Shall I Knit You a Hat?: A Christmas Yarn ANNOTATION
When Mother Rabbit knits a warm winter hat for Little Rabbit, he likes it so much that he suggests they make hats for all of their friends as Christmas gifts.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
When Mother Rabbit knits a cozy winter hat for Little Rabbit, he likes it very much. In fact, he likes it so much that he thinks all of his friends need hats for Christmas. And he has some very creative designs in mind.
While Little Rabbit gets wrapped up in the joy of giving, everyone is reminded that friendship is the best gift of any season.
FROM THE CRITICS
J. S. Biersdorfer - The New York Times
In these days of Wal-Mart stampedes and quantitative gift accumulation, Shall I Knit You a Hat? offers a gentle respite. Kate Klise's text, without being stiff and didactic, shows the joy one can get in creating the absolutely perfect gift for a loved one. And the glad hatter and his mother end up celebrating the holiday in a way many of us would find appealing: at home, together and with three pieces of cake each.
Publishers Weekly
Beating the winter chill and warming hearts are the themes in the Klise sisters' (Regarding the Fountain) darling tribute to knitwear and holiday giving. With a blizzard reportedly on the way, Mother Rabbit quickly knits one and purls two to craft a hat for her son. Little Rabbit, concerned for their friends, suggests they make hats for all of them, too. The thoughtful and elaborate design process leads to a very merry Christmas morning fashion show in town. The Klises consistently sound notes of tenderness and humor. Images of Little Rabbit's headgear sketches and Mother Rabbit's method of clandestinely taking measurements are a hoot. Ages 3-7. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo
When a blizzard is predicted over Christmas, Mother Rabbit knits a new cap for Little Rabbit to keep his ears warm. He is pleased with his new hat and suggests that his mother make hats for all their friends as Christmas gifts. While Little Rabbit distracts them, his mother takes the proper measurements. With the characteristics of each animal in mind, and the help of Little Rabbit, Mother Rabbit's knit hats are a big hit. They truly are a sight to see, and Klise has illustrated some very funny creations. Her tall, thin rabbits live in a house full of interesting details, such as the family tree, the carrot cake, and the very sparse Christmas tree. The outdoor marketplace is full of a variety of animals, and the snowflakes make an interesting blizzard scene. The idea of thoughtful, handmade gifts is a nice change from the overtly commercial theme prevalent at Christmastime. 2004, Henry Holt, Ages 3 to 7.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-A sweet tale of gift giving and friendship. When Mother Rabbit hears that a blizzard is expected to hit on Christmas Eve, she knits Little Rabbit a hat that shows off his long, beautiful ears. He loves it, and suggests that they give their animal friends hats as Christmas presents. Mother Rabbit agrees, and the two set off to take stealthy measurements, then carefully craft the hats to suit the personality and physical attributes of each animal. The finished products are, well, creative; the expressions on the animals' faces as they view their gifts in a mirror are priceless. However, when the snow begins to fall, the recipients quickly realize that their presents are just what they needed. This is a good selection for holiday sharing, but the detailed acrylic illustrations cry out for close inspection and would work best one-on-one or with a small group.-M. A. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
This joint effort by two sisters weaves the joy of making and giving gifts with the value of receiving them gracefully and gratefully. Little Rabbit is a child with a distinct artistic flair, as evidenced by his paintings and art projects displayed throughout his cozy, modern home. With Little Rabbit's designs and Mother Rabbit's knitting skills, the two collaborate on customized hats for their friends as Christmas gifts, but their six friends receive the unusual hats with less than enthusiasm. When a blizzard sweeps in, however, the animal friends realize how much they appreciate their warm hats and the kindness of their rabbit friends, and they follow the rabbits through the snow to offer their sincere thanks. The story is humorous in an understated way, as are the illustrations of the long-eared rabbit pair and their skeptical friends with droll expressions. Sarah Klise incorporates clever, whimsical details into her paintings, as well as striking contrasts between the dimly-lit interior of the rabbit house at night and the snow scenes, which glow with pale-blue light and swirling snowflakes. (Picture book. 3-7)
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