Here comes truck driver hippo

PreS-K--Little Hippo loves to pretend, and in the third book in this charming series, the game is to be a truck driver. He wants to pick up and deliver a load of sand to the lion cubs. He encounters several obstacles that his friends in the savanna help him solve. Brightly colored illustrations perfectly match the exuberant energy of Little Hippo, and young readers will enjoy his persistence in ensuring that the cubs have a fun place to play. VERDICT A good choice for libraries seeking out books for their very youngest patrons. Little Hippo's game of pretend is spot-on and deeply engaging.--Debbie Tanner

In this latest series installment, the titular character decides that today is "a good day to be a truck driver." Accompanied by his monkey sidekick, Little Hippo is on a mission to take sand to the little cubs--"vroom! vroom!" To find out who the lucky little cubs are, young readers will have to wait a bit. Meanwhile, Little Hippo gets plenty of help along the way. Giant Crocodile helps fill the truck with sand--"snap! snap!" A herd of zebras make way so Little Hippo can get through, and Big Hairy Gorilla offers bananas to the hungry duo. Great Horned Rhino removes a log blocking the way, and Long Neck Giraffe stretches her long neck as a barrier as a train rumbles by. At every turn, Little Hippo says thank you by declaring, "You're the best!" Eventually, the sand is delivered, and after some play, Little Hippo and the monkey head back home, where two moms await with reassuring hugs. The terrain the duo traverse is filled with fantastical vegetation with a Seussian vibe, the charming illustrations rendered in bright, saturated colors. Young readers will easily follow this uncomplicated adventure and delight at finding out how it wraps up. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Simple and sweet. (Picture book. 2-4) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.