Hippo! No, Rhino

Book review by Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media
Hippo! No, Rhino Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

Thoughtful boy solves case of mistaken identity.

Jeff Newman Picture Book 2006
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Parents say

age 18+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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.

Community Reviews

Bob Douglas
Bob Douglas Adult
August 11, 2012
age 18+

!!!!

hippos are in nude and rhinos too it is a r*** war

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
wisemom
wisemom Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

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.
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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