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(1)
K-3
Eaton has hit upon an effective combination of silly and informative in this new series. The dynamic pages, with lighthearted, crisply rendered cartoon illustrations, are thoughtfully designed to make the books accessible to both new and more-independent readers. The main texts dispense basic animal facts while the animals' speech bubbles alternate between supplementing information and advancing goofy subplots (e.g., a hippo's failed attempts at bike riding). Reading list. Review covers these titles: The Truth About Bears, The Truth About Dolphins, and The Truth About Hippos.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2018
48 pp.
| Houghton
| June, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-328-48513-7$19.99
(3)
K-3
When a tiny hippopotamus was born three months premature at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in 2017, none of the large mammal experts knew how to properly care for such a vulnerable creature--nor could they anticipate how social media would make little Fiona a star. Told in clear prose and with photographs at once moving, hilarious, and fascinating, this is an edifying story of survival.
40 pp.
| Sterling
| April, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4549-1906-3$14.95
(3)
PS
Compared to his family and other animals such as Elephant and Giraffe, Little Hippo is the smallest creature around (or so he thinks)--and he doesn't like it. But when Little Hippo helps a tiny bug, he's delighted to discover the deed makes him "feel just the right size." Gorbachev's emotive ink and watercolor illustrations make it easy to empathize with "Big Little Hippo."
(3)
K-3
African Animals series.
These books aimed at new readers introduce iconic African mammals in straightforward texts with a level-appropriate amount of information. Large, impressive color photos of the wild animals, which span across the gutter of the wide-horizontal-trim books, command attention. Each book's three appended facts expand on a part of the main text. Glos., ind. Review covers these African Animals titles: Hippopotamus, Hyena, Meerkat, Rhinoceros, Warthog, and Zebra.
(3)
4-6
Young Pig is the all-important Dam Keeper--protecting town from "the sea of deadly black fog"--since his father disappeared. When Pig, friend Fox, and school bully Hippo wind up far from home, they embark on an eye-opening return journey. This beautifully realized graphic-novel adaptation of the animated short film's first part utilizes light to accentuate the known and unknown of this mysterious, dangerous world.
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Andrew Joyner.
Unlikely pals Duck and Hippo splash in the springtime rain--then umbrella-holding Duck gets carried off (Rainstorm); they invite their friends on a summertime picnic--then Hippo gets lost (Found). Cartoon art, rendered in brush-and-ink with wash and pencil and digitally colored, depict the silly (and slim) escapades that celebrate friendship and the benefits of sticking together. Review covers these titles: Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm and Duck and Hippo Lost and Found.
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Andrew Joyner.
Unlikely pals Duck and Hippo splash in the springtime rain--then umbrella-holding Duck gets carried off (Rainstorm); they invite their friends on a summertime picnic--then Hippo gets lost (Found). Cartoon art, rendered in brush-and-ink with wash and pencil and digitally colored, depict the silly (and slim) escapades that celebrate friendship and the benefits of sticking together. Review covers these titles: Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm and Duck and Hippo Lost and Found.
40 pp.
| Disney/Hyperion
| June, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4847-4364-5$17.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Zachariah OHora.
Mr. Stricter lets his class keep one of the tadpoles they've hatched. It soon becomes evident (to the students, at least) that Bruno is not a frog but a hippo. After many hippo-size problems, the class must convince a smitten Mr. Stricter to give up Bruno. In his signature style of thick black lines and bold shapes, Ohora's acrylics perfectly capture the text's ample humor.
40 pp.
| Disney/Hyperion
| April, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4847-0938-2$16.99
(3)
PS
Walt Disney Animation Studios Artist Showcase series.
Holly the hippo bravely rescues her little sister's toy pig from a tree, but she's less assured when it comes to swimming pools. Her dad answers her "what if" questions, and eventually necessity (i.e., rescuing the toy from the pool) helps her overcome her fear of the water. The mainly pink digital illustrations do a thorough job depicting Holly's range of emotions.
(2)
K-3
In this tale of two friends--and two portraits--Mouse offers to paint Hippo's portrait after Hippo rescues Mouse, and then Hippo reciprocates by painting Mouse's. There are sight gags and lively conversation, and the portraits capture their delighted subjects in comically abstract ways. Bright cartoon art with bold line-work using India ink, watercolor, and felt pens provides a visual narration for the color-coded dialogue.
Reviewer: Julie Roach
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2017
32 pp.
| Knopf
| April, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-553-50990-8$15.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-553-50991-5$18.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-553-50992-2
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Poly Bernatene.
Even though Bird makes a great umbrella, keeps Hippo "bug-free," and tells jokes ("I'm a hippopota-mustache"), Hippo repeatedly shoos Bird away. The nod toward symbiosis gets lost in the predictable reluctant-friends plot, and Hippo and Bird's reconciliation comes too suddenly to feel authentic. However, energetic mixed-media illustrations shift color to reflect Hippo's mood and expand on the limited dialogue-based narrative.
(3)
1-3
Color by Cat Caro. In this delightful graphic novel for emergent readers, a hippo joins his friend, a red panda, to seek a better life outside their failing zoo. They sample various professions, literally trying on many hats, before finding their true calling. Clear, direct text and clean, digitally colored graphite illustrations simply and effectively tell this clever story of friendship, professional development, and home improvement.
(3)
K-3
Do You Really Want to Meet...? series.
Illustrated by
Daniele Fabbri.
In each book, readers accompany an inquisitive child on a journey to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. Bold cartoon illustrations and the second-person text add to the immediacy of the experience. The texts are peppered with facts (on habitat, diet, and behaviors) and questions to readers; some also include warnings about the dangers of interacting with wild animals. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Do You Really Want to Meet...? titles: Do You Really Want to Meet a Badger?, Do You Really Want to Meet a Camel?, Do You Really Want to Meet a Hippopotamus?, Do You Really Want to Meet a Wolf?, Do You Really Want to Meet an Orca?.
32 pp.
| Gecko
| September, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-927271-96-4$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Sarah Davis.
In this humorous rhyming story, when a hippopotamus can't be found at a safari, an entire class becomes "hippo-hunters," spotting other animals and mistaking them for the hippo ("That's NOT a hippopotamus!"). Readers will notice the hippo hidden within the skilled illustrations, which also capture the diverse, exuberant class and their exasperated teacher who finally listens to little Liam--who "REALLY see[s] 'im!"
32 pp.
| Disney/Hyperion
| May, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4847-1491-1$16.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Sue Cornelison.
Best friends Penelope (an extroverted hippo) and Tiny (a shy mouse) try to prepare a "best-friend act" for the school talent show but run into a dilemma: Tiny doesn't want to be in the spotlight, while Penelope wants nothing else. Despite some didacticism, the story's repetitive structure, clearly defined personalities, and over-the-top thought bubbles will engage readers learning how to compromise with and support friends.
(4)
K-3
Amazing Animals series.
Vivid photographs providing up-close views of the daily lives and behavior of the title mammals are the highlights of these slim volumes. Minimal texts touch on habitat, appearance, diet, and offspring, and each supplies a folk-story answer to a question about the creature (e.g., "Why don't chimpanzees have tails? People in Africa tell a story about this..."). Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Amazing Animals titles: Skunks, Walruses, Antelopes, Chimpanzees, and Hippopotamuses.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Mike Laughead.
This rhyming ode to the wonders of a public library features Hippo and her father (from Shoes for Me! and A Dress for Me!). Wandering through the stacks with enthusiasm and delight, the duo highlights areas of interest to young children. The geometric illustrations in graphite, ink, and digital media are bright and energetic. A pleasant addition to the library-themed storybook collection.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6592-0$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Matthew Trueman.
In fresh, interesting descriptions, London emphasizes just how dangerous these massive animals can be--a sequence of hippopotamuses in fights involves their gross-out poop-flinging skills--and contrasts this aggression with the care shown by hippo mothers as they raise their babies. Trueman effectively captures the animal's essence: every part of the hippo bodies, from their giant teeth to their sturdy legs, is massive. Ind.
Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2015
69 pp.
| Eerdmans
| February, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8028-5440-7$14.00
(3)
1-3
Translated by Lawrence Schimel.
Illustrated by
Luciano Lozano.
Mister H, a hippopotamus, convinces a young zoo visitor to set him free so he can find his home. Mister H then embarks on a series of adventures around town. Lozano's stylish illustrations lend a mid-century vibe to Nesquens's offbeat story. The Spanish import will appeal to confident chapter-book readers.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Ada Grey.
Hearing a bubbling from the creek, Mouse is inspired to squeak along. The rhythm soon has a bird, centipede, monkey, warthog, and crocodile jamming, too, until Hippo, whose submarine hiccups started it all, pops out of the water to claim some credit. Dynamic, colorful illustrations and cumulative, chorus-encouraging onomatopoetic lines largely make up for those rhythms and rhymes that stumble a bit.