A rhino at the zoo is infuriated when he realizes that the zookeepers have put up a sign identifying him as a hippo. He tries a number of things to correct the situation, getting angrier as time goes by and visitors to the zoo continue seeing him as a hippo.
Hippo! No, Rhino by Jeff Newman is a cute little story that will make for good discussions with children. Because there is very little text, parents will be able to embellish the story if they want to, and children who are too young to read or are just beginning readers will be able to make up their own story to go along with the colorful illustrations. However, this is probably not a good book for parents who are trying to help develop their children’s reading skills.
Newman’s book would also make for a good discussion with older children on misperceptions and how it can be frustrating when people don’t see you for who you are. It would also be an appropriate and beneficial book to help children develop their imaginations or as a jumping-off point for parents to discuss the difference between similar animals with younger children.
Hippo! No, Rhino may end up being a favorite of kids who enjoy telling their own stories, but might get left behind by those who enjoy reading a more in-depth story.
Angela McQuay/2006 for curled
up with a good kid's book