Funny Hats - Hardcover

A counting book in a millinery milieu, the van der Meers' lift-the-flap production asks children to look "behind" a series of hats to enumerate the cartoonish creatures wearing replicas of the same headwear. "Five frolicking frogs" in an acrobatic formation sport party hats; "nine magnificent mice" perform in a chorus line, plumed tiaras encircling their brows. The concept could easily have worn thin, but the brightly colored illustrations show a quirky intelligence: one of the "eight beautiful birds" turns his hat into a kind of carapace and flies off, while the baby birds fumble as their hats slide down over their eyes. A paper hat attached to the final spread is promised to readers who can count to 20. Hats off to this winning new entry in a crowded field. Ages 2-4.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.