KENDRA AND HER HIPPO STOMPERS SAVE THE DAY
by Clever Jenny ; illustrated by Cheryl Crouthamel
A girl learns the importance of kindness and individuality in Jenny’s picture book for early readers.
Kendra, a young girl with pale skin and brown hair, is excited to wear her new purple hippopotamus-shaped boots to school. Her enthusiasm is dashed, however, when she sees her classmates’ reactions. Monica, a pale-skinned girl with red hair, and Donald, a boy with brown hair and light-brown skin, poke fun: “How did those hippos escape the zoo? I hope they don't eat your toes!” Donald laughs. Kendra is embarrassed; the next morning, she nearly decides to opt for her usual sneakers when a fallen box of crayons reminds her of the benefits of difference. Later at school, the teasing continues until Kendra uses her boots to help pull Donald and Monica out of a particularly nasty mud puddle. The notion that Kendra’s boots would be a reason for such devastating bullying feels a bit unrealistic. However, Jenny presents a simple message in an easy-to-digest format: Be uniquely you and do what makes you happy, despite what others say. Crouthamel’s bright, watercolor-and-pastel illustrations are equally simple, occasionally presenting two-page spreads of scenes from the story that offer a memorable picture book experience.
A simple, creative tale that will be great for young readers struggling with social acceptance.