Frenzy Bee—Apis insania—This delightful honeybee will fly for miles to find flowers. When a new nectar-rich flower is discovered, a lone Frenzy Bee alerts its colleagues by flying extremely fast in an ecstatic circle, creating a high-pitched sound only detectable by the bees from its own hive. A Maker may capture this sound in a tuning fork and transfer it to a hat with a sharp tap, imbuing the wearer with a sense of vibrant enthusiasm. Honey from the Frenzy Bee is believed to sharpen the senses and was taken by ancient Olympians attempting the discus throw.
Hush Dove—Columbula tranquilla—Cousin of the scarlet Shrieking Dove, the Hush Dove, true to its name, is a very quiet bird. Its pale-pink feathers bring calmness to a disordered mind.
Loquacious Lily—Lilium garrulus—A dazzling white trumpet-shaped bloom with golden stamens and a heady scent. This flower encourages the wearer to speak their mind and give voice to their innermost thoughts. Used properly, it helps a shy wearer to express themselves with confidence. If the wearer is usually of a talkative disposition, it can open the verbal floodgates and result in gossiping, blathering, and tiresome prattling.
Love Beetle—Scarabaeus inamoratus—An affable beetle with shiny pink wings, which they shed once a year. Found among the petals of Bulgarian roses, always two insects per bloom. A bite from a Love Beetle provokes feelings ranging from mild fondness to intense adoration. An allergic reaction can cause nausea, dizziness, and acute obsession. On hats, the shed wings of the beetles are used to promote feelings of gentle kindness.
Lullwool Sheep—Scaep lullavellus—Native to the slopes of Snowdonia, the lambs are born dark blue and grow paler as they age. The oldest Lullwool Sheep are a pale duck-egg color. Their wool is used to encourage calm, ruminant consideration.
Mellow Daisy—Aster melu—A pale-yellow flower often found growing in the cracks of pavements or on sun-drenched walls. Never choosy about where they decide to flower, these daisies promote a happy-go-lucky attitude and a sunny outlook.
Merrybird—Avis hilaris felix—A small, pink-feathered bird with yellow stripes in its tail feathers. Its call is said to imitate the gurgling laughter of a baby. Brings levity and joy when a person’s outlook is too serious.
Moonbeam—Radiatus luna—Translucent and fragile, moonbeams create various melodic tones, depending on the timbre of moonlight (and indeed the phase of the moon). Sonorous beams from the full moon are used for fulfillment and plenty. The hopeful tones of beams from the waxing moon encourage optimism, while beams from the waning moon can ring hollow and foster forbearance. All are difficult to see in daylight.
Moonbloom—Flos lunaris—Indonesian shrub that blooms only on the full moon. Velvety flowers range from mauve to indigo. Induces deep and peaceful sleep. Useful for nightcaps. One petal tucked inside a hatband can inspire a soothing daydream.
Moon Cactus—Cactaceae lunarium—This small, perfectly round, pale-blue cactus produces yellow flowers with crater-like markings that closely resemble the full moon. Ironically, the Moon Cactus will only flower in full sun.
Moonwing—Columba luna—An elegant bird with a black-feathered body and white iridescent wings that form a circle in flight, resembling the full moon. A single wing feather gives the wearer a sense of elegance and lucidity.
Olive—Olea europaea—Used since Biblical times as a symbol of peace and renewal, an olive branch can be worn to encourage outreach and friendship.
Pax Palm—Areca altis paxum—A tall and graceful palm tree from Palestine. The pale-green leaves can be woven together to make a straw-like hat or used individually to charming effect. Imbues the wearer with a sense of serenity and fraternity.
Paxpearl Shell—Mollusc tranquillitas—Found in the shallows of Ease Bay, Paxpearl Shells are cup-shaped with pearlescent interiors. They help the wearer to hold their peace.
Peace Mountain Crystal—Quartz pax montana—A smooth, clear stone that has been tumbled for millennia in the glacier of the Himalayan Peace Mountain. Always cool to the touch, it is most often droplet-shaped. Instantly calms the temper and refreshes jaded spirits.
Peacock—Aves phasianidae—The tail feathers encourage poise and showy flamboyance. Can also promote a sharp-eyed perceptive streak when used sparingly. Overuse in hat decoration results in egomania and dangerous self-confidence.
Politic Cord—Rudens diplomaticus—This cord is made by spinning tactful arguments together with strands of hemp or silk. Hemp is used when a robust attitude is required from the wearer, while silk is reserved for more delicate persuasions.
Pyrite—Ferrum scintilla—This bright gold mineral is a form of iron and is sometimes called Fool’s Gold. Although it can amplify foolish qualities already innate in the wearer, this effect can be tempered by using it in conjunction with something that brings soothing and wise qualities (such as Angelite Enamel). In this harmonious state, Pyrite will stimulate the flow of ideas and bring confidence and clear-sightedness to the wearer.
Risible Mushrooms—Fungi ridiculosa—The most exuberant of all mushrooms. Small and pale gray with bright violet gills, they enjoy hiding in plain sight to pop up and surprise their fellow fungi. Used on a hat, they will help a bashful person surprise themselves with their own spirit and sense of playfulness.
Rosemary—Salvia rosmarinus—An evergreen aromatic shrub, useful for aiding memory and boosting the power of the brain. Worn on a hat, it can be invigorating and help to activate the memory and focus the mind.
Sage Ribbon—Ligamentum philologus—A Sage Ribbon is a general term for any ribbon made by weaving hairs from the head of one or more scholar, philosopher, or learned person. If hairs from more than one individual are used in the same ribbon, it is wise to ensure that the viewpoints of the individuals are more or less in harmony, lest the ribbon cause confusion and wild swings in opinion. Head hair is recommended, though beard hairs may be used by more experienced Makers. It is, of course, strongly recommended that the Maker seeks permission from the donor before they attempt to pluck the hairs.
St. Aegis Vine—Vitis aegiea—A climbing plant originally from the Levant. The golden-yellow flower promises a positive outlook, while the fruits can be used to make a cordial, which, if imbibed, instills a sense of quiet confidence. Wine made from the fruits can cause bombast if drunk to excess.
Saturn Cactus—Cactaecae saturnus—With a prickly temperament, this cactus has a ring of thorns around its middle but is otherwise completely smooth. A thorn used as a hatpin can give confidence, particularly when speaking in public.
Siberian Ice Spider—Aranea siberica—A spider from the northern icefields of Russia, which freezes its web as it spins. Useful for cooling hot-headedness. Overuse can cause an uncanny tingling sensation down the back of the neck.
Sicilian Leaping Bean—Legumen siciliano exulto—A long-podded speckled bean from the Mediterranean isle of Sicily. Famous for bouncing exuberantly, these beans give the wearer a sense of levity and gladness of heart. There are several wild colonies of beans on the isle. When ripe, they spring forth from their pods with a popping sound. Once they have gotten their bearings, they are notoriously difficult to catch.
Silverglass—Vitrum argentum—Made by mixing Venetian mirror-dust with molten glass, Silverglass reflects glamour on the wearer, accentuating their finest features. Once the hat is removed, the effect wears off, which can result in a disappointed paramour if Silverglass has been used too liberally.
Singing Sapphire—Sapphirus sonorus—A precious blue stone found growing, like a pearl in an oyster, inside the egg of a nightingale. Once the bird is hatched, the stone can be collected and used to inspire vocal confidence. If worn for too long, a Singing Sapphire may provoke a loud, tuneless whistling inside the wearer’s head, causing them to shout in order to hear themselves over it, thus becoming a nuisance to those around them.
Sooth Crystal—Crystallum psychicum—A clear crystal formed in underground caves where fresh water runs. These precious stones bring clarity and truthfulness, helping the user connect to their intuition. Worn on a ha
t, a Sooth Crystal will help the wearer to follow their instincts.
Starlight—Lux stellaria—When strained through glass into a silver bowl, starlight is used to give hope and guidance to lost souls. Sprinkled on a hat, it fills the mind with sparkling ideas for adventures that promise to renew the spirit.
Thunder Rain—Pluvium fragorum—Raindrops shaken by a thunderclap. If caught in a strong enough bowl or jar, the water can be used to infuse dyes and ribbons. An excellent strengthening solution, it can also allow the wearer to express emotions in a healthy way. Particularly good for unleashing bottled-up anger or sadness. Most potent when the essence of a lightning bolt is also caught.
Timor Fern—Embryophyte timiditum—A very shy evergreen fern from the Amazon basin, often found hiding beneath the leaves of larger ferns. Wearing the fronds encourages gentle conversation. A sensitive wearer may even feel the need to whisper.
Upstart Crow—Corvus corax cachinnans—An oft-misunderstood avian with a distinctive caw. Regarded by some as a nuisance and a pest, and by others as a bird with vocal talents to rival the nightingale. The plumage of the Upstart Crow is showy, bestowing on the wearer a sense of self-confidence which mean-spirited onlookers may describe as vainglorious.
Vapor of Valor—Nebula valere—A pale-purple mist made by gathering the breath from the roar of a lion at dawn. Used to infuse a hat with spirit and courage, the roar reverberates even after the sound and vapor have gone, fortifying the heart.
Vesuvian Stone—Pumice magmae—A rock taken from the crater of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. If exposed to sunlight or excessive heat, the rock will ooze lava. Useful for Alchemists and practitioners of the Making arts for forging metals and melting glass.
Waltz Moth—Eacles tanzen—True to its name, this mauve moth performs an elegant wing-dance in triple time. Particularly attracted to light from Alchemic fires, its wingbeats stir rhythm into the Maker’s work. A hat favored with the wingbeats of a Waltz Moth has amplified power. The wearer may find themselves skipping on every third step.
Warble Ribbon—Ligamentum melodius—A silk or satin ribbon taken from the costume of an opera singer. Ideally, the ribbon will have been worn for several performances before being used by the Maker, giving ample opportunity for it to absorb the powerful vibrations of the singer’s voice. Ribbons from a soprano are most potent and should be used sparingly. Warble Ribbons help the wearer to fearlessly express and celebrate deep emotions, although overuse can result in melodramatic wailing that may eventually prove tiresome.
Whorlpod—Legumen vortexis—The high-climbing Whorlvine can reach the top of a tall tree in a matter of days. When it has grown as high as it can, the vine puts all its energy into growing a cluster of spiral-shaped pods. These pods burst from the vine and corkscrew through the air, making a high-pitched whistling sound as they go. Whorlpods are used in Making to decorate hats for dancing. They are especially popular in Scotland, where they are known as “Birly Bonnets.”
A NOTE ON MENACING INGREDIENTS
No good can come of telling the reader how to breed a Firechicken or indicating in which forest one might find the Orcus Fox.
We shall not disclose the whereabouts of the Sabre Tiger nor reveal the name of the sea that the Vampire Squid frequents.
We have no advice to communicate on the cultivation of Eelweeds.
We do not intend to make public any knowledge on the creation of Wrath Ribbons, nor shall we divulge the ways and wherefores of gathering Lightning Strife.
No word shall be written on the ethics of collecting Harpy feathers.
Of the Croakstone we shall say only this: avoid on pain of death.
~ NOLI NOCERE ~
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Much like making a magical hat, it takes a lot of love and dedication from many people to create a book. I have so many people to thank for helping to bring The Hatmakers to life.
Firstly, my parents, for bringing me and my siblings up in a house full of books, for reading us bedtime stories when we were small, and for teaching us to care about literature as much as you do. Thank you, Mum and Dad, for always encouraging me to write.
My sister, Kate (aka Big-Little), for going on adventures with me across the garden and across the globe, for helping me with my Latin, and for being my absolute favorite person to be a mischief-maker with.
My family and friends around the world who have patiently listened as I philosophized about magical hats: you’ve encouraged me through the hard times and lavishly celebrated the victories, and I love you all.
My truly brilliant agent, Claire Wilson: you have worked your extraordinary magic on me and on The Hatmakers, and I am so tremendously glad. Thank you for everything.
My utterly wonderful UK editor Nat Doherty, for believing in The Hatmakers, and for guiding me with such kindness and vision to transform this story into the best version of itself. It has been such glorious fun making this book with you!
Thank you to all the fantastic Makers of Books at Puffin: Wendy Shakespeare for your brilliance and for making the book better with every suggestion; Daphne Tagg for your amazing eye for detail; Emily Smyth, for your gorgeous vision for the design of Cordelia’s world.
To the wonderful Jane Griffiths, Naomi Green, Roz Hutchinson, and Alesha Bonser.
To the brilliant Sarah Roscoe, Geraldine McBride, Kat Baker, Toni Budden, Rozzie Todd, Becki Wells, and Karin Burnik. And to the marvelous Zosia Knopp, Anne Bowman, Maeve Banham, Susanne Evans, and Lena Petzke.
Thank you to Paola Escobar, for bringing the Hatmakers’ world to life with the most beautiful illustrations and cover I have ever seen.
To the American team at Norton Young Readers, especially Simon Boughton and Kristin Allard, an enormous thank you for introducing the Hatmakers to America!
To Jonathan Barnes, Teacher of Classics: kleos to you for ensuring the wild imaginings of the glossary make grammatical sense!
To Anna James and Catherine Doyle, for your wildly kind and generous words.
To Jonathan Smith, for running the afternoon creative writing club at school and for your friendship ever since. I can draw a line as straight as the string of a kite from the work we did on those afternoons directly to the pages of this book. And to Dr. Jo Seldon, who was a wondrous teacher. To Isabella, for sharing so much wisdom about the creative cycle and helping me to find my own.
To the V&A Archives, for the treasures you preserve and lay out on tissue paper for people to study. I have never, before or since, seen such an illustrious bicorn.
And finally to Barney: this book wouldn’t exist without you. Thank you for your immense heart and humor and support all through the adventure of telling this story. Thank you for all the love and laughter you bring to my life. And thank you for when I woke you up at 4.30 a.m. one January morning jabbering about a family of magical Hatmakers—thank you for encouraging me to write down my dream.
Cordelia’s adventure continues in
THE MAPMAKERS
Spring 2022
Text copyright © 2021 by Tamzin Merchant
Artwork Illustrations copyright © 2021 by Paola Escobar
Cover and text design © Puffin
Published by arrangement with Random House Children’s Publishers UK,
a division of The Random House Group Limited.
All rights reserved
First Edition
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write to Permissions, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.,
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Production manager: Beth Steidle
The Library of Congress has cataloged the printed edition as follows:
Names: Merchant, Tamzin, author. | Escobar, Paola, illustrator.
Title: The hatmakers / Tamzin Merchant ; illustrated by Paola Escoba
r.
Description: First edition. | New York, NY : Norton Young Readers, [2021] | Audience: Ages 9–12. | Summary: When Cordelia Hatmaker’s beloved father fails to return from a sea voyage, she is determined not only to find him, but to discover who is using magic to start a war—and why.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020051734 | ISBN 9781324016038 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781324016045 (epub)
Subjects: CYAC: Magic—Fiction. | Hats—Fiction. | Millinery—Fiction. | Missing persons—Fiction. | Fantasy.
Classification: LCC PZ7.1.M4747 Hat 2021 | DDC [Fic]—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020051734
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The Hatmakers Page 23