When Everybody Wore a Hat
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Overview
This is the story of when I was a boy, almost 100 years ago, when fire engines were pulled by horses, boys did not play with girls, kids went to libraries for books, there was no TV, you could see a movie for a nickel and everybody wore a hat.
When Everybody Wore a Hat was one of celebrated author/artist William Steig's last gifts to the world of children's books: a portrait of the artist himself, told in Steig's signature quirky words and illustrations. Now in paperback, this funny, poignant, and revealing picture book has all the vitality and wit of a Steig classic.
Ages 2+
Synopsis
This is the story of when I was a boy, almost 100 years ago, when fire engines were pulled by horses, boys did not play with girls, kids went to libraries for books, there was no TV, you could see a movie for a nickel and everybody wore a hat.
When Everybody Wore a Hat was one of celebrated author/artist William Steig's last gifts to the world of children's books: a portrait of the artist himself, told in Steig's signature quirky words and illustrations. Now in paperback, this funny, poignant, and revealing picture book has all the vitality and wit of a Steig classic.
Ages 2+
The New York Times
Some guys can't seem to do anything wrong. Consider William Steig, born in 1907. It would not be unreasonable to expect, in view of his prodigious output of books for children, that he would produce a clinker now and then. Even van Gogh had his bad days. But Steig never disappoints, and his latest concoction, a witty memoir in pictures called When Everybody Wore a Hat, is especially winning. — Edward Sorel
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewRenowned author William Steig takes us back to an earlier time when "there was no TV" in this picture book filled with reminisces about his Bronx childhood.
Beginning with a photo of young Steig climbing a tree, the author's walk down memory lane includes colorful characters and various scenes from his youth, all accompanied by the author's familiar art style. Vignettes depicting his family, neighbors and notable events reflect the upbeat times of his childhood -- like getting his first haircut ("I got my first haircut at Ditchick's Barbershop.... I got to listen to all kinds of stories") and Prince, the janitor's dog ("Kids were scared of him") -- while others are darker, such as his parents' quarrels and news of the bloody war overseas. But the book's true message lies at the end where a simple drawing of an eight-year-old Steig shows him at the beginning of a successful future, alongside a photo of "me today, without a hat."
An interesting look at kids' lives in early-1900s New York City, When Everybody Wore a Hat will resonate with Steig's fans. The author's text reads as if he's bringing up fond memories as they come to mind, while his illustrations portray a youthful playfulness. A pleasant autobiography from a legendary talent. Matt Warner
The New York Times
Some guys can't seem to do anything wrong. Consider William Steig, born in 1907. It would not be unreasonable to expect, in view of his prodigious output of books for children, that he would produce a clinker now and then. Even van Gogh had his bad days. But Steig never disappoints, and his latest concoction, a witty memoir in pictures called When Everybody Wore a Hat, is especially winning. — Edward SorelPublishers Weekly
In our Best Books citation, PW wrote, "With his signature mix of charm and directness, Steig reflects on his Bronx childhood." All ages. (May) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
Steig takes us on a nostalgic journey back to 1916, when he was eight years old. He recalls his parents arguing in four languages, the old wind-up phonograph, shopping, women's clothing, his old neighborhood, and the children's activities back then. The war in Europe and bad news from the Old Country were part of life. "A nickel was money;" you could buy a lot with it. And of course, "everybody wore a hat." In a few simple words along with his illustrations Steig paints a picture of his memories of a time in history. Like a family photo album there is no narrative flow. But the individual pictures with their very brief caption text present glimpses of a life, an autobiography in a time. Steig's colored cartoon-y drawings have lost none of their verve. His almost spontaneous black lines define the characters and their emotions along with a few props, including, of course, those hats. Perhaps this is more for adults than children. 2003, Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins Publishers,— Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz