The Queen's Hat
#1 in The Queen Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Queen's Hat' by Steve Antony, a sudden gust of wind takes the Queen's favorite hat on an unexpected journey across London. As the Queen pursues her hat, she is followed by a humorous entourage of royal guards. Along the way, they pass by famous London landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The chase ends with the hat landing on a baby in the zoo, which turns out to be the royal baby. The book is a delightful and whimsical tale with minimal text and charming illustrations, celebrating British culture and the iconic sights of London.
Character compass
Queen
Discussion points
How do you think the Queen felt when her hat blew away? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
What places did the hat travel to? Which location was your favorite and why?
How did the people and the guards react to the Queen chasing her hat? What does this tell you about their feelings towards the Queen?
What are some of the ways the wind changed the course of the story? Can you think of a time when the weather affected your plans?
How do you think the story would have ended if the Queen had not gotten her hat back?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to mimic the flurry and chaos caused by the wind in the story, enhancing the child's listening experience.
Point out the landmarks the Queen's hat passes over to incorporate a mini geography lesson into your story time.
Discuss the illustrations and colors used. Ask your child how they think these visuals help tell the story and what mood they convey.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story, fostering their analytical thinking.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book or an alternative ending, tapping into their creativity and comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The Queen chases her hat all around London, demonstrating a commitment to retrieve what belongs to her despite various hurdles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking care of their belongings and being responsible for their own items, even when it involves effort.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the hat being taken far and wide by the wind, the Queen does not give up. Her relentless pursuit showcases determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not easily give up in the face of difficulties, whether it's completing a challenging task or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The Queen adapts to the changing situations as she follows her hat through various iconic London locations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adjust to new environments or changes in their plans, an essential skill for personal growth and facing life's unpredictability.
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority
Explanation: Characters throughout the book assist the Queen in her pursuit, highlighting respect for her position and role.
Real-World Application: It highlights the significance of respecting individuals in authority, such as teachers and community leaders, encouraging cooperation and respect in social settings.