Review by Booklist Review
Illustrator Trueman emphasizes the book's title right from the start, with a cover illustration featuring the enormous, gaping yawn of a hippopotamus. This large format, eye-catching book is wonderfully designed for the youngest researchers and naturalists. London has chosen the facts most likely to interest kids, such as hippos' crocodile-crunching and dung-swatting capabilities (the latter features an illustration that will definitely prompt giggles). He uses two types of text: one with simple vocabulary in a large, dark print, and another providing more detailed information in a smaller, lighter font. Trueman's mixed-media illustrations seem to burst off the page in dominating double-page spreads, with occasional smaller drawings scattered throughout. Perfect for group storytime reading or individual enjoyment, this is also an ideal book for teaching reference and research skills to beginning readers. An easy-to-use index highlights simple vocabulary (e.g. fighting, speed, weight). Sure to be a favorite!--Rutan, Lynn Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-With gorgeous mixed-media illustrations and accessible, engaging language, this picture book will spur interest in the world of hippos. Trueman's vivid images take advantage of every inch of available space to convey the size of these creatures, and the "Isn't this cool?" tone of London's text keeps readers hooked. Two types of text appear on each page: larger print encompasses the main narrative full of fascinating facts (ideal for reading aloud), while smaller print presents drier statistics and additional facts of interest. With a focus on high-interest details-such as a spread featuring two bull hippos flinging dung at each other in warning-this title stands out. VERDICT A solid nonfiction read-aloud.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
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, are massive. Ind. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Hippos are huge, graceful and dangerous, as depicted in this colorful, informative book for the youngest naturalists.From the cover image of a hippo's gaping maw and the pink endpapers resembling the interior of the hippo's mouth, readers understand that they will be immersed in details about the unusual creature. Bold claims about its characteristics and prowess appear in big type. The conversational narrative asks questions and directs readers' attention. Additional fascinating facts appear in a smaller font. It begins with the declaration that hippos are HUGE: "They can weigh as much as fifty men," or 4 tons. Hippos are fast on land and in water. They can bite a crocodile in half. And although children will undoubtedly giggle upon learning that bulls begin their battles by standing rump to rump batting balls of dung at each other (SPLAT! SPLOP!), the point that the fight can be ferocious is well-made. Mixed-media illustrationswhich vary from double-page spreads to spot artadd to the free-flowing style and highlight the hippo's mottled skin and mostly watery habitat. The combined effect is a playful, clever introduction to the hippo that works for read-alouds or independent study. (index, author's note) (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
