Other editions of book The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins

he magically re-appearing hats is frustrating to bartholomew, but to the adults around him it is a terrifying and disturbing thing, not because it is dangerous but because it threatens their sense of what should be. The interventions they try range from the simple (calling in "experts" like a tailor, wise men and magicians) to the desperate and frightening (ordering Bartholomew's head and the offending hats cut off). Throughout it all, bartholomew's desires and needs are forgotten, and he is looked upon merely as an extension of this "problem." Also involved is the king's nephew, a "normal" child who spearheads the movement to do away with Bartholomew, not out of fear or concern but out of simple spite. In the end, however, the magic and wonder of the event is recognized and celebrated rather than condemned.

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is the story of a young peasant (the same as in Bartholomew and the Oobleck—a Caldecott Honor Award-winner), and his unjust treatment at the hands of King Derwin. While The 500 Hats is one of Dr. Seuss's earliest and lesser known works, it is nevertheless totally Seussian and addresses subjects that we know the good doctor was passionate about throughout his life: the abuse of power (as in Yertle the Turtle and Horton Hears a Who); rivalry (as in The Sneetches); and of course, zany good humor (as in The Cat in the Hat and the 43 other books he wrote and illustrated)! Available for a limited time only, this is a perfect way to introduce new readers to an old classic, or to reward existing fans.