I Want My Hat Back: questions to ask and activities to try
The bear has lost his hat, and he asks everyone politely if they've seen it. I Want My Hat Back is a deadpan, very funny book where the pictures tell you more than the words.
What age is it for? I Want My Hat Back is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Reading between the lines, and a very funny ending.
I Want My Hat Back (Jon Klassen)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Reading between the lines, and a very funny ending
Read it in a flat, polite voice. Let your child spot the hat before the bear does, and enjoy their reaction at the end.
What it helps with
- Spotting clues in pictures
- Reading between the lines
- Honesty and fibbing
- Deadpan humour
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What has the bear lost?”
- “Who did he ask?”
- “Who was wearing the hat?”
- “What did the rabbit say?”
- “What do you think happened at the end?”
- “Was the rabbit honest?”
5-minute activities to try together
Hat hunt
Hide a hat and give clues while everyone looks.
Polite asking
Practise asking politely: “Have you seen my...?”
Free printables: I Want My Hat Back worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Dark (Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen)
- Best for
- Being afraid of the dark, and meeting it
- Age
- 3-7
It's Only Stanley (Jon Agee)
- Best for
- Spotting what's really going on in a funny rhyme
- Age
- 3-7
Where Is the Dragon? (Leo Timmers)
- Best for
- Scary shapes in the dark, and a clever hidden dragon
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.