The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins

Published: 1938
Pages: 56
Reading level: Ages 4 - 8

Book Details

Bartholomew Cubbins had the rare priviledge of starring in one of the few Dr. Seuss classics that didn't rhyme. Bartholomew was also blessed - or cursed as some thought - by owning and wearing 500 hats which brought him quite a bit of attention from everyone including the king.

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is not written in rhymes like most Seuss books and the images are much more graphic than others showing just how talented of a graphic artist was. It's one of the longer books that Seuss wrote, taking at least 20 mins to read through (for an adult). The book does get a little drastic for a kids book as Bartholomew is sentenced to execution for not removing his hat. There are also a few dark pages where black magic is shown and talked about. In the end, however, all ends well.

Lessons Taught

• How to handle something your're blamed for, but didn't do
• Honesty
• Respecting others
• Keeping a good self-esteem and optimism

After reading some questions to ask your kids:

• What would have done if your were Bartholomew Cubbins?
• What was your favorite hat?
• What are other ways that we show respect to other today?

Bartholomew Cubbins and King Derwin of Diinn are both in another Dr. Seuss book titled Bartholomew and the Oobleck.

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