Portly's Hat

Reach for this book when your little one is navigating the heartbreak of a lost comfort object or experiencing their first brush with 'fairness.' Whether it is a misplaced lovie or a toy taken by a sibling, Portly's plight provides a safe, small-scale way to talk about the big frustration of losing something that feels like part of your identity. The story follows Portly Penguin, whose signature hat is snatched by a seagull named Stuart. It captures the raw, toddler-level grief of being 'bareheaded and bereft' before moving toward a resolution. Parents will appreciate Lucy Cousins' bold, high-contrast illustrations and the way the book validates a child's attachment to their belongings without judgment. It is a perfect choice for ages 2 to 5 to help normalize feelings of sadness and anger when things do not go as planned.