Ken Brown - The Scarecrow's Hat

Pros: Repetition builds confidence; chicken helps others, not just herself
Cons: Illustrations appear messy at times

"That's a nice hat," said Chicken to Scarecrow. "Yes, it is," replied Scarecrow. "But I'd rather have a walking stick."Chicken didn't have a walking stick to swap for Scarecrow's hat, but she knew who did . . . Badger. He was using it ...

Pros: ● Charming illustrations
● Sly humor
● Available in paperback
Cons: ~~ None ~~

In searching for autumn related stories to share with my 6-year old, I stumbled upon this clever story, The Scarecrow’s Hat. Although this book was published years ago, it is new to our library, and to us as well. Who said ...

Pros: Watercolor illustrations, teaching story about sharing
Cons: none.

My 4-year old’s reaction to this story was “Daddy, that was one smart chicken.” And, so it is. Ken Brown’s chicken in the story is in search of something to barter and in her interactions with the other animals, it becomes clear that bartering (sharing) is well worth doing.

Every animal the chicken comes into contact with gets something in the end by sharing something of their own, which is the kind of lesson a 4-year-old can appreciate.

And, Brown’s soft watercolor illustration with its rich details keeps the eye interested in the page as well. This is a well done book overall, and its simple and understandable tale should resonate with the 5 and under set.

Author: Ken Brown
2001, Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
28 pages