This Is Not My Hat
by Jon Klassen
Candlewick Press 2022
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- honesty and deception
- consequences
- humor and irony
- stealing/ownership
- perspective
- predator and prey
- confidence vs. caution
About this book
A very small fish swipes a stylish blue hat and is sure no one will notice—but the pictures suggest otherwise. With minimal text and sly, deadpan humor, the story invites kids to read the art as much as the words. Perfect for read-alouds, it sparks conversations about choices and consequences without being heavy-handed. Young readers love the suspense, the visual jokes, and the clever twist on a simple idea.
Setting: an underwater ocean world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is Not My Hat right for my child?
Yes — This Is Not My Hat is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.2, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include honesty and deception, consequences, humor and irony.
How long does it take to read This Is Not My Hat?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, This Is Not My Hat takes around 3m to finish. The book has 250 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does This Is Not My Hat have an AR quiz?
Yes — This Is Not My Hat has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is This Is Not My Hat?
This Is Not My Hat has an AR reading level of 1.2, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.