Introduction

The only rule for attending this party was … you MUST bring a hat. But what if you didn’t own a hat? Will bringing a monkey wearing a hat be enough? Find out in this tale that builds to a gloriously quirky, hilarious ending.

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“Mounting exasperation, preposterous rules, and just plain fun make this party a surefire hit.”  Kirkus review

YOU MUST BRING A HAT

Simon Philip – Author
Kate Hindley – Illustrator

The narrator, a small boy,  is going to the “biggest, bestest, hattiest party of all time” according to the invitation. But, he does not own a hat!

And the local hat shop has sold out!

In fact, the only hat to be found belonged to a monkey. But the monkey was wearing it – and he wouldn’t give it up!

So the boy was ‘left with no choice’ … he must take the hat-wearing monkey along to Nigel’s party!   The invitation clearly stated, after all, that ‘you may bring as many extra guests as you wish’.)

But then, he ran into another problem when he arrived for the party…

“Invitation, please,” said the doorman.
“Sorry Sir, but we’re under strict instructions not to let in any hat-wearing monkeys…
unless they are also wearing a monocle.”

Problem solved!

Except the doorman wasn’t finished. His growing list of rules became more uncompromising and ridiculous.   The trail of last-minute guests became longer and longer.

The tension mounting as the characters, now eager to enter the party, became increasingly exasperated.

Finally, our boy snapped!

 

“NIGEL CLEARLY STATED ON HIS INVITATION THAT I COULD BRING ANYONE I WANTED SO LONG AS I BROUGHT A HAT, AND I BROUGHT A MONKEY IN A HAT SO TECHNICALLY I BROUGHT A HAT AND…”

And then the moment of realization.

The moment of truth.

They were at the wrong house!

They had been trying to gain entry to number 34.   Number 32 – Nigel’s party – is next door!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NIGEL!!

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This a Good Read because…

  • It’s funny – and there’s something special about bonding with our children over a shared joke!

  • The ridiculous situations will spark creative conversations – what other crazy rules can you come up with?

  • It will expand your children’s vocabulary with fun words like monocle, shindig and negotiate.

  • Parents:   have fun with a whole range of character voices!

NOW…commence with some hat making and have a party!