In 2011, Jon Klassen wrote a book called “I Want My Hat Back.” The following year, he put out this gem, “This Is Not My Hat.” They both follow a similar story line (each from the opposite viewpoint), which is simple, dark, and hilarious all at once.
A tiny fish wearing a hat swims along in a hat that apparently is not his. He has stolen it from a bigger fish who, he assures us, is sleeping and will never find him.
However, this big fish does wake up. And he does follow our little friend, who is unaware of the danger lurking behind him. 
He blissfully swims into safety in the tall reeds, quietly followed by his vengeful nemesis. We see the following picture. The end.
Yes, it’s a little dark…children’s book noir, if you will. Perhaps if your children are particularly sensitive or young, this book may be unsettling. I mean, our thieving young protagonist gets eaten in the end. But it’s a story told with subtlety, visual humor, and playful roguishness. Lesson learned? You may think you can get away with something…but just when you think you’re safe, BAM. Not a bad moral. And it’s funny.
Liked this one but LOVED “I Want My Hat Back.”
Oh I know, it was brilliant! I remember doing a double take the first time I read it, thinking, ‘That just happened? In a kids’ book? That is awesome.”
Love it.
Just got this book myself and enjoyed reading your thoughts on it. The book didn’t make me laugh quite as much as ‘I Want My Hat Back’ but I love Klassen’s style and sharp humour.