beautiful picture book about a gardener called Bertie who loved hats. He was happy with old tatty hat until he saw other people of different professions wearing different types of hats. This book gives very important message to kids. It tells about being yourself enjoying things you are comfortable with and being happy with it.
In today’s materialistic world people chase different things, fashions, professions, and many other worldly thing just by looking at different people but they forget that not everything works for everyone. Everyone has their own comfortability. Just so a piece of fashion suits one person it doesn’t mean it will suit everyone else. We blindly purchase things just by looking at our neighbors, colleague, friends or any random person without even thinking of is necessity and importance and later regret it. Something similar happened here with the main character of the book.
The dog in the book was amusing and I loved the way he was illustrated. Bertie was skilled gardener but in whim of being other than himself he became unhappy. I like the way he returned to his self and found his happiness again.
This book arises lot of question in readers of any age. It teaches to follow our heart and pursue things we are good at, be happy with what we are doing and not to be influenced by society and what people are doing in their life, to keep it in mind that everyone is following what they are good at and so should we.
Apart from this lifelong lessons kids will also enjoy knowing about different kinds of hat and who wears them. There is also fun activity about recognizing hats at the end of the book with picture of all kind of hats. It was fun to read this book. I’m sure kids and readers of all generations will love to read this book.
Overall, it was fun, beautiful book with wonderful lifelong lessons both for kids and parents.
You can read all my reviews on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Hat was fun beautiful picture book about a gardener called Bertie who loved hats. He was happy with old tatty hat until he saw other people of different professions wearing different types of hats. This book gives very important message to kids. It tells about being yourself enjoying things you are comfortable with and being happy with it.
In today’s materialistic world people chase different things, fashions, professions, and many other worldly thing just by looking at different people but they forget that not everything works for everyone. Everyone has their own comfortability. Just so a piece of fashion suits one person it doesn’t mean it will suit everyone else. We blindly purchase things just by looking at our neighbors, colleague, friends or any random person without even thinking of is necessity and importance and later regret it. Something similar happened here with the main character of the book.
The dog in the book was amusing and I loved the way he was illustrated. Bertie was skilled gardener but in whim of being other than himself he became unhappy. I like the way he returned to his self and found his happiness again.
This book arises lot of question in readers of any age. It teaches to follow our heart and pursue things we are good at, be happy with what we are doing and not to be influenced by society and what people are doing in their life, to keep it in mind that everyone is following what they are good at and so should we.
Apart from this lifelong lessons kids will also enjoy knowing about different kinds of hat and who wears them. There is also fun activity about recognizing hats at the end of the book with picture of all kind of hats. It was fun to read this book. I’m sure kids and readers of all generations will love to read this book.
Overall, it was fun, beautiful book with wonderful lifelong lessons both for kids and parents.
You can read all my reviews on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
June 4, 2018
Having raised three sons and spent hour upon hour reading to them, I'm very fussy about children's books! For the younger children in particular a book has to be attractive, entertaining (both to child and parent) and stand being reread multiple times without driving the adult to distraction. Bearing all of that in mind, I unreservedly and enthusiastically recommend Hat. The cover and content are beautifully presented, with bright, colourful and crisp illustrations, while the story is thoroughly engaging and opens up ideas for further discussion without any hint of lecturing. Wise dog, Oscar, adds a touch of humour with his little comments as he watches Bertie trying different hats. The 'Hatology' activity after the story is a nice touch and the icing on the cake. A book that will be treasured by any family.
July 2, 2018
Absolutely wonderful. Wish I had this book when I was a kid...it is wonderful how this story brought me back to my childhood.Also there is a huge lesson for all of us out there: to appreciate what we have at the right moment and to be ourselves no matter what.Many times you are happier with the smallest things in life and based on that you can build your dream without ever living in somebody else's shoes or ..hat for that matter.Build your own story.Another book by Renee that has a huge impact on me.Please write more books like these:)...for the child in all of us!
June 5, 2018
Soooo good - I love all your books.
I think all children should read this one and it should be in all schools.
Yet again, well done!
I think all children should read this one and it should be in all schools.
Yet again, well done!
July 5, 2018
To read one of Renee Paule's books is to stop the world and take yourself - and your audience - to a gentler, simpler time, a place where you can be absorbed by a simple story that makes the world feel like better place. They are an absolute delight, a joy to read, and judging from my 'test' audience (3 x 6 year olds) captivating to listen to.
HAT is no exception. It is billed as a book for ages 6 - 99 plus. I know a good few 50 somethings who could do with reading it and I'm sure you will too.
No need for me to say anything here about the story - all you need to know is in the first few paragraphs abpve - but I must say the book is beautifully produced, the illustrations are delightful and the word building is age appropriate for the younger spectrum of the target audience! And there is a delightful activity page of 'Hatology' at the back, which is great fun to share with kids.
There are also 'Author's Notes' and these struck me as relevant to most of the stories we read, so I hope Renee won't mind me quoting them here:-
"Books are rather like parables - we understand them on one level when we first read them and others as time goes by. With this in mind, it's best not to try to 'explain' this book to children for they absorb far more from books than we give them credit for. To 'explain' bypasses - and hinders - the development of their own wonderful imagination replacing it with our own. It's best to let children get from this book what they're ready to get from it and to answer - as simply as possible - questions they might raise."
Thank you Renee for these wise words, which I feel very strongly should apply to all our reading.
HAT is no exception. It is billed as a book for ages 6 - 99 plus. I know a good few 50 somethings who could do with reading it and I'm sure you will too.
No need for me to say anything here about the story - all you need to know is in the first few paragraphs abpve - but I must say the book is beautifully produced, the illustrations are delightful and the word building is age appropriate for the younger spectrum of the target audience! And there is a delightful activity page of 'Hatology' at the back, which is great fun to share with kids.
There are also 'Author's Notes' and these struck me as relevant to most of the stories we read, so I hope Renee won't mind me quoting them here:-
"Books are rather like parables - we understand them on one level when we first read them and others as time goes by. With this in mind, it's best not to try to 'explain' this book to children for they absorb far more from books than we give them credit for. To 'explain' bypasses - and hinders - the development of their own wonderful imagination replacing it with our own. It's best to let children get from this book what they're ready to get from it and to answer - as simply as possible - questions they might raise."
Thank you Renee for these wise words, which I feel very strongly should apply to all our reading.
November 7, 2018
I loved this book - the activity storyline with Bertie the gardener kept my niece interested all the way through. Although this is aimed at ages 6+ my niece was only 4 at the time we first read through it. She is still learning to read and the size of the lettering was ideal for her. We worked our way through the text together, while she did shout out at Bertie to stop trying on different hats because his was nicer - kids are so fun to read with.
Like Renée Paule and G R Hewitt's previous children's book The Frightened Little Flower Bud there is an activity at the back of the book. This time it is a section of hats for children to guess the name of. That made for a very interesting session of hate names being shouted out and described to me - really was great fun.
I love the overall message of 'be yourself'. I think it's an important thing for children to learn and this is a fun way to explore that idea without them feeling as though they are being talked down to or lectured.
Overall, for me, this is a 5 star book. I judge a book by how well it is received by its intended audience and the kids loved it. They had great fun reading it - and it has been re-read more than once. The illustrations are lovely; well done and appropriate for the book.
Like Renée Paule and G R Hewitt's previous children's book The Frightened Little Flower Bud there is an activity at the back of the book. This time it is a section of hats for children to guess the name of. That made for a very interesting session of hate names being shouted out and described to me - really was great fun.
I love the overall message of 'be yourself'. I think it's an important thing for children to learn and this is a fun way to explore that idea without them feeling as though they are being talked down to or lectured.
Overall, for me, this is a 5 star book. I judge a book by how well it is received by its intended audience and the kids loved it. They had great fun reading it - and it has been re-read more than once. The illustrations are lovely; well done and appropriate for the book.
July 6, 2018
My 8 year old son has just read this book. He said it was “absolutely amazing” and he would definitely like to read it again ❤️
November 28, 2018
HAT
written by Renee Paule
illustrated by G R Hewitt
Paperback, 36 pages
Published May 2018 by RPG Publishing
099350986X (ISBN13: 9780993509865)
The colors that G R Hewitt used in the illustrations is great. A lot of colors, more muted rather than overly stimulating bright.
Paule describes each hat with shorter and longer words, which makes it a wonderful book to help young readers to learn some "big" vocabulary words, without making it feel like work. I really enjoyed the book, and the little comprehension test that she includes at the end.
***This book was won in a Booklikes giveaway held by the auther, in exchange for a fair review. ***
written by Renee Paule
illustrated by G R Hewitt
Paperback, 36 pages
Published May 2018 by RPG Publishing
099350986X (ISBN13: 9780993509865)
The colors that G R Hewitt used in the illustrations is great. A lot of colors, more muted rather than overly stimulating bright.
Paule describes each hat with shorter and longer words, which makes it a wonderful book to help young readers to learn some "big" vocabulary words, without making it feel like work. I really enjoyed the book, and the little comprehension test that she includes at the end.
***This book was won in a Booklikes giveaway held by the auther, in exchange for a fair review. ***
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews