#276 of 1001 · May 3, 2021

The comfort of normalcy can scarcely be overstated. We live our lives within a framework of prescribed patterns, and any deviation can be cause for alarm—let alone a seeming violation of the laws of physics. Dr. Seuss explores the ramifications of just such a paranormal phenomenon disrupting a commoner’s typical display of fealty to a monarch in The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. The story opens in the kingdom of Didd, ruled over by the proud King Derwin. Bartholomew Cubbins, a young peasant boy very much the social (and geographical) opposite of the king, finds himself unable to demonstrate the proper respect for the passing of the royal carriage—each time he removes his hat, an identical one appears in its place. Before the day is done, Bartholomew and King Derwin are swept up into series of farcical attempts to dispel the weird occurrence, escalating to the point of threatening the boy’s life. Seuss applies his usual inimitable style to the whimsical original tale (written in prose, instead of his typical rhyming verse). He makes the bold choice of executing the illustrations in thickly shaded black and white—all except for the brilliant scarlet of the hats themselves. #drseuss #hat #hats #king #castle #magic #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks