All the grown-ups in Ivan s village wear a hat that shows waht they love most or do best. Because Ivan s father is the hat-maker, Ivan gets to watch his father create a hat that is perfect for each person. Ivan wonders what kind of hat he will have. Will he be a musician? A baker? A firefighter? Ivan doesn t need to worry about his future because his father, the hat-maker who loves him most, shows him that there is only one hat - and one life - created just for him.