Old Hat

Reach for this book when your child expresses frustration about not having the newest toy or when they feel left out because they do not fit in with a current playground trend. It follows Harbet, a dog who loves his cozy knit hat but is constantly mocked by others for being behind the times. No matter how hard he tries to keep up with the increasingly absurd and high-tech hat fashions, the trend has always changed by the time he arrives. It is a brilliant entry point for discussing the exhaustion of peer pressure and the joy of authentic self-expression. This story is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students who are just beginning to navigate social hierarchies. Emily Gravett uses humor and absurdist imagery to show that the 'cool crowd' is often fickle. By the end, Harbet finds a way to be himself, offering parents a natural way to talk about individuality and confidence. It is a reassuring read that validates the sting of being teased while celebrating the freedom of stepping out of the race entirely.