The Queen's Hat

The Queen #1

by Steve Antony

With a Jon Klassen appeal, Steve Antony, a debut author-illustrator, is the one to watch.

A sudden gust of wind sets off a marvellous London adventure for the Queen, the Queen's men and one very special hat. So let's follow one determined, daredevil queen through the zoo, over Tower Bridge and up Big Ben... just where will that hat land?

A witty and stylish celebration of London, the Queen and the royal family's new baby.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, British Literature, London, Storytime, Adventure, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Since his 2014 debut, Steve Antony has so far written and illustrated over 20 picture books, including the Mr Panda series, The Queen Collection, Unplugged, Green Lizards Vs Red Rectangles, Amazing and You Can. Steve has been nominated seven times and long listed once for the Kate Greenaway Medal. The Queen's Hat was adapted into a musical concert by the London Symphony Orchestra and won the Evening Standard's Oscar's Book Prize. His award winning Mr Panda series has so far sold over one million copies worldwide and has been optioned for TV. Steve also illustrated Tim Minchin's When I Grow Up, a cover of the Famous Five and the all-new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (adapted by Peter Bently). He has contributed work to the LGBTQ+ Pride YA anthology and Drawing Europe Together.

Reviews

[Cecelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not all that interested in collecting picture books for myself, but I do want to be the sort of honorary aunt who has the most extensive library and gives the best books as gifts to the children she knows. To that end, I’ve been paying more attention to picture book trends and award winners in recent years. I don’t automatically think, “Not for me,” when I see a picture book anymore. When I walked by the Scholastic booth at Book Expo America and saw the cover of Steve Antony’s The Queen’s Hat, I knew I had to check it out.

The Queen’s Hat is an adorable picture book illustrated in a limited palette of red, black and blue (which makes some pages a puzzle for the eyes – in a good way – a la Where’s Waldo?). Steve Antony plays with the idea of a hat stolen by the breeze, and takes his characters on a romp through London, to (and through! and over!) its most famous landmarks. Certain figures grace every page: the Queen of course, and her hat, but also her argyle-sweatered dog and a palace butler (complete with tea service). The adventures of the hat, its wearer, and her cohort make funny reading for young and old alike.

One of the strengths of the book is the accuracy of the blue line architecture drawings of London landmarks. They’re illustrated in exquisite, 2-D detail. The historical significance of each is explained on a page at the back of the book as well. The fun in most of the page spreads is in the handful, then dozens, then hundreds of palace guards crawling and climbing over the monuments as they try to retrieve the Queen’s hat. Of course, some (most?) of their feats are out of the realm of human possibility, so there’s a lot of imagination and whimsy involved. Which is just how it should be in a picture book!

In all, The Queen’s Hat is a charming, cheeky and entertaining picture book that’s likely to be requested and re-read over and over again.

Recommended for: young fans of Jon Klassen’s Hat books and the Where’s Waldo? series, as a gift for children who will visit London in the near future, and for anglophiles of all ages.

[Xander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity stars, I am obsessed with this book. I am more excited that I have this than 90% of my other BEA books, that's how freaking adorable this book is. Holy crap. Beefeaters have never been cuter and I just don't have words right now. OBSESSED.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not boasting, but I DID buy this book in England. It's not my fault that you're jealous.

And it's delightful! And it's by the author/illustrator of the wonderful Mr. Panda books!

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The landmark buildings of London that are included are rendered in the blue of blueprints, with perfectly straight lines and precision; in contrast the humans and animals are drawn more loosely, and are in warm colors. It's a lovely bit of contrast. The titular queen doesn't resemble anyone particularly, except maybe King George from Hamilton. It's charming.

Library copy

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this sweet and funny homage to the Queen, London,and the newest little royal. You don't have to be British to love this tale of the Queen and her guards chasing her windblown hat across the landmarks of London. The illustrations are perfect!

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the wind takes the Queen's hat away with a big 'Swish,' she gives chase, her loyal guardsmen behind her. Following that elusive item of head-wear, the Queen and her men make their way around the city of London, passing such landmarks as Trafalgar Square and Big Ben in their journey from Buckingham Palace to Kensington Palace. In the end, royal personage and royal hat are reunited, just as the Queen meets a very special someone...

British author/illustrator Steve Antony, whose picture-books exploring the theme of manners - Please, Mr. Panda , I'll Wait, Mr. Panda , Thank You, Mr Panda - have been so popular here in the USA, turns his attention in The Queen's Hat to Queen Elizabeth II, the great city of London, and the arrival of a royal baby (Prince George, one assumes). The result is a fun little tour of London for the picture-book set, one that reminded me a bit of titles like You Can't Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum , which offers a similar tour of New York City, in the guise of a chase after a runaway balloon. As always, with Antony's books, I enjoyed the artwork here, and I also found the storytelling conceit of the book charming. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories featuring London and/or the British monarchy, as well as to those who enjoy somewhat madcap tales of adventure.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one up at the library yesterday. Little did I know I would be reading it in honour of her passing today. 💔. She was a great lady, leader, & mother.
RIP 9/8/2022

[Ruby Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely tribute to British heritage and the growth of the Royal Family. This humorous picturebook places the Queen in a more 'normal' life, where she chases one of her hats around the main sights in London. Written in celebration of the birth of Prince George, this book salutes all that is stereotypically English.

[Laura Talboys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The illustrations are brilliant and most children will recognise the London landmarks in the story and of course the main character, the Queen!

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I liked about this book is that it introduces children to so many big sights in Europe. At the back of the book it has a little write up about each of the places mentioned in the book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it helps if you're British and familiar with the concept of the British having a very stiff upper lip throughout all things, you don't have to come from across the pond to enjoy this humorous picture book. On her way to see someone special--most readers will realize just who it is right away--the Queen loses her favorite hat. Not to be intimidated by the wind, the Queen and one of her beloved corgis chase after the hat. It leads her and all the palace guards, dressed in their traditional black and red uniforms all across London, making several pause at familiar landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Back matter identifying all those landmarks adds to the book's delights, and readers, no matter their ages will surely be amused by this journey across town. What adds to its delights for me is the way the Queen clamors across obstacles in her single-minded pursuit of that sturdy bonnet. This title would be perfect for introducing a unit on Great Britain or sharing right before a trip abroad. It's a primer for the essential British places to visit.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wind "swishes" away the Queen's hat and she and the Queen's men chase it all over London.

Will probably use it in a hat or wind story time to introduce another place and may revisit my review depending how it is received.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much to this one. Not sure why we need it.

[Jeimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun romp through London.

[Rachel S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The simple text is great for toddlers. Fans of all things British will adore the story and cute illustrations.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absurd adventure for the right audiences. Intersting nod to the disneyfied Mary Poppins. I did not know that Big Ben was so young, having first chimed in 1859.

[Sue Winson · Rating 5 out of 5]

22-month old Little-AJ is obsessed with this book since quite many months ago (and this is still one of his favourites!). This is a very fun and cheeky book, with very few words, and many really silly but hilarious illustrations. Each of those pages makes us smile and chuckle and giggle.

The wind went "swish" and took the Queen's favourite hat right off her head. We then followed the Queen and the Queen's men to numerous famous landmarks and iconic places in London, chasing the mysteriously flying hat that travelled far and fast.

First, there was the Trafalgar Square where the Queen and Queen's men climbed over the famous lion's statue with a vain attempt to retrieve the hat. Then there was the London zoo where the Queen rode on little-AJ's favourite giraffe chasing after her hat, and next we saw the Queen driving the London Underground train jam packed with the Queen's men like a can of sardines.

After several other wild goose chase from one place to another, the Queen and the Queen's men floating down from the sky each holding an umbrella (just like Mary Poppins), along with the Queen's hat dropping right onto a baby (Prince George?)'s head at Kensington Palace.

This is a very fun book for adults and children, for those who love London or a magical hat.

Blog review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is perfect for teaching KS1 children. With a range of great images which can be used as talking/discussion points for all age groups this book is perfect for English and other cross curricular links. A gust of wind takes the journey of the Queen's hat visiting different London destinations along the way. With a range of technical language this book is brilliant for teaching figurative language.

Teaching points:
- English
Newspaper articles
Retell the story in your own perspective
Speech
Figurative language
List of verbs etc used in the story
Examples of work
Make your own story
Perform the book
- Maths
Illustrations - what shapes can you see
Word problems in line with attractions in London
Estimate the number of guards throughout
- Science
Examples of forces taking place
- Computing
Posters
Design a game to do with the Queen's hat
Animation
- DT
Designing a hat for the queen to wear
- Art
Creating illustrations
Portraits of Queen
Queen stamps - designing a new stamp
Create your own illustrations of the places mentioned in the story
- Music
Listen to the national anthem - compose a new one
- Geography
Places mentioned in the story - map work
Plotting a route the hat went
Make a guide about London
- History
Timeline of the events of the Queen's life
Poster that shows the Kings and Queen's of England

[The Library Mouse Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

While choosing books to enjoy during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, little brother chose this funny picture book all about the Queen and her fly-away hat!

This is a great story to share with younger readers who will enjoy seeing the Queen and all the Queen’s men as they chase her favourite hat all across London. It is like jumping on a sight-seeing tour of London without leaving your favourite book-reading chair. Watch as the Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, then visits Trafalgar Square, London Zoo, the London Eye, takes a trip on the Underground, over Tower Bridge and even to the top of Big Ben!

This royal adventure story is written in simple, short sentences so is perfect for early readers. Interestingly, the text is laid out in unusual ways, following the outlines of famous landmarks.

The illustrations also seem simple and are printed in only a few colours (shades of red, black and purple) but each double page gets more and more detailed as you try to spot where the Queen and her men will end up next. I love the expressions on the guards faces, the little corgi in his jumper and the Queen with her Union Jack umbrella. Look carefully and you might just spot the very loyal (and possibly quite tired) butler!

[Susan Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an utterly charming, whimsical romp around London with a little army of Queen's men chasing the Queen, her corgi, and her wayward hat. Throw in a trusty butler dashing behind with a tray of - what else - tea, and you're sure to get a chuckle. I enjoyed following the little, red-coated soldiers as they scurried through the London Zoo, up Big Ben, across Tower Bridge, and around the London eye. Which little person would YOU be on each page? Of course, I was cheering for the corgi and the Queen - and all ended well in Kensington Gardens. The ending even left a little bit of a surprise - who could it be? The final page in the book provides a quick description of the London sites visited by the Queen and her men during their chase. This book is so charming I'm not sure I can gift it to my granddaughter - I just might have to keep it in my own library - and buy another copy!

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are inspiringly drawn and wonderfully comical! After recently reading a recommendation of this book and being a fan of days out in London myself, I thought it would be a great addition to the picture book collection. The royal theme adds to the comedic nature of the Queens adventure through London as she chases her windswept hat, and it's always funny looking out for the little hidden details... pirouetting guards, pouncing corgis, disgruntled statues. It's a lovely introduction to some of the capital's landmarks and a very memorable book!

[Alyce Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen's Hat is a genius way of introducing little ones to London and the royal family. When the Queen's hat gets blown away the beefeaters jump into action and try to catch it for her, running all around London, climbing the London Eye and Big Ben amongst other famous landmarks in their futile attempts to catch up with the wily clothing item. I found myself chuckling at the illustrations during this one, and my partner absolutely loved it (although our daughter wasn't the biggest fan - we're certainly going to revisit this one with her next year!).

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute story of Queen Elizabeth and her guards chasing her hat all over London while on their way to meet the newborn Prince George :-) <3 I especially loved that one of her Corgis was in on the chase and we had a lot of fun searching for the little dog in every picture! I'm sure this is a much better sell in Britain, but even US children would enjoy the hectic chase even if they're not familiar with the landmarks yet.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to give this 3 stars until I realized that throughout the book, there's also a butler carrying tea giving chase. Looking for him on every page adds another element to this book that contains drawings of some famous London landmarks. It apparently was written in honor of Prince George's birth, but I was not smart enough to catch on to that. Maybe because this book is 9 years old and I am not British.

[Tori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing: 3/5
Art: 4/5
Family friendly values: no red flags

Overview: This is a travel book- we follow the Queen's hat as a gust of wind sends it all over the major attractions of London. Since we've never been, my 3.5 and 5 year old weren't enthralled with this book although they did enjoy it and ask to read it more than once. Had we been, I could see this book being even more exciting and treasured.

[Imogen T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book due to its repetitive structure which made it enjoyable to read. However, it may not be very appealing to children from outside London or with limited knowledge of the city, due to the naming of many places in the city. Despite this, it's a lovely book that could be used to introduce any teaching on the royal family.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny, engaging story that follows the Queen, her dog, and the Royal Guard as they go through London trying to get the Queen’s hat back from the wind. It is a delightful journey to some of London’s most well-known sites, but I think the best part for my boys was finding the butler who’s hidden somewhere on most of the pages.

[Francesca Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about the queen losing her favourite hat. It flies off her head so her soldiers chase after it. It flies around all of the London attractions and famous landmarks where it eventually lands on a baby’s head outside Kensington palace. A simple story which can inform children about the famous places in London.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I just picked this up and man is it delightful! Steve Antony knows how to create detailed pictures with clean lines and it’s makes my brain relax!

Super cute story and the facts at the end are perfect! 🇬🇧 TOTALLY RECOMMEND!!

I’ve visited London so it was a great fun going “back” to some of London’s most beloved landmarks!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't feel like reading a bed time story tonight but I grabbed this library book off the table anyway...and Wow! Fun plot, learning a little about London, not too many or too few words, intriguing illustrations...Top notch read aloud.