Cuentecitos

Uncle Nacho’s Hat/El sombrero del Tío Nacho
Adapted by Harriet Rohmer
Illustrations by Mira Reisberg
Publisher: Children’s Book Press
ISBN-10: 089239112X
ISBN-13: 978-0892391127

Uncle Nacho’s Hat is a delightful and colorful fable adapting to change, which was originally a Nicaraguan folktale. I’m always happy when someone as talented as Harriet Rohmer breathes life into an old tale and gives it a new audience. Old folktales contain so much magic and wisdom that we absolutely need.

In the story, Uncle Nacho is frustrated by his old holey hat and often grumbles about it. When his thoughtful and intelligent niece Ambrosia brings him a new hat, he is so consumed with giving up the old one that he doesn’t recognize the good things the new hat brings to his life. In fact, he doesn’t much notice it at all. Uncle Nacho goes through a variety of trials to find a home for the old hat, which makes for a very enjoyable and funny story that children love. The simple answer provided by his niece makes perfect sense and teaches a lot about accepting change and moving on from our old habits.

The illustrations are bright, beautiful, colorful and warm keeping true to the folktale’s Central American origins. I loved how monkeys and parrots seemed to find their way into places in the pages, giving both a tropical and whimsical touch.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough and I’m not at all surprised at the awards and honors it has acquired. I’ve listed them below:

• Reading Rainbow Selection
• UNICEF—Ezra Jack Keats Award Citation
• Parent’s Choice Approved Book
• Recommended by the Elementary School Library Collection

Book Description from the Publisher:

When Ambrosia gives her Uncle Nacho a new hat, he tries to get rid of his old one, but to no avail. No matter what he does, the pesky hat keeps coming back to him. This classic folktale from the Puppet Workshop of Nicaraguan National Television, vividly illustrated by Mira Reisberg and presented in a bilingual edition, is a parable about the difficulties of making changes and shaking off old habits. The book includes an account of the origins of the story.