This is Not My Hat

What the story is about

A tiny fish takes a hat from a much bigger fish. He’s confident, maybe even a little smug, about his escape. But things don’t quite go as planned. The story unfolds with dry humour, dark undertones, and brilliant use of visual storytelling.

It’s a simple tale, but packed with meaning - about choices, consequences, and that quiet inner voice that knows when something isn't right.

SEL themes the book explores

• Honesty and integrity

• Moral reasoning and accountability

• Empathy and perspective-taking

• Understanding consequences

This book opens a subtle window into the world of ethics for young minds - not by preaching, but by letting them feel the tension between what’s said and what’s shown.

What to notice in the illustrations

The magic of this book lies as much in what’s not said as in what’s shown. Notice the eyes - the way they move, the slight shift in their expression. The sparse underwater landscape gives space for the emotional weight to breathe.

You’ll also see how the words say one thing, while the pictures slowly reveal a different truth. This invites children to read between the lines and think for themselves.

Reflective questions for students

These are just starting points. Feel free to shape them to suit your students’ age and context. Encourage open-ended answers, and remember: it’s okay if children don’t agree with each other. That’s where real thinking begins.

Ages 6–8
– Why do you think the little fish took the hat?
– Do you think the big fish was angry? How do you know?
– What do you think happened at the end?
– Was the little fish right or wrong? How can you tell?

Ages 9–11
– Can you think of a time when someone thought they could “get away” with something? What happened?
– What would you have done if you were the big fish?
– Why do you think the author didn’t show us the ending clearly?
– Is it ever okay to take something if the other person doesn’t need it?

Deeper reflections for teachers

This book allows us to sit in ambiguity. There are no moralistic lectures here - just the discomfort of being inside a story where things feel “off.” Children sense it.

This is a good moment to help them reflect not just on what happened, but why it felt wrong. Let them hold that ambiguity. Let them talk. Let them wonder.

And let them ask, in their own words: “Would I have done that?”

Activities you can try

– Role reversal skit: Ask children to act out the story, but let someone play the role of the big fish and narrate his side. What does he think and feel?
– Hat swap circle: Bring a few hats and pass them around. Then, pause and ask: “How would you feel if someone took yours without asking?” Build on it to talk about consent, belongings, and fairness.
– Invisible endings: Invite children to draw or write what they think happened after the book ends. Remind them that there’s no one right answer.
– ‘What would you do?’: Offer made-up situations like “You found a pencil on someone’s desk - no one saw. What would you do?” Invite discussion.

Notes for using this guide

This guide is not a rulebook. It’s just a collection of ideas. Feel free to explore them in your own way, or use them as springboards for your own reflections.

Encourage students to share, but don’t force anyone to speak. Make space for silence too - sometimes the deepest insights come when words are still forming.

Above all, these stories are not about teaching lessons, but about opening up possibilities - for thinking, feeling, and understanding each other better.