Red Hat
The red hat worn by the child in Red Sled (2011) takes a more prominent role in this sequel. Like its predecessor, this picture book is almost wordless but seldom silent. The action begins after the child washes the hat and hangs it on a clothesline to dry. A bear cub yanks it down and runs off with it, pursued by bunnies. A raccoon holds up the hat triumphantly (“Hiii-ya!”) and takes off at full gallop. Meanwhile, the knitted hat begins to unravel. A mouse sees the tassel end (“Wow-za”) and grabs it (“Yoo-ha!”) before a yank of the yarn sweeps him off his feet (“Whoa”). Without a narrative text, viewers may occasionally puzzle over matters such as the disappearance of the bear cub for several pages. While the pencil-and-watercolor illustrations show a fine color sense, particularly in the idyllic settings, young children will be drawn to the animals’ headlong action, expressive body language, and amusing facial expressions. An engaging picture-book ­adventure. Preschool. --Carolyn Phelan