“Young readers will feel a note of pleasing apprehension…but never enough to stir terror. The repetitions may even provoke readers to chime in and Brown has provided the rules for a game…that kids can play on their own.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Good fun.” ―School Library Journal

“Brown takes this game of tag and turns it into something quite delightful. The watercolor art is top-notch, with every character humorously distinctive. His depiction of Grandma is a particularly fine mixture of menace and sly good humor. A fun read-aloud.” ―Booklist

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“I enjoyed the story overall and would highly recommend it to fans of the classics and readers young and young at heart. It’d make a great addition to any personal library or classroom.” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

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Beehive Award (Children’s Picture Book Nominee) ―Children’s Literature Association of Utah, 2003-2004

Ladybug Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―New Hampshire Center for the Book

Virginia Young Readers (Primary Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2003-2004

Mockingbird Award (Nominee) ―Abilene Independent School District, 2002-2003

Ken Brown studied illustration at Birmingham Art College in England. Brown has served both as writer-illustrator and as illustrator for numerous children’s books, among them The Scarecrow’s Hat; What’s the Time, Grandma Wolf?;The Wolf Is Coming!; and Mucky Pup, which was short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal in England. He lives with his wife, Ruth Brown, also a well-known children’s illustrator, in England.

“Children will enjoy the repetition and refrain. Vibrant watercolors simultaneously depict the natural beauty of a blooming meadow in spring and the fine execution of expressions on the animals’ faces and in their body language…. satisfying, funny.” ―School Library Journal

“A gentle picture book with an old-fashioned feel…. Brown’s story proceeds at a leisurely pace, allowing young readers time to join in Chicken’s creative problem-solving…. The true standout here…is Brown’s artwork-his airy sun-dappled watercolors evoke a pleasant summer day.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A brilliant watercolorist, Brown sets this familiarly patterned tale in sunny, poppy-strewn rural locales, and populates it with animals that are at once wonderfully lifelike and comically expressive…. Great for storytelling, with big beautiful pictures for a topper.” ―Kirkus Reviews

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“Problem solving takes center stage in this story of how a resourceful chicken, every bit as determined as the Little Red Hen, barters for a scarecrow’s hat…. Realistic watercolors greatly enhance this plucky, humorous tale.” ―Booklist

“The details on these pages are beautiful…I envision children sitting with their ‘reader’ who reads bits of this delightful story about chicken needing/wanting the straw hat. Each step of the story is page turning and will involve the child as the “reader” engages them to look for specifics on each page.” ―ACS Reader’s Haven

“This clever story written and illustrated by Ken Brown poses a problem and offers a creative solution that young children will delight in discovering. Brown’s bright watercolors and gentle tone will keep readers captivated.” ―It’s About Time Mamaw

“The Scarecrow’s Hat is a lovely, gentle book. The repetition in the story makes it an engaging read-aloud.” ―Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes

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Children’s Literature Choice List (Picture Books, Ages 4-8) ―Children’s Literature, 2002

Best Bets for the Classroom (Picture Books) ―Virginia Center for Children’s Books, 2001

Nevada Young Readers’ Award (Nominee, Picture Books) ―Nevada Library Association, 2003

Ken Brown studied illustration at Birmingham Art College in England. Brown has served both as writer-illustrator and as illustrator for numerous children’s books, among them The Scarecrow’s Hat; What’s the Time, Grandma Wolf?;The Wolf Is Coming!; and Mucky Pup, which was short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal in England. He lives with his wife, Ruth Brown, also a well-known children’s illustrator, in England.