Old Hat New Hat: (Bright and Early Books)
The Berenstain Bears Bright & Early Series
on Goodreads (2,562)
What’s inside...
A bear explores various types of hats trying to find the perfect one for him but realizes he likes his old hat the best. Like the parent Beginner Books, Bright & Early Books feature the same affordable hardcover format, imaginative stories, and colorful pictures. Geared for a younger audience, these books use simple words, repetition, and pictures that act as clues to the text. Contributors include Dr. Seuss, Stan and Jan Berenstain, Al Perkins, and Michael Frit. Intended for preschool through grade 1.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What made the bear decide to keep his old hat in the end?
How do you think the bear felt when trying on all the different hats?
Why is it important to be comfortable with what you have?
Can you think of a time when you tried many options before choosing what you already had?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each hat the bear tries on, discussing why they think the bear might like or dislike them. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the value of being content and the importance of personal preference. Highlight the emotions involved in making choices and relate them to everyday decisions your child makes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of what one has
Explanation: The protagonist explores various hats but ultimately realizes the comfort in his old hat, teaching satisfaction with existing belongings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate what they already own rather than feeling a constant need for new possessions.
Example Lesson: Decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the book, the bear makes numerous decisions about which hat to wear, showcasing the process of evaluating options.
Real-World Application: Children learn to make choices daily, whether selecting clothes or deciding what to play, helping them become more decisive and confident.
Example Lesson: Exploration and trying new things
Explanation: The story encourages exploring various options before settling on a choice, highlighting the importance of experimentation.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to try new activities or foods, promoting a growth mindset and adaptability in different situations.
Example Lesson: Contentment
Explanation: After trying many options, the protagonist finds contentment in his original choice, teaching the value of contentment.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the importance of finding happiness in familiar comforts, useful in promoting gratitude and reducing envy among peers.