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Every once in a while I come across a new picture book that I love so much that I carry it around with me and make random people read it. I Want My Hat Back is one of those books.

Oh my word, this book is hilarious. Seriously. And I believe it's all because of Jon Klassen's style. I knew Klassen's name before, not really for the books he's illustrated (Cats' Night Out, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place and more) but for his one-page graphic story in the collection of funny, creepy, disgusting and odd tales Half-Minute Horrors. Read it for yourself here: It's a gross-out moment, for sure, but it's fantastic. I just finished reading it with 4th graders in a lesson on inferences, and it's the coolest thing, watching them figure it out one by one. Next time, I will add this book. Clearly, Klassen is a sly one. He quietly slips in vital story elements with a wink, knowing only those paying attention will understand. And it works so well. I'm declaring him the King of Inference. He's fantastic.

Now if you'll please excuse me, a 4th grade teacher just walked in to the library and I have to show her this book.