Let's go Backer and Backer!: The Warm Woolen Hat

by Maureen Devlin, Nancy D. Conde

Let’s Go Backer and The Warm Woolen Hat invites young readers on a playful journey of curiosity and discovery. A little girl is delighted with her warm woolen hat, but where did it really come from? By going “backer and backer,” children trace the hat’s story step by step, learning how everyday things have deeper origins. Inspired by the author’s twin daughters and their love of “book fest” days filled with questions, this story encourages children to see the world with wonder and to keep asking “why” and “where from.”
Benefits for Children

Builds curiosity about the world and everyday objectsDevelops critical thinking and sequencing skillsEncourages asking questions and following them to new discoveriesSparks a love of reading through playful, repetitive languageHow Parents Can Use This Book
Parents can use Let’s Go Backer and Backer as a fun read-aloud to inspire conversation. After finishing the story, families can explore their own “backer and backer” questions where does bread come from? Or crayons? This makes reading interactive and turns everyday life into a springboard for curiosity, creativity, and family connection.

24 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go, Backer and Backer: The Warm Woolen Hat is such a charming read. On the surface, it’s a sweet, adventurous story about a child who is gifted a woolen hat knitted by her loving grandmother. And in true “backer and backer” fashion the journey behind making a simple winter hat begins. As someone who knits and understands how yarn is sourced it really delighted me how thoughtfully the book introduces kids to the process behind the things they wear, specifically using woolen garments.

The story gently walks young readers through the idea that wool doesn’t just appear in a craft store, but instead comes from real animals, real people, and real work. As a knitter, I found myself smiling at the little details that ring true, especially the parts where the sheep is sheared by the farmer and then that wool is spun into the yarn used to knit the hat. I loved seeing that woven into the narrative in a way that feels fun rather than instructional. It’s the kind of book that sparks curiosity without ever feeling heavy-handed.

A lovely pick for families who enjoy stories that teach, comfort, and spark imagination all at once.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go Backer and Backer!: The Warm Woolen Hat is an adorable children’s book that takes young readers on a step-by-step journey through the creation of a woolen hat. I loved the concept of “backer and backer” as the story moves in reverse —perfect for kids who are always asking, “How did this get here?”

As a parent, I found it so relatable and fun to read aloud. The cute illustrations are engaging, making each part of the process easy to follow and visually enjoyable. It’s a sweet, thought-provoking book that’s great for sparking curiosity and conversations. A fun read for the whole family!

[Brianna Greenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s go Backer and Backer!: the Warm Woolen Hat is an adorable children’s book that traces the origins of a child’s beloved hat made by their grandma. I loved the unique concept of discovering in reverse how the hat was made. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations, this book is a fun and engaging family read. Definitely a book I’d recommend for parents and teachers to share with the little ones in their lives!

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go Backer and Backer: The Warm Woolen Hat by Maureen Devlin is a delightful and heartwarming story that sparks curiosity in young readers. The book follows a little girl and her grandmother as they trace the origins of her cozy wool hat — from the yarn her grandmother knits to the sheep that provide the wool — making learning feel like a fun adventure. The book utilizes repetition in its structure to help children build their memory skills. The story goes in reverse order, taking children further back with each page in the story. One especially charming moment is when it is explained how the wool is spun into yarn, helping children picture the hands-on process behind something so familiar. Another standout scene shows the girl imagining the sheep grazing in the fields, connecting the natural world to the handmade warmth of her hat. With its rhythmic language, beautiful illustrations, and gentle encouragement to think “backer and backer,” Devlin’s story is both educational and endearing — a perfect read-aloud for curious young minds.

[Denise Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go Backer and Backer-The Warm Woolen Hat by Maureen Devlin


This is another warm loving story in the series Let’s Go Backer and Backer. In this story a grandmother knits a beautiful hat for her little granddaughter. The reader follows the history of how the wool hat was sheared by a farmer , from the wool of a sheep which then traveled to the store where the grandma chooses the beautiful yarn which would be knitted for the lovely hat. Again , young readers will be delighted by the recognizable pattern that encourage them to sing along with the anticipated words on the page. The beautiful illustrations help create the anticipated journey from the store to its origin.

Reviewed by Denise Kass

[Caterina Parrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is heartwarming and imaginative talking about kindness, teamwork, and creativity. Reading it made me feel cheerful and calm. I loved how the characters worked together to solve a problem in such a fun and thoughtful way, it reminded me how small acts of care can make a big difference. The colorful pictures and gentle rhythm of the story made it a joy to read aloud and very cute for kids. I would recommend this book to children, parents, or teachers who want a sweet story that sparks imagination and encourages helping others.

[Ray Giustini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go Backer and Backer!: The Warm Woolen Hat is a cozy, fun picture book that feels perfect for sharing on a chilly day. The story has a playful flow that keeps young readers interested while still feeling gentle and comforting. The illustrations add so much personality, making each page enjoyable to look at and explore. Devlin and Conde create a simple but sweet message about warmth, care, and small moments that matter. It’s easy to imagine kids laughing, pointing, and asking questions as the story unfolds. This book makes a great read-aloud choice for bedtime or classroom story time.

[Dana Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a different type of book!! Shows kids where an item originated from. It clearly and factually shows how an item came to be. It takes a basic concept and makes it very exciting for a child. Makes them really thinks about how items come to be.

[Lily Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another charming addition to the Backer and Backer series. The backward storytelling is simple but really engaging for kids, and it’s fun watching the story unfold step by step. Sweet, cozy, and easy to read, this one feels perfect for repeat bedtime reads.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is cozy in the best way. Kids love retracing the steps to see how everything connects, and the backward storytelling makes it feel like a little puzzle. It’s calm, comforting, and the kind of story that works just as well for quiet reading as it does for bedtime.