By Stan Berensain, Jan Berenstain.
(reviewed by Aldana Pires)
With simple descriptions and colourful pictures, the story “Old Hat, New Hat” is an easy-to-read and attention-grabbing book. The authors and illustrators Stan and Jan Berenstain, relate the experience of the Brother Bear of The Berenstain Family at a hat shop.
Astonished at the sight of new hats in the display window, Brother Bear decides to replace his old and ragged one. Decisively, he walks in the store and asks the seller to show him hats. Trying to satisfy his customer, the shop assistant presents him a wide range of them that vary in size, shape and colour; but none seems to please the young bear. Surprisingly, he finds the most perfect hat of them all… His own and old one! Very happy with his final decision, the character leaves the store.
This enjoyable story is narrated with two-word phrases that qualify the hats that the bear tries on. Most of the sentences are merely formulated with the adverb ‘too’ and the addition of an adjective. The use of simple constructions and repetition make the reading of the book easy and rhythmical for children. In this sense, the didactic purposes of the book are very explicit. Whether to be read in the classroom or at home, the story is a useful tool to introduce adjectives, expand vocabulary and to attend children’s first readings.
On balance, this laugh-provoking book with its unexpected ending will result really entertaining. Moreover, its plain narration will help to boost confidence and encourage first readings. Definitely, a must for teachers’ and parents’ bookshelves!
I read your review and in the middle of it I started to laugh. It's great how simple words well organized can make a text very easy to read. I never read this story, but I understood exactly what it was about. This story made me remember a short story that my mother told me when I was a little girl. In our church there was a priest who always told us the same story, "there was a man who always protested because his cross was very heavy for him. God told him that he could choose a new one from all the ones that he could see. He tested every one but none seems to please him. Finally, he found the most perfect cross of them all… His own and old one!" It is funny and true at the same time, he couldn't choose because there was one for him as the hat. I like "Old hat, new hat" very much and it makes me travel pleasantly to my chilhood.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Aldana, you are great! I admire you!
Now that I read the story you mentioned, I remember it too! From primary to secondary, I went to a catholic school. There they told us many stories, and that one was not excluded. You're quite right, both tales convey a similar message!
DeleteThanks for the compliments Marilú! You're such a good mate!
Aldi, I love the way you write and I definetly love your review. It is clear, catchy and well organized.
ReplyDelete