Happy Birthday Madame Chapeau, by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

Andrea Beaty and David Roberts have become one of the most popular and well-known combinations of children’s book creators thanks to their stunning trilogy of picture books, Rosie Revere, Engineer, Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist. We love these books and I feel very strongly about the useful, clear message they send to kids about following dreams and achieving ambitions.

So I was shocked when I came across Happy Birthday Madame Chapeau in the library. I felt like I had failed to do my due diligence. Surely at some point, I should have done a google search to find all books by this creative author and illustrator. 

The story is about a lonely hat maker who has a hat for every person, yet on her birthday, she doesn’t have the right hat for herself. It is sweet to see others try to help Madame Chapeau and to see her finally find a friend. 

If your kid (or your good self) love clothing or fashion this will really capture the imagination. David Roberts has a wonderful eye for choosing just the right colours, styles and details for his illustrations.