I'm Ben in this Hat

About the Book

When Benjamin was 3 years old, he stood in the kitchen with a big straw hat on his head ready to go to work. Ben’s mom, the author asked him “Are you a farmer today in that hat?” Ben replied without missing a beat, “I’m Ben in this Hat”. This was a defining moment as a parent, in that her child expressed for the first time and with confidence the wonderful sense of self. This book is about Ben’s adventures with his beloved dog Bonnie and the positive message that, being yourself, is what matters most. The brief and repetitive nature of the text is coupled with full color illustrations brought to life by Amanda Hamlin, a friend of the author. This book is bedtime appropriate because it is about imagination, dreams, and the importance of a confident self. Based on a true life interaction, this book should become a favorite for preschool aged children. Incorporating the name of your child as part of the book is welcomed and encouraged.

About the Author

The author is the mother to the main character of the book, Benjamin. The books initial story occurred in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she happily lived and worked until Benjamin was five. She now lives in her home town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia on the Potomac River. She works full time for the National Park Service in interpretive media in the historic area of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Benjamin is her only son.