This is Not My Hat
Written by: Jon Klassen
Published: 2012
2013 Caldecott Metal Winner
This is Not My Hat is a picture book told from the perspective of a small fish that has stolen a hat from a larger fish. The story follows the small fishes escape and his naiveness as the large fish trails slowly behind him.
Response & Visual Literacy
The illustrations within this book are used to tell the hidden side of the story. As described by Louis and Serchenynski, the pictures in this book are used to establish the story. This means that the illustrations tell a parallel story that contradicts that of the text. In this book, the text is stating that the small fish is not alarmed about the bigger fish locating him or reclaiming his hat. The dialogue is very confident, and the small fish seems relaxed that he was able to escape and the big fish will not locate him. However, the illustrations tell a contrasting story. The large fish is trailing behind, searching for the small fish that stole his hat. Without the illustrations, the reader would not know that the small fish was at risk. This book is an effective tool for teaching about the importance of illustrations, as well as using illustrations to identify key detail. For example, in the image to the left, the small fish states that no other sea creature would disclose where he was going, but then the illustration shows a crab directing the large fish in his direction. This demonstrates the importance of looking deeply into the illustrations. This text also solidifies the importance of utilizing illustrations to develop characters. In relation to visual literacy, the illustrator intentionally used a black background to bring attention to the details in the muted and lightly colored fish. This color choice brings the readers' attention to the important details within the illustrations, such as noticing the hat as well as the emotions portrayed through the fishes' facial expressions. Since the illustrations are used to establish this plotline, the illustrator was intentional when selecting colors, as well as choosing the have the pages in full bleed. The use of full-bleed coloring was beneficial and important because the fish is talking to the reader. By filling the whole page with illustrations, readers feel more connected and engaged with the story that the fish is telling them, and readers are able to feel as if they are swimming alongside the fish.
Response & Visual Literacy
The illustrations within this book are used to tell the hidden side of the story. As described by Louis and Serchenynski, the pictures in this book are used to establish the story. This means that the illustrations tell a parallel story that contradicts that of the text. In this book, the text is stating that the small fish is not alarmed about the bigger fish locating him or reclaiming his hat. The dialogue is very confident, and the small fish seems relaxed that he was able to escape and the big fish will not locate him. However, the illustrations tell a contrasting story. The large fish is trailing behind, searching for the small fish that stole his hat. Without the illustrations, the reader would not know that the small fish was at risk. This book is an effective tool for teaching about the importance of illustrations, as well as using illustrations to identify key detail. For example, in the image to the left, the small fish states that no other sea creature would disclose where he was going, but then the illustration shows a crab directing the large fish in his direction. This demonstrates the importance of looking deeply into the illustrations. This text also solidifies the importance of utilizing illustrations to develop characters. In relation to visual literacy, the illustrator intentionally used a black background to bring attention to the details in the muted and lightly colored fish. This color choice brings the readers' attention to the important details within the illustrations, such as noticing the hat as well as the emotions portrayed through the fishes' facial expressions. Since the illustrations are used to establish this plotline, the illustrator was intentional when selecting colors, as well as choosing the have the pages in full bleed. The use of full-bleed coloring was beneficial and important because the fish is talking to the reader. By filling the whole page with illustrations, readers feel more connected and engaged with the story that the fish is telling them, and readers are able to feel as if they are swimming alongside the fish. 
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