Old Hat New Hat (Bright & Early Books(R))

This is one of the earlier Berenstain Bear books, and it shows. Despite the cover, the bears on the *inside* of this book are less stylized and cutesy than the bears in the newer books, and the story is an early reader instead of a longer read-aloud.

It's a cute little story about a cub suffering from "grass is greener" syndrome, but unable to decide which hat to get. Eventually he decides his old one is perfect - you saw that coming!

There are only a few words per page, with a basic vocabulary, so this one is perfect little-little ones learning to talk. I do find that many of the words in this book are too uncommon, too long, or follow too odd spelling rules for this book to really function as an early reader. But it's so funny that I don't think that really matters.

My sons who are 2 and 3 years old Love this books. They memorize the whole book and will read it to me. I brought this book twice already, but i don't mind it at all because it's a must have in this house.

My daughter got this book for her first Christmas. I put it on the shelf & forgot about it until she was about 1 when she discovered it for herself. In the almost full year since then, a day has not gone by when this book has not been read -- generally, numerous times (& I'm not sick of it yet). Thankfully I've been able to memorize it -- if she's in the car and cranky, simply reciting the book will calm her down. Such is the power of this great book. She's managed to tear pages but we just tape it together and read it again the next day. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a fun, simple book for their little one.

I love the pictures. It's so much fun to read this story to my 12 month old daughter.

I loved this book as a child, and now (30 years later) my son is enjoying it as well!