Santa’s Hat

Santa may know who’s been naughty or nice, but he has no idea where he left his trademark hat in this goofy, featherlight story from Bleck (The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice). As Santa tries on various replacement hats, he imagines himself as a hockey player, cowboy (“Giddy up, Blitzen!” he shouts, as the reindeer rears on his hind legs), Sherlock Holmes–style detective, train engineer, and more. These imaginary scenes, portrayed with humor in Bleck’s cheerful illustrations, are the best part of the otherwise flimsy hook on which this story hangs its hat. Ages 4–8. Agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Oct.)