The Hippobottymus by Steve Smallman and Ada Grey
| The Hippobottymus by Steve Smallman and Ada Grey | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Rachael Spencer
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| Summary: The Hippobottymus delivered exactly what I hoped it would deliver; romping, stomping fun in the jungle with a little bit of toilet humour thrown in for good measure! I’m sure it will be popular with young girls and boys alike, and it certainly went down a treat in our house. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: April 2015 |
| Publisher: Little Tiger Press | |
| ISBN: 9781848690516 | |
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The Hippobotymus is a great romp through the jungle using language to create sound and rhythm which is really fun to engage with and read aloud. All the animals are having a great time, singing their song and each adding their own sounds, but just what is it that Hippo did? You’ll just have to read it to find out.
This style of book is one which will probably never go out of fashion. Though there are plenty of books in a similar style to this already around, I say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. They’re popular for a reason, and done well as this one is, there’s always room for more on the shelf.
For loud and boisterous kids it provides an excuse to stomp and laugh, and for sleepy ones it has a lovely sense of rhythm in its words and stanzas which give it a nice lilting quality if read quietly. I think it builds up really well as the book goes along, and the punchline at the end is great - though given away somewhat by the title of the book!
I don’t know any children that don’t find fart jokes or toilet humour the height of sophistication and fun, so that just adds to the overall popularity of this book in my house, for parents and children alike, I must add.
The pictures are absolutely perfect for the piece, being bold and colourful but with a slightly softer edge to them than some picture book illustrations have. The suit the words down to the ground, and combined with the sturdiness of even this paperback edition, they make for a book which children will enjoy taking and reading on their own as well as with adults. Overall I think this is simply a lovely, fun book which will be enjoyed thoroughly by everyone who reads it.
If you’re looking for bum fart related books by the same author, why not give Trumpety Trump by Steve Smallman and Adria Meserve a try? I’m sure it’s bound to be right up your street. For another mixed up animal, try The Hippopandamouse by Jools Bentley.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Hippobottymus by Steve Smallman and Ada Grey at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The Hippobottymus by Steve Smallman and Ada Grey at Amazon.com.
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