The Secret Hat by Peggy Losey

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Peggy Losey for an episode of Indie Reads TV after we met at a book festival at Leon & LuLu’s in Clawson, Michigan.  What a delightful Indie Author discovery!  Not only is the author warm and engaging, her book is a gift to children the world over. 

Written for those youngsters who are of a questioning age, and in transition from innocent childhood to empathetic preteen, this book fills a gap in our American holiday traditions.  The story is written in a rhyming style that is vivid and engaging, with a message that will implore the tiny hairs on your arm to stand at attention with the energy of kindness.

The illustrations, skillfully rendered by Jeanne K. McCormick, are unique.  They were drawn, as I learned in my interview with Peggy, from actual photographs of the original crew of Elves as they walked through their neighborhood, meeting people, sharing their purpose, and their Secret Hats.  The art is beautiful… a wonderful bridge between imagination and truth.  It fits well with the poetry’s meter and the energy of the message.

Spoiler Alert: Be aware, this is a read not for the very young.  This book is intended to easily chaperone young, kind hearts as they embark on the journey of becoming trustees of holiday generosity.  It is best shared with youngsters who are around eight, nine, or ten years old.  But parents… each child is different, and only you can know whether it’s time to pass this story along to the young readers in your life.  Ah, but when the time is right, you and your youngster will not be disappointed.

I hope that this story will inspire you to encourage a strong holiday spirit to linger in your circles, no matter the age or station of those who earn their Secret Hats!

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