“Told in the first person, the boy’s narrative features evocative language that conveys his experiences as he takes in the sights, smells, and temptations of the shops…. Simple illustrations brimming with eye-catching details are stylistically reminiscent of Uri Shulevitz with a dash of Tomie dePaola. The classic, subdued palette perfectly complements the boy’s journey… A satisfyingly—and deceptively—simple tale about sincere pleasures in hectic times.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“[A] wonderful story… The busy illustrations…feature fine but imprecise line work that give a childlike quality to scenes sure to resonate with young readers…. A lovely reflection on happiness.” —Booklist

Satoshi Kitamura is an award-winning children’s picture book author and illustrator. As a child, he drew constantly and devoured comics. A self-taught artist, his career began in advertising and magazines before he moved to London, where he debuted as a picture book illustrator with Hiawyn Oram’s Angry Arthur, a 1983 Mother Goose Award-winner for the Most Exciting Newcomer to British Illustration. Since then, he has illustrated over twenty of his own books, plus collaborated on many others.

“The spare, repetitive, interactive text engages readers in chanting the magic words with Hattie and watching expectantly, guessing what will emerge next….energetic illustrations… Dynamic, fun-filled, imaginative, and ideal for participatory reading aloud.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Wonderful pacing and exceptional charm….comedy gold. This is likely to become one of those well-worn ‘again, again’ books that are the joy of children and the sometime-torment of grown-ups. As with Rod Campbell’s perennially popular ‘Dear Zoo’ (1982), the ask-and-reveal pleasure of ‘Hat Tricks’ is unlikely to diminish for children ages 2-5 no matter how often you read it to them.” —Wall Street Journal

“Positively bursting with storytime potential… Young audiences will loudly echo the closing plaudits: ‘Brava, Hattie! Bravo, hat!’” —Booklist

“Bold and lively pictures… [Kitamura’s] use of color is especially striking… Magician Hattie takes a well-deserved bow at the end, but preschoolers are going to want to start the story all over again, chanting, “Abracadabra, katakurico.’” —The Horn Book Magazine

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“An amusing peek-a-boo tale for budding magic fans….vivid characters make this much more than a one-trick story.” —Publishers Weekly

“The interactivity of this book makes it a perfect read-aloud for young children. Its bright colors and the funny faces on the animals all work to make this a book that early childhood educators will want in their libraries.”—School Library Journal

“Simple repetition and the increasing absurdity of the hat’s residents make this a perfect choice for storytime, and viewers will delight in the reactions of the appearing animals, especially when compared to Hattie’s calm professionalism….pure silliness that’s bound to be requested by listeners again and again.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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CCBC Choices (Picture Books for Young Children) —Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2021

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2020

Satoshi Kitamura is an award-winning children’s picture book author and illustrator. As a child, he drew constantly and devoured comics. A self-taught artist, his career began in advertising and magazines before he moved to London, where he debuted as a picture book illustrator with Hiawyn Oram’s Angry Arthur, a 1983 Mother Goose Award-winner for the Most Exciting Newcomer to British Illustration. Since then, he has illustrated over twenty of his own books, plus collaborated on many others.