HARD HAT HANK AND THE SKY-HIGH SOLUTION
Disney Planet Possible
By: Charlotte Gunnufson
Illustrated By: Brian Biggs
Published: February 4, 2025
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Fiction
Charlotte Gunnufson is a local-to-me Iowa author and is a gem of a person as well. I had the pleasure of meeting her when she visited our library promoting her HALLOWEEN HUSTLE and DREAM SUBMARINE books. I’m thrilled to cheer her on in this new venture with Disney Hyperion to write books for kids about caring for our precious planet, which I know is important to Charlotte.
HARD HAT HANK AND THE SKY-HIGH SOLUTION is part of the Disney Planet Possible Books program, which aims to inspire and empower young readers to take care of planet Earth through amazing stories that celebrate advocacy, conservation, and stewardship, kid-friendly environmental activities, and books manufactured with care in the United States.
Hard Hat Hank is in charge of his crew. He makes sure everything is straight, inspected thoroughly, and that his crew follows the plan. Until one day, just as they are about done with their build, Hank notices something amiss and stops construction.
Hank is a strong, hard worker, yet he also has a soft heart. When he notices a bird’s nest on top of his building, he stops the crew and tries to find a plan that works for his building and the birds. Hank’s actions remind us that it is ok to pivot when our original plan may not be working. He also teaches kids that teamwork is key to getting jobs done and that everyone needs to work toward the same goal. Most importantly, Hank teaches kids that we all have a role in caring for our planet and the species that live on Earth.
Gunnufson uses a creative rhyming scheme mixed with chat bubbles to keep kids engaged in the reading. The unique illustration style of Brian Biggs and the various dogs that are part of Hank’s crew will be enjoyed by kids.
The end of the book includes ways to offer birds places to rest, nest, and eat around your home and community. Extra book titles and online resources are also listed if your child wants more ideas for learning. The book is printed using 30% post-consumer recycled paper and ink, which includes bio-renewable content. The book was also printed in the United States. I appreciate that the author and publisher aren’t just talking the talk but walking the walk in the publishing of their books.
Purchase a copy of HARD HAT HANK AND THE SKY-HIGH SOLUTION HERE.
Charlotte Gunnufson loves building stories for kids. Before becoming an author, she was a language arts teacher. Charlotte cares about kids, critters, and planet Earth. When she’s not writing, she can be found planting trees, picking up litter, and playing board games with her family and friends. Charlotte lives in Iowa. Check out her website, BooksByCharlotte.com.
Brian Biggs is a best-selling illustrator of more than seventy books. When he’s not writing or drawing, he can be found riding his bike or hanging out with his cats- oh, and his family, too. He lives in Philadelphia. Learn more at BrianBiggs.com.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under birds, Book Review, Brian Biggs, Charlotte Gunnufson, Children's books, construction, environment, fiction