The Half Mile Hat

Lodge's (There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Glove) fanciful story centers on a giant with an expansive straw hat. When the North Wind and the South Wind happen to arrive at the same time, they send a shepherd's hat flying through the air. Searching for it, Yorrick the shepherd encounters a sleeping giant, and gets lost as he sneaks onto the giant's boot. He wanders upon a walled city, wherein, calling upon the giant and his humongous headgear-and overcoming a few extra obstacles-he earns the hand of the king's daughter. Vivid hues and a mildly folkloric feel make Lodge's illustrations as diverting to look at as his tall (or wide) tale is to read. Ages 5-9. (Mar.)