Came across a review of this Dr. Seuss book that I had never seen before. I didn't expect to find an unfamiliar Dr. Seuss, so I took a few moments (which was all I had to spare) and read it. It is an early work and Seusslike, but more in the form or a traditional fairytale than his books usually are. What's not to enjoy if Theodore is involved? I have loved every word he has put to paper.

So, a bit of fun in an otherwise not much fun day. ( )

It always surprises me that Dr. Seuss illustrated his own books. In this story Bartholomew keeps taking off his hat only to find there is another similar hat underneath. He begins taking them off under threat of the king and when he reaches the 450th hat, things start to change and the hats begin to become more elaborate. He keeps taking off hats until he ultimately gets to his 500th hat. It is glorious. He takes it off and, no more hats. He is sent home with a reward. Dr. Seuss's illustration style is fun in its hand-drawn style. It is simple, but adds to the kookiness of the story-telling. ( )

"Be calm, my Sire, and have to no fears. The hat will come off in ten short years."

Not Typical Dr. Seuss

None of the adults know what to do, and Bartholomew makes important people very perplexed. Bartholomew stays calm through the whole story, in full control of his emotions, and does everything the king tells him to do. There is a storyline within this story because of bratty Grand Duke Wilfred who keeps wanting to push Bartholomew off the top of the castle. At the end of the story, the prince ends up being spanked on a castle turret, much to the delight of children. Bartholomew ends up with no hat on his head, unscathed, and with a reward, he takes home to his parents. ( )

You can't go wrong with any Dr Seuss book honestly but this one really is one of my favorites by him. The story is clever in a way that only Dr Seuss can manage and the illustrations are fabulous as they are in all his books. A must read for adults and children alike. ( )

First published in 1938, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is the story of a young boy (the same one featured in the Caldecott Honor Award-winner Bartholomew and the Oobleck) and his unjust treatment at the hands of a king.