Splendid, surrealistic illustrations …. The sheer whimsy of the bear and the simplicity of his cottage and the surrounding town add a quaintness that is quite touching. Savvy readers will enjoy the detailed and dreamy, imaginative artwork, including stunning illustrations of birds. With a binding as tall as Mr. Brown’s hat, this book will require a special place on your bookshelves. But it won’t stay there long. – School Library Journal

There’s little interaction between words and pictures—text and illustration could easily stand independently—but Imai’s artwork has a marvelous, surreal dignity that casts a memorable spell. – Publishers Weekly

An effervescent, heart-gladdening tale about the inexplicable, yet very real transformative power of friendship. The give-and-take, caring-and-sharing between Mr. Bear and his hatted companions celebrate how magic can and will happen. – BookDragon, Smithsonian blog

“If you loved the more muted tones common in Maurice Sendak’s books, this book continues in that tradition.  MR. BROWN’S FANTASTIC HAT is more then what the title first suggests, it’s not just about a loner bear and his best hat, but also how new friends can enter our lives in abnormal ways, and a gentle reminder not to take friendships (however short-lived) for granted.” – Talking Animal Addicts.com

Mr. Brown’s Fantastic Hat is a gorgeous book with a solid message about the power of community and connectedness….a book that children will want to return to again and again. – Story in Worshop

“Ayano Imai’s gloriously beautiful book plumbs the nature of solitude and loneliness as well as the value of friendship with an honesty that is at once heartrending and uplifting.” – Celebrate Picture Books