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Hippo! No, Rhino (by Jeff Newman)

common sense media says

Thoughtful boy solves case of mistaken identity.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is nothing to be concerned about in this book, though young children may find it difficult to understand on the first reading.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on Hippo! No, Rhino

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about zoos, animals, signs, hippos, rhinos, the birds on the rhino's back, and all the other details illustrated in this almost wordless book. They also might discuss the differences between hippos and rhinos. Why is the rhino feeling so frustrated? How would you feel if you were called the wrong name? What would you do about it? Why do you think no one else but the young boy noticed that the sign was wrong?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The rhinoceros gets more and more frustrated after the zookeeper misidentifies him as a hippo. No one seems to notice, or care, until a small boy comes along and makes things right.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Expressive mixed-media illustrations will draw readers back to this book time and time again. From the growing confusion on the face of the zookeeper to the many moods of the misidentified rhino and the startled reactions of onlookers, Jeff Newman uses pencil, ink, marker, watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, pastels, and cut paper to tell a simple but humorous and impressive story.

But the text is minimal, which means most young kids won't understand it the first time and adult readers will have to add some explanation. Happily, each page offers a plethora of enjoyable detail that encourages discussion and will quickly unravel the story. Kids will love acting out the part of the frustrated rhino and relate to his struggle. HIPPO...NO, RHINO! was named an ALA Notable book for 2007.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Jeff Newman
Illustrator: Jeff Newman
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication date: July 12, 2006
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $15.99
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

wisemom
adult
 
Simply funny
Careless employee labels a rhino as hippo, much to the rhino's frustration! This book has some subtle adult appeal...Imagine the voices of the characters, the slack zoo employee, the arty couple, very funny!! The expressions on the poor rhino's face are priceless. Simple text make it easy for young kids, but adults can laugh along as well.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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