This Is Not My Hat

Reach for this book when you catch your child rationalizing a small mistake or experimenting with the idea that it is only a lie if you get caught. This clever, darkly humorous tale follows a tiny fish who has stolen a hat from a much larger, sleeping fish. As the little fish explains all the reasons why he will surely get away with it, the illustrations tell a very different, more ominous story about the reality of his situation. It is an exceptional tool for discussing integrity and the inevitable nature of consequences. Because the book relies on visual storytelling to reveal the truth, it encourages children to look past what someone is saying to see what is actually happening. It is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students who are beginning to navigate the complex social waters of honesty, guilt, and the lure of 'finding' things that do not belong to them. While the ending is subtly ambiguous, it serves as a powerful jumping-off point for conversations about justice and taking responsibility for one's actions.