The Magic Hat Shop
What’s inside...
One day, a hat shop mysteriously appears in the main square of a little town. The townspeople are surprised by this new arrival. No one knows where it came from or why it appeared right there, in the middle of the town square. “Who needs a hat?”, some wondered. Confusion and mistrust begin to reign in town, but Timid Tim, determined to reveal the mystery that the hat shop was hiding, decides to enter and reveal what is it that the shop offers. But then something happens that nobody expects— the first customers put on their hats and make an amazing discovery. A delightful tale about magic hats and bonnets, but above all about the importance of being yourself and the hidden treasures we carry within us. Winner at the 2015 International Latino Book Awards.
Discussion points
What do you think happens when someone wears one of the magic hats from the shop?
How did the characters' feelings change when they tried on different hats?
Why do you think the magic hat shop appeared suddenly in the town?
What kind of magic hat would you like to create, and what magical powers would it have?
How do you think the town was affected by the magic hat shop?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite hat from the book and why they liked it the most.
Ask your child how they would feel if a magical shop appeared in their neighborhood.
Discuss the importance of imagination and creativity, relating it to how the characters in the book use the hats to express themselves.
Prompt your child to think about how the hats could solve a problem they or someone else might have.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage your child in a discussion about the colors, styles, and details of the magic hats.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'The Magic Hat Shop', the story illustrates the joy and community bonding that happens when characters share magical hats with each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing their own belongings with friends and understanding that generosity can lead to collective happiness and stronger friendships.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Each character in the book chooses a hat that uniquely suits their personality, teaching children that it's wonderful to be themselves and express their individuality.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to celebrate their own uniqueness and respect others' differences, which is essential for developing self-confidence and social harmony.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The magical hats spark imaginative play among the characters, showing how creativity can transform everyday life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their imagination can turn simple moments into extraordinary adventures, enhancing their creative and cognitive skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: When characters encounter challenges, they use their magical hats to come up with solutions, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and creatively to solve problems they face, whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Joy in helping others
Explanation: Characters in the book experience happiness and satisfaction from helping each other with the magical hats, emphasizing the emotional rewards of altruism.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to help others in need, fostering a sense of community and empathy from a young age.