Hello, friends! Our book today is Where’s Your Hat, Abe Lincoln? by Misti Kenison, a board book that introduces notable Civil War-era figures to the smallest bookworms.

Abe Lincoln has lost his hat! He has a very important speech coming up, and he can’t do it without his trusty stovepipe hat. He asks some of his friends to help him look, but they are all very busy: Frederick Douglass is writing a book, Clara Barton is nursing soldiers. Sojourner Truth giving a speech herself, and Thaddeus Stevens is addressing congress. Will Abe find his hat in time to give his speech, and will his friends be there?

Very interesting! Forgiving some anachronistic meetings and timelines – this is a book meant for toddlers, after all, and a more accurate timeline is included in the back – this was a clever way to introduce some big and important names from history to very young readers. The main ideas are extremely simplified, which is occasionally strange (the Gettysburg Address, for instance, was in fact a pretty solemn speech about a gruesome battle and tragic loss of life, which doesn’t quite read here), but mostly does what it intends by introducing names like Harriet Tubman, William Seward, Ulysses S. Grant and so on to little ones. The illustrations are rudimentary, but offer easily visible block colors and simple faces, which can be good for developing visual skills. The length is fine, and JJ seemed mostly to enjoy it. If you’re looking for ways to introduce new topics like American history to your toddler’s library, this could be a fun one. Overall, Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)