Ringard

by Emily Gravett

Harbet likes his comfy knitted hat, but the others keep jeering at him - OLD HAT! OLD HAT! No matter what headwear he buys - be it a towering fruit platter hat, an old-boot-on-the-head hat or a brightly lit traffic cone hat, Harbet cannot keep up with the latest fashions. As soon as he gets a brand new hat it is already an . . . OLD HAT! It seems that Harbet will never fit in. But when one day he decides to go his own way, Harbet discovers just how much more fun it is to stop following others and think for yourself.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Dogs, Fiction, Juvenile

28 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2017

About the author

Emily Gravett is twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award for WOLVES and LITTLE MOUSE'S BIG BOOK OF FEARS. An author/illustrator of unique talent and tremendous skill, she has a host of critically acclaimed books to her name, including BLUE CHAMELEON, WOLF WON'T BITE! and AGAIN! Emily lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughter.

Reviews

[Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful children’s book by the extremely talented author/illustrator Emily Gravett.

Poor Harbet isn’t having much luck with his hats. They go out of fashion very quickly and he can’t seem to keep up! Maybe he should set his own trend?

Old hat is a beautiful story with a lovely message for the kids to ponder. Should he stop mindlessly following others and take things into his own hands?

The colours and illustrations are just beautiful. Gravett truly is a rare talent!

It is also really cute and humorous. You can see her sense of humour come through in the story, illustrations and little details like the publication details and the recommendations on the very last page.

What do my kids think of Old Hat?
Both my kids really love this book. It is so bright and colourful! My 1 year old Daughter loves grabbing her hats when I read this book. She enjoys wearing them on her head as I read it to her! On the first page there are illustrations of all sorts of different types of hats, and my 4 year old son enjoys it when I ask him to find a particular hat. Especially the picture of the pirate hat!

Would I recommend Old Hat?
Absolutely another classic, beautiful children’s book by Emily Gravett, whose talent seems to know no bounds! Another must for the kids collection, or a fabulous gift!

Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of Old hat for my children and I to review.

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[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harbet had had his knitted hat, which he was most comfortable with, for a long time. But fashion being what it was, his friends kept telling him it was an old hat. So he tried new hats – but whatever he bought it didn’t take long before it was an OLD HAT once again! But when he decided to go his own way, and not continue to try to please everyone else – that was more fun by far!

A delightful children’s tale which I think, conveys that it’s best not to worry about what everyone else thinks! Old Hat by Emily Gravett with its bright, colourful pages, will be a treasured book for youngsters and parents alike. Recommended.

With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my copy to read and review.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herbert tries on a variety of hats, but in the end he discovers there's nothing like letting your freak flag fly. Cute story with endearing illustrations by the author.

[Ashlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just find children’s books based on a figure of speech don’t work all that well. Kids are too literal minded, so the wordplay falls flat.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Harbet had a hat. His Nana had knitted it for him when he was little. It was warm and cozy, and it kept his ears toasty. It was an...OLD HAT!

Premise/plot: Does Harbet need new hats or new friends? That isn't exactly the problem as Harbet sees it, but it's how this adult reader sees it. Harbet is a dog that gets teased for wearing an old hat. The first teasing incident might have some basis of truth. It is an old hat--a beloved old hat upon his head. But all the other incidents, well, that's more bullying in my opinion. Harbet copies the hats of his friends time after time after time after time. He even starts subscribing to the same hat-themed magazines that his friends do. Always the response is the same: OLD HAT. If Harbet is wearing it, it is no longer cool. Will Harbet learn a lesson by the end of the book?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I personally LOVED the hat his Nana made him. I would have seen nothing wrong with him keeping that old hat. It was a good, practical, traditional hat. Some of these other hats are OVER-THE-TOP ridiculous. This says something about trends in general, trends for kids and adults. And perhaps a little something about our materialistic market-driven culture as well. Nothing is too extreme if you market it just right and have influencers.

His friends. Are they really ever his friends? I like that Harbet really only becomes happy or content when he stops caring what they say...or what they think.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

[Ellie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a book! Harbet wears a warm and colourful hat, a meaningful gift that was kindly knitted for him by his grandmother. Unfortunately, some rather unpleasant characters begin to jeer at Harbet for being unaware of the latest hat trends, spreading seeds of doubt and setting the nervous protagonist along a path of trying to fit in.
This is such a positive story, where confidently being yourself triumphs over peer pressure and superficiality. Gravett ultimately demonstrates that true friends should always accept you for who you are, which should not be hidden away. Such a lovely message and told in a humorous way too- Gravett is so slick in her attention to smaller illustrative details, particularly in the gentle irony at the end.
This tale holds lots of different layers of meaning to ponder upon with both younger and older readers, identity being one of them. Although the hats that Harbet tries to wear may not have reflected himself inside, they speak volumes about the freedom to explore our creativity- a message that is important to absorb early on. For those in the later years, taking a step beneath the surface level of the story might be beneficial for preserving mental health and preparing for increased exposure to negative influences from the media. Whilst the narrative is upbeat and funny, there is something to be said about those who taunt Harbet perhaps having lower self-esteem and insecure with who they are. Contemplating where this might stem from could pave the way towards halting the formation of damaging mindsets or behaviours.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in Dutch, but will be writing my review in English.

Meet Harbet, which miraculously is also his name in Dutch, he has a very very Comfy Knitted hat, but he finds out that peer pressure is a real thing when animals around him make fun of him for wearing it (no clue why they never bothered him until now, as it seems that Harbet has had that hat for years).

Yup. Poor Harbet loves his old hat so much, but he falls for peer pressure and then tries to keep up with fashion, sadly, throughout the book, we see him fail as he is just too late for each trend. It is like the trends run away from him. There is even one time he is sleeping in front of a shop to make sure he gets the latest hat, you may now guess how that ends. :( I felt sorry for Harbet, you could see him getting sadder with each trend passing him by and those animals saying he has an old hat.

I just hated those animals around him. They were just so rude and mean. So what if someone wears an old hat, so what if someone doesn't follow the trends. *glares* I did get tired of it, I was just hoping Harbet would find a way to beat those bullies.

Thankfully, the ending accomplishes just that! And also Harbet learns a fun lesson, you should just be yourself!

The art, well it is Emily Gravett, so I just adore her style. I loved the way she drew all those eccentric hats (and there were some really silly ones).

All in all, a pretty hattastic book. And remember, be yourself!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harbet wants to part of the popular crowd, a clique which only accepts those with the newest hat. But try as he might, this stubby white dog just can't get ahead. He gets hat after hat too late, and gets laughed at for wearing something that was unfashionable now. This is how trends work nowadays. They change so quickly that it becomes impossible to keep up, especially for those in a lower income bracket. A person needs to put a lot of time and energy into staying up-to-date. Not to mention that the "latest" and "greatest" isn't always the most practical or even desirable. It is ridiculous, and Gravett wants readers to know this, poking fun at the silly critters by placing pylons, ships, and other silly things on their heads. Her brief text is non-judgmental in tone though, simply stating what Harbet does, while her characteristic style keeps the focus on the characters. In the end, this individual figures out something important, one can either blindly follow trends, or make their own. The later is the one that makes Harbet happy.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not exactly sure what Harbet is but his alluring need to fit in and keep up with the Jones or in this case his trend-following friends who happen to be extinct species, is both hilarious and immediately recognisable. Dripping with dramatic irony, Old Hat highlights the beauty of being different and dancing to the beat of your own uniqueness. Highly recommended for children from three upwards.

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the humor, originality, and gentle lessons of a Pixar short, OLD HAT cleverly demonstrates the futility of following fads. The illustrations are full of life and joy, and kids will giggling at the increasingly ridiculous hats. The final page is unexpected and priceless!

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute! Harbet tries to keep up with the trends, but is always behind. He throws in the towel and decides to do things his own way and starts a trend of his own.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

About a dog that tries on a bunch of funny old hats. Would be ideal for a preschool or early elementary story time.

Themes: hats, humor
Ages: toddler (shorten) to 1st grade
Pub year: 2017

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me happy.

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it. Gravett is another one to watch.

[collbrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5. Illustrations are adorable, but I wish we got a bit more after where it ended!

[Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Hat by Emily Gravett follows one pioneering pooch as he seeks to find the ultimate hat. Harbet loves wearing the hat that his Nana knitted for him. It's cozy, colorful, and keeps his ears warm. But the fact is, it's an old hat.

Harbet noticed a group of trend-setting animals wearing fruit hats. He quickly donned the new topper, but soon discovered that hat was now old too! Trying to stay ahead in the world of fashion is hard work!

He bought Top Hat Magazine to research the trends. He camped outside of the hat shop so he could have first pick of the caps. His hat selections were still seen as old and out-dated. Will Harbet ever find a way out of the hat havoc?

I absolutely adore this book! Gravett's story is full of humor and heart. Young and old alike will relate to Harbet's struggle of keeping up appearances in a fashion-frenzied world.

Gravett's illustrations are gorgeous. The characters she has created are truly memorable. Harbet couldn't be any more adorable. He actually reminds me of my Chiweenie, Penny, who has a severe overbite.

I love how much detail is contained on every page. From the tiniest trim on a hat, to the actual articles in the Top Hat Magazine, Gravett shows a mastery of the drawing craft.

This is a wonderful book for readers of all ages. The ending really packs a positive punch and serves as a great reminder to adults as well.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herbert has a hat he loves, but when others make fun of him because it's out of fashion, he goes on a quest to always have the latest hat. Eventually, he realizes this is futile and has to solve his problem another way. Some great hats and great illustrations! There's also a great opportunity to discuss tolerance and fitting in and diversity. This one is definitely recommended!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite bits in Go, Dog. Go! is the "Do you like my hat?" ridiculousness. If this entire book didn't originate from that premise, I'll be disappointed.

Reread 2020: For whatever reason, reading this with my 4 and 6 year old at bedtime inspired A LOT of discussion. First of all, about how cozy and warm Harbet's original hat was, and how kind and loving that Nana made it for him. Then, about all the compliments the bullies could have given Harbet on his hat, instead of insulting him. Then, about how Harbet could have stood up for himself, and that Harbet did not need to emulate those bullies. And then, about how those bullies were just jerks for laughing and never saying anything nice to Harbet at all. And finally, about how beautiful Harbet's hair was and how silly those bullies were to then try to imitate him. Everyone would have been happier just being themselves and being kinder toward each other. So, great lessons, lovely illustrations, and inspired a lot of passion.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gravett, Emily Old Hat. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2018. $18. 9781534409170

Harbet loves hats and tries to keep up with the latest fashion. However, no matter how hard he tries he is always wearing an old hat. Harbet feels like he will never fit in until one day he finally decides to do his own thing.

This book has a great message about trying to fit in with the in crowd and how you should not have to try so hard to be like everyone else. I liked the cute story and the creativity with the different kinds of hats. I think elementary kids can understand the message and this would be a great book to illustrate the concept of uniqueness and being confident in yourself.

Pre-K, EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE. SLM
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

As two time winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal Emily Gravett is well known to many educators and she does not disappoint with her new book. This story has a fabulous message about being true to yourself and not following fads or fashions. It seems that whatever hat Harbet wears is immediately out of style and he is at a loss to know why he can’t keep up with the latest styles. The illustrations of the various hats are hilarious as each one becomes more and more outrageous as Harbert tries to keep up with his friends. Harbert learns the valuable lesson that you can only be truly happy when you stop worrying what others think about you and can be your authentic self

[Emma Andje · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harbet wants to fit in with the other animals by wearing the most fashionable hats, but by the time he buys a new one to fit in, the hat he bought is already out of style and a new hat is trendy.

This is...weird...to say the least. I loved the message of being yourself and not letting others tell you what to do, wear, or be to be liked. But man, that is an odd way to do it. This is a book you have to read at least once to have your mind messed with (in a good way...I think).

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again with simplicity and joy Emily Gravett cuts to the chase and encourages readers and listeners to be and celebrate their own beauty and place in the world. The deep seated desire to sit at the cool-kids' table sends Harbet in search of the perfect hat and of course the minute he finds the hat is out of fashion. Ultimately our hero discovers that no hat and being a leader is the best way to hang out with friends.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

People can go on and on and ON here about "bullying" and "self-image," but they're reading stuff into it that I'm not sure is there. Does the punch line here, funny as kids might find it, fit that?
I'd rather have seen Harbet's proudly re-donning the hat his Nana made him, the one that was "warm and cozy and kept his ears toasty," because it might have been an old hat, but it was HIS hat. Oh,well.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, the main character, Harbet is teased about his hat. He buys a new hat, just like everyone else, but by then they have different hats. Harbet continues to try and keep up with hat fashion until he is sitting atop a pile of 'old hats' and decides he has had enough. He decides to take off his hat. The text ends here, but the last page shows where all the animals who had made fun of him before trying to recreate what sprouts from his head.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the pictures in this, and the message to be yourself. Poor Harbet is always behind the time on the fashion trends, and keeps trying to fit in. I was expecting him to decide his own style in the end, which DID happen, but in a rather unexpected way. Turns out Harbet doesn't need a hat since he's a dog with FEATHERS growing out of his head. Odd ending since Harbet definitely looks more like a dog, but really cute illustrations.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message in Old Hat just goes to show if you be yourself and embrace what makes you different, it will save you a lot of embarrassment, trouble, and time. But it's so tough to be yourself! Especially when the other animals and dinosaur are rocking cool hats. I like the surprise ending and the animals'/dinosaur's reaction to the cool thing Harbet's been hiding.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to read this book to over 220 3rd and 4th graders. They really liked this book and thought all of the hats were crazy and pretty outrageous. My favorite comments came from 3rd graders at the end of the book . One said, "how did he keep all those feathers under those hats" and another said, "hey my mom has feathers in her hair too, is she starting a trend". Ha!

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harbet liked his comfy hat that his grandmother knitted for him, it was warm and cozy, and kept his ears warm. But when he wore it around his friends he discovered that it was an old hat. Harbet decided to get a new hat, but soon discovered he couldn't keep up with the latest fashion for new hats, so Harbet did something no one else had thought of.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dog has a hat he loves. His grandmother made it years ago. Everyone else has a new hat so makes fun of his "old hat." He buys the new style but it's out of fashion by the time he meets everyone else. He goes through several cycles of this until he decides to remove his hat. His stunning self is revealed.
Use to talk about not following the crowd and being proud of who you are.

[Barbara Band · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harbet's nana knits him a hat ... but he abandons it in favour of the latest fashion. However, no matter how he tries, he can't keep up with everyone else so decides not to bother. A book filled with glorious, quirky, amusing and colourful hats ... along with a message about being yourself.