The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins — Dr. Seuss

As topical today as when it was first published in 1938, this book tells of Bartholomew Cubbins (from Caldecott Honor winner Bartholomew and the Oobleck) and his unjust treatment at the hands of King Derwin. Each time Bartholomew attempts to obey the king's order to take off his hat, he finds there is another hat on his head. Soon it is Bartholomew's head that is in danger . . . of being chopped off! While The 500 Hats is one of Dr. Seuss's earliest works, it is nevertheless totally Seussian, addressing subjects that we know the good doctor was passionate about: abuse of power (as in Yertle the Turtle), rivalry (as in The Sneetches), and of course, zany good humor!