Hippos are Huge! by Jonathan London - ADVISABLE

London, Jonathan Hippos are Huge!  Illustrated by Matthew Trueman  Candlewick, 2015  $16.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.   

This book is an illustrated look at the many interesting characteristics of hippopotami.  Hippos are one of the largest land animals and are considered the most dangerous animal in all of Africa.  They are deadly, but the book also shows the way they take care of their babies.  They don’t swim, but push off the bottom of the river and they can hold their breath for five minutes.  Their skin is super sensitive and the bulls swat dung at each other when fighting.   

A lot of fun facts are included throughout this attractive book.  The illustrations grab the reader’s attention and my boys thought this book was fantastic.  My only complaint is that the author kept switching between proper noun and common noun, sometimes calling the animal “Hippo” and sometimes saying “most hippos…”, making it unclear if the story was going to be about a particular hippo or hippos in general.  In the end it was a big hit with my kids and they keep coming back to it.   

EL (K-3)-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.