PPBF: But Not The Hippopotamus

Happy first PPBF in October and welcome to the Corner.

First things first; our granddaughter got her copy of Knit Back Together along with a sticker, which she enjoyed adhering and re-adhering everywhere, over and over again.

It's this silly toddler who's recommending today's PPBF.

I don't typically post about board books, and certainly not one that's been on the market for this long, but I got to read it over and over again in disbelief that she was sitting still that long, so it has her enthusiastic endorsement.

Title: But Not The Hippopotamus

Author and Illustrator: Sandra Boynton

Publisher: Boynton Bookworks

Birth date: November 30, 1982

Suitable for: ages 1-3

Themes: friendship, feelings, inclusion

Brief synopsis: The animal friends are all out and about doing their thing, but not the hippo. But when they notice and invite her in, will she say no ... or will she go?

Opening page: A hog and a frog cavort in the bog.

Resources: Enjoy a read-aloud {here}.

Compare and contrast with But Not The Armadillo.

Show this Sesame Street clip featuring the word include.

Why I like this book: First is, of course, the aforementioned laptop session with Leah; this little tale about the hippo intrigues and engages her. Perhaps it's because the hippo is a mascot in her little Texas town, but nevertheless, she's hooked. So I like it, too.

It introduces new vocab, like cavort and bog, so that's a perk.

And there's repetition and rhyme, two more keys for preK kiddos.

Finally, there are two angles here. Is the hippo inherently cautious or shy? 

Or is it possible that she feels different and doesn't think she'll fit in?

Find out from your kiddos which they think it is, then ask,

"When have you felt like the hippo? Did you stay or did you go?"

Then try this little ditty while patting your legs in rhythm;

have them squish their faces or give themselves a big squeeze 

as they say the last line:

A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus,

sat on, sat on a school bus.

And all, and all the children fussed

oooo, you're squishing us.

A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus,

sat on, sat on a city bus.

And all, and all the people fussed

oooo, you're squishing us.

Or adapt Going on a Lion Hunt

to be a Hippo Hunt instead.

Have fun with this one, then head to Susanna Hill's blog

to see what the other KidLit authors are recommending.

Now if you'll excuse me; I need to order But Not The Armadillo.