  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 01/01/2018 Bubbly cartoon hippos wander the pages of this introduction to the humongous African mammals and offer tidbits of information for the youngest set. Eaton’s simple figures in bold, saturated colors are a friendly vehicle for the science presented here. Silly jokes leaven the facts—check out that hippo being really bad at riding a bike, or the bird wisely steering clear of a hippo’s backside—which range from habitat and parenting behaviors to the famous habit hippos have of splattering their poop around with their tails, an attribute sure to delight kids who like gross-out humor. Eaton presents both pygmy hippos and common hippos, and a light frame narrative of a baby pygmy hippo trying to find its mother drives the pages forward nicely. While the cartoonish artwork, lively tone, and dry humor will give this easy appeal for kiddos, it’s still dense enough with science that they’ll come away with plenty of facts to spout on their next trip to the zoo. Hand to fans of Jonathan London’s Hippos Are Huge! (2015). - Copyright 2018 Booklist. School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 Gr 1–3—Accompanied by cartoon, comic book—like illustrations, information on the common hippo and the pygmy hippo is presented in a comedic fashion. The text moves along quickly with a factual sentence or two per page, while speech bubbles contain jokes and silly commentary. Their habitats, diets, activities, and bodies, including a nice sight gag on their bathroom habits, are covered. Additional brief facts are set in colorful boxes. Kids will enjoy the humor as the cute hippos are personified. The pygmy hippo, for example, describes itself as "small but sassy." In a sweet side story, a baby hippo searches for its oblivious mother throughout. The last spread succinctly recaps facts and jokes as well as includes books for further research, one for kids and one for adults. The slight back matter makes this more appropriate for browsing and a quick laugh rather than reports. VERDICT Consider for an educational storytime or to motivate reluctant readers.—Elissa Cooper, Helen Plum Memorial Library, Lombard, IL - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
 |