By Steve Anthony
While choosing books to enjoy during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, little brother chose this funny picture book all about the Queen and her fly-away hat! To see our other special jubilee reading recommendations CLICK HERE
This is a great story to share with younger readers who will enjoy seeing the Queen and all the Queen’s men as they chase her favourite hat all across London. It is like jumping on a sight-seeing tour of London without leaving your favourite book-reading chair. Watch as the Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, then visits Trafalgar Square, London Zoo, the London Eye, takes a trip on the Underground, over Tower Bridge and even to the top of Big Ben!
This royal adventure story is written in simple, short sentences so is perfect for early readers. Interestingly, the text is laid out in unusual ways, following the outlines of famous landmarks.
The illustrations also seem simple and are printed in only a few colours (shades of red, black and purple) but each double page gets more and more detailed as you try to spot where the Queen and her men will end up next. I love the expressions on the guards faces, the little corgi in his jumper and the Queen with her Union Jack umbrella. Look carefully and you might just spot the very loyal (and possibly quite tired) butler!
My score: 4/5
The Library Mouse Tales 