Hippo! No, Rhino!
by Jeff Newman
Published by Little, Brown and Company
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
Jeff Newman's book Hippo! No, Rhino! made me laugh out loud. There is minimal narrative and most of the action is conveyed through the brilliant illustrations. Notice the birds--they are an integral part of the story and oh, so delightful.
An oblivious zoo worker incorrectly places a Hippo sign in front of the Rhino exhibit and casually wanders away. Visitors look at the sign and the Rhino and accept what the sign says. The Rhino is exasperated, frustrated and eventually resigned to the problem until a wise little boy changes the sign and comforts the Rhino. All is well, or is it? The return of the oblivious zoo worker brings another surprise.
This book should have adults and children alike, laughing out loud. And the conversations that will result from discussing the illustrations are endless.
Armchair Interviews says: It's amazing that a book with few words can say so much. This is a winner!