From Phil Cummings webpage:
While playing hide-and-seek at Grandpa’s house, Lucy and Mitch find a hat, hidden away in a deep, dark corner. It’s Grandpa’s hat, filled with memories … In this moving story of rediscovery, truth and mateship, a hidden hat stirs memories of a grandfather’s days serving in Vietnam …
Phil’s brother-in-law served in Vietnam, at Nui Dat in 1968/69, and the book has been dedicated to him.
Book design - Notice:
- End papers are filled with Rosemary.
- Army Helicopters on the title page
- Seasonal references - April is Autumn here in Australia and April is the month of ANZAC Day
- The subtle change of colours to show present day and past times in Vietnam
- The very young faces of the soliders
- Poppy flowers for remembrance
Take a look at my previous post about ANZAC day books. I did write this ten years ago so there are sure to be other books to use for ANZAC day with your library group that have been published more recently. The Hidden Hat was published in March, 2024 so it is brand new! And many school libraries will have this book as it was supplied with some of our Standing Order services. This book is a perfect addition to a library because it looks at a different war - Vietnam and also it is a book that is accessible for very young children aged 6+. Here are some others for older students.
And for a different perspective try to find this moving story:
Here are the teachers notes from Scholastic for The Hidden Hat. You should read The Hidden Hat alongside this book also by Phil Cummings which also has a duel narrative:
You could also take a look at this very special book which also features hats and a grandfather by Phil Cummings:
Here are other books illustrated by Jennifer Goldsmith:
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