Hippos Are Huge!: Read and Wonder

by Jonathan London, Matthew Trueman (Illustrator)

Overview

“With gorgeous mixed-media illustrations and accessible, engaging language, this picture book will spur interest in the world of hippos.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

The deadliest animal in Africa isn’t the lion or the crocodile — it’s the hippopotamus! Hippos have razor-sharp tusks, weigh as much as fifty men, and can run twenty-five miles per hour. Follow these hefty hulks as they glide underwater, play tug-of-war, swat balls of dung at one another, and nuzzle their young in the mud. Just don’t get too close — they could chomp you in two!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763679521
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	05/23/2017
Series:	Read and Wonder
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

 

Editorial Reviews

With gorgeous mixed-media illustrations and accessible, engaging language, this picture book will spur interest in the world of hippos.... 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.... A solid nonfiction read-aloud.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

This will make a satisfyingly uncivilized animal story for audiences looking to get beyond “Hungry Hungry Hippos.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

Fascinating... Mixed-media illustrations—which vary from double-page spreads to spot art—add to the free-flowing style... The combined effect is a playful, clever introduction to the hippo that works for read-alouds or independent study.
—Kirkus Reviews

The life of a familiar creature is presented with charm and appreciation.
—Horn Book

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!
—Booklist Online

From the up-close view of the inside of the hippo’s mouth on the cover to the images of their backsides with swatting tails and balls of dung, perspective plays a big role in this engaging piece of nonfiction for younger readers.
—Literacy Daily

Students will be fascinated by this title and with the information and facts presented about the hippopotamus...Teachers will find it to be a great read-aloud.
—School Library Connection

From the Publisher

2014-12-10
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 illustrations—which vary from double-page spreads to spot art—add 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)

Kirkus Reviews