Guaranteed to cheer anyone up.
An infectiously happy little hippo makes the most of every day.
The kid hippo of indeterminate gender experiences many kinds of days. Whether it’s a “scooting to the park day,” a “sitting on the bench day,” a “splashing in the pond day,” or a “bubbles in my bath day,” there’s always a reason for joy. On some days, the young hippo rides a scooter, helps in the kitchen (making sure to lick the bowl clean after baking), visits the park, makes music with cooking pots and pans, stomps around in leaf piles, or splashes in a pond. Whatever activities each new day offers, there are “tiny treasures” to be found everywhere. A doting caregiver (and various small animals who appear to be irresistibly drawn to the sunshiny, energetic protagonist) provides assistance and companionship and tries their best to keep pace, ultimately surrendering to their own inner child. DeGennaro, who both wrote and illustrated this adorable Australian import, achieves just the right balance of detail and white space in her brightly colored digital artwork, making the presentation ideal for emergent readers. Softer, less saturated colors are used for the scenes depicting indoor activities or those portraying the calmer activities the little hippo enjoys. The text’s use of repetition creates an upbeat, singsong cadence that lends itself readily to read-alouds. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Guaranteed to cheer anyone up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-76050-760-2
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Little Hare/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: Dec. 26, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A soothing, logical, and playful introduction to mindfulness for young listeners.
What can you do when things go wrong?
Two children contemplate different ways to calm themselves down in this straightforward introduction to breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness. The younger, White-presenting child follows suit when the older, brown-skinned child proposes imaginative calming techniques. They picture themselves as various animals (goldfish, elephants, dragons) and objects (pinwheels, dandelions, wind chimes, flowers), inhaling and exhaling, that make deep breathing and calming down concrete and easy to comprehend. Simplified, whimsical illustrations add a touch of humor and a wink to the 1970s while preventing the story from becoming cloying, as soft, gentle instructions help the characters (and listeners) to understand some of the mechanics behind how to intentionally breathe and decompress. While not necessarily something that children will pick up unless they are learning about practicing mindfulness, this informative title has charm and warmth and will give youngsters some ideas as to how to self-regulate and manage their feelings as they learn to be aware of their breathing. Endpapers feature a multiracial array of children’s faces expressing different emotions.
A soothing, logical, and playful introduction to mindfulness for young listeners. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 13, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-77164-637-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Greystone Kids
Review Posted Online: Jan. 26, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say.
A dog-loving child encourages a less-than-enthusiastic younger one to imagine they’re both canines.
From the first declaration—“I’d be a big dog! And you’d be a little one!”—readers know who’s calling the shots. Initially, the protagonists cavort off the page and through the neighborhood together, performing doggy capers such as tail wagging, stick carrying, and dirt digging. But by the time they encounter a multitude of like-minded creatures at the dog park, the disgruntled small pup is exhibiting out-and-out rebellion: “Being a dog is YOUR idea! Sometimes I HAVE IDEAS TOO!” The narrative wraps up with the younger child pretending to be a different animal entirely—cleverly foreshadowed through subtle details in the illustrations. Even the endpapers—lively silhouettes of dogs in the beginning and many different animals in closing—extend the theme to suggest the imaginative possibilities of pretend play. Cheerful, lightly hued colors fit the whimsical mood, while expressive body language allows the art to tell the story with a minimum of words. Ending on a surprising note, with a sweet compromise between the two main characters, the tale gives both kids the freedom to embrace their own preferences and styles—while still enjoying their game.
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
ISBN: 9780316581721
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
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