70s Children's Book That Ends With A Man And A Leg Wheel

[BeaMyra]

I was trying to remember a book I read when I was small.

It was in the 70s and it was about an Italian man. At least that’s how I remember it, I could be wrong. This guy had a peg leg, and at the end of the story he gets a wheel to put at the bottom of the peg leg, so then he can skate around with it.

At least this is how I’m remember it.

Sorry I can’t recall anymore, but can anyone recal any such story? Again, it’s a book for a child just starting reading

[Kimstu]

The Hat (1970) by Tomi Ungerer?

One of the writer’s most celebrated tales, this is the story of a magic hat that lands on the head of a penniless Italian war veteran named Benito Badoglio.

The hat, tall and shiny-black with a magenta sash, brings the old soldier fame and fortune (he has his peg leg fitted with a silver wheel) as it dashes on and off his head saving tourists from falling objects, capturing escaped rare birds and halting the runaway horse of a Contessa, who is kin to the Archduke.

Benito is made Minister of National Emergencies and wins the Contessa’s hand. The hat continues life on the run.

Got the hint for this from a Google hit in the “Stump the Bookseller” pages at Loganberry Books online: great resource for “what was that book” queries.

[BeaMyra]

Yes I’m 99% sure it is, I vividly recall the name Benito in the book. I am amazed someone could find the correct answer with so little to go on

Thanks

[Kimstu]

No problem, just the standard Straight Dope service!