Harold Loves His Woolly Hat

Author/Illustrator: Vern Kousky

Publisher: New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2018.

Harold loves his stripey woolly hat and wears it everywhere, even when he sleeps. One day a crow swoops down and snatches his hat off his head and flys to the very top of the nearest tree top. Furious and desperate to get it back he tries to bargain for it, food, shiny things you name it. As time progresses Harold becomes more furious with only getting "Cacaws" from the bird. Harold gets a break when the crow flys away for food and he begins the climb to get his hat back, only he discovers the birds intentions werent nefarious and were completely selfless. Does he really need the hat? What has changed his mind?

This sweet story is fast paced and shows the reader that maybe its best to share as the other person may need it more than you. The illustrations are simple and the use of white shows the snowy atmosphere, its colourful where needed and directs the eyes to the main focus points. The tone is light and the uses of descriptive words to help make the story have more depth.

Goodreads

Authors website

The Bear Who Shared

Author/Illustrator: Catherine Rayner

Publisher: New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Norris is a wise bear who loves plorringes, He knew that the best place to be was under the plorringe tree. He waits for the plorringe to fall but meanwhile Violet the mouse and Tulip the raccoon are also waiting for the fruit to fall. They smell the fruit and listen to it while Norris waits patiently under the tree. The fruit falls on Norris' head and he finally has it but being wise he shares it with his new friends.

This messy arty illustration is a beautiful story of sharing and making new friends. The tone is light and calming and would be a great bedtime story.

Goodreads

Authors website