THE HIPPO, THE RHINO, THE ELEPHANT AND ME

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THE HIPPO, THE RHINO, THE ELEPHANT AND ME

Name: THE HIPPO, THE RHINO, THE ELEPHANT AND ME
Author: Ink Robin

developed by Ink Robin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 20, 2012

An enjoyable, low-stimulation interactive story that should be great for bedtime.

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A week of whimsical fun with a little girl and her three entertaining friends.

As the title suggests, the protagonist in this story has an odd bunch of pals. However, the unlikely quartet is never at a loss for something fun to do. Sundays are hide-and-seek days; Mondays are musical. Tuesday is art day, while Wednesdays are reserved for make-believe—and so on. This rhyming story is in keeping with Ink Robin’s other offerings (Leonard and Piccadilly’s Circus, both 2012), which is to say that it’s well-written and engaging. There are plenty of interactive opportunities throughout the story, though they’re pretty conventional and straightforward (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). On coloring day, swiping the screen produces little sketches and drawings; when the four play dress-up and make-believe, a flip of a switch finds the girl roaring across the screen in a monster costume. Tapping each character on music day produces makeshift instruments that can be strummed and pots that act as a drum kit. Illustrations are both cheerful and fittingly sparse, and the pleasant narration can be turned on or off. Near the end of the story, Mom reminds the foursome that playing can be messy. So they dutifully clean up their messes and take a bath, and then it’s off to bed.

An enjoyable, low-stimulation interactive story that should be great for bedtime. (requires iOS 6) (iPad storybook app. 3-6)

Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2012

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Ink Robin

Review Posted Online: Feb. 5, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013

- BOOK REVIEW
JERRY'S DAY OUT
by Ink Robin ; illustrated by Gustav Dejert ; developed by Ink Robin

- BOOK REVIEW
A RABBIT'S TALE
developed by Ink Robin

- BOOK REVIEW
PICCADILLY'S CIRCUS
illustrated by Adam Larkum & developed by Ink Robin

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.

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Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.

Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: March 29, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin

Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson

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HOW TO CATCH A MAMASAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.

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Another creature is on the loose.

The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.