A Hat for Every Harriet by Jess Horn, ill. Zoë Bennett
(Affirm Press, Simon & Schuster)
A Hat for Every Harriet: Behind the Hats
With great honesty and insight, Jess Horn writes about the genesis of her moving and wise, A Hat for Every Harriet, for Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog. And, as a bonus, it’s lovely to reconnect with Bernie from Bernie Thinks in Boxes (a 2025 CBCA Notable Picture Book).
A Hat for Every Harriet: Behind the Hats
Do you ever feel like you’re playing a part? Acting out different versions of yourself to fit in and be who you’re expected to be? Reflecting on this experience inspired my latest picture book, A Hat for Every Harriet, illustrated by the very talented Zoë Bennett and published by Simon & Schuster Australia. To visualise this abstract concept, I applied the common analogy of wearing many hats. But as the story unfolded, I realised the experience I was describing was one of masking.
I think it’s safe to assume everyone wears metaphorical hats at times. Most of us have juggled different roles and expectations. We’re parents, employees, friends, children, neighbours and strangers. And to some extent, everyone changes their behaviour depending on the situation. This is what helps us respond appropriately to our social context, whether that’s being professional for a job interview or playful for a night out with friends. Adapting to these different roles seems to come naturally for most people, and the shift between one ‘hat’ and another seems subtle. But for neurodivergent people, it can be a much more conscious and effortful process. It can involve hiding our natural responses for fear of, yet again, being labelled the weird one. This is masking.
For me, masking feels as though I’m becoming different versions of myself. I’m continuously monitoring my conversations to make sure I’m being the right Jess for the situation. There’s a stream of internal dialogue: Remember to ask them a question about themselves. But ask the right questions. Stop talking so much about your favourite things. No, now is not a good time to randomly change the subject. Look interested. Keep listening. Are they bored? Am I being weird? Should I just go now?
But when we mask, the world misses out on the richness and diversity our true selves can bring to it. When we mask, people don’t see the wonderful quirks, interests, fears and joys that make us who we are. And when we mask, we lose ourselves to the people the world expects us to be. So wear your hats, but don’t hide behind them. We can be ourselves and play a part. Two things can be true.
Writing stories like A Hat for Every Harriet and the earlier companion book Bernie Thinks in Boxes has been a core part of my own self-discovery. While Bernie’s story explores using categories and associations to make sense of the world, Harriet’s story explores applying that same thinking style inward; trying to make sense of myself and how I fit within those categories I’ve created. I love that these stories resonate with so many children and adults who can relate to the experiences I describe. Everyone deserves to feel safe to be their true selves, and I hope A Hat for Every Harriet gives us all a little reminder to be kind to ourselves and to others.
A Hat for Every Harriet at Simon & Schuster
Bernie Thinks in Boxes at PaperbarkWords
paperbarkwords.blog 