Kids love a good romp of a story, and this delightful pairing, by two of my favourite creators, is a romp extraordinaire.On a school excursion to Don's Safari, the kids are keen to see 'every creature in the land', until a smart alec (there's always one) proudly points out there is NO hippopotamus.
Don begs to differ, and takes the kids to the lakeside to see for themselves. Only trouble is, the hippo is gone.
On through the safari, the kids and their hapless teacher gallop, in search of a missing hippo... only to find creature upon creature that very much misses the mark.
From giraffes and elephants to boas and dugongs, well-meaning kids, certain they've found the 'hippo' are gently reminded by soft-voiced Liam, that he can see the real hippo. But will anyone listen?
Juliette MacIver has written a gloriously abundant and funny tale featuring repetition and rhyming text (she has done a sterling job of effecting rhyme for 'hippopotamus'!)--the perfect scaffold for the vibrant, energetic, personality-filled characters who've lept from the paintbrush of Sarah Davis. Children will be utterly entranced at each and every child (and animal, and exasperated teacher) and their priceless expressions and enthusiasm and nimble little forms, as they dash around the pages. An utter delight.
Kids will adore this story. Ideal for reading aloud, it's sure to pull plenty of giggles. Make sure you read it before playtime so kids can run around outside looking for hippos!
Title: That's Not a Hippopotamus!
Author: Juliette MacIver
Illustrator: Sarah Davis
Publisher: Gecko Press, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2015
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781927271964
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book
