Harold Loves His Woolly Hat by Vern Kousky (review)

Harold's woolly hat makes him feel unique among the other bears, so he wears it everywhere and all the time, including during the hot days of summer and his monthly bath. He is therefore upset when a big black crow snatches it from his head, flying up to its perch on a tall tree. Harold thinks a trade might work to get the fuzzy cap back: he offers up first worms, then berries, then his own special collection of shiny things, but the crow just grabs those items too, adding to its growing nest. When a frustrated Harold finally climbs up the tree to the nest, he discovers something that soothes his temper: his hat is providing a cozy blanket for the baby crows. The ending's message—that Harold is special even without his hat—is a bolstering one, but it falls flat as a twist, since it undercuts Harold's rightful annoyance and implies the ends justify the means for the crow. The sharp angles and tight rigidity of the wooded background contrast nicely with Harold's rounded little figure, with small dappling and swirls making him extra cuddly. Kids who are attached to their own special piece of clothing will relate to Harold's need for his hat, and they may even be inspired by his eventual willingness to give it up and find himself better without it … or they might just avoid crows for the near future. KQG