Author/Illustrator information

Jonathan Londonis an award-winning author of dozens of children’s books, including the popular Froggy series illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. He is well known for his compassion for—and commitment to—wildlife, and many of his books are about animals. He lives in northern California.
Matthew Truemanis the illustrator ofOne Beetle Too Manyby Kathryn Lasky. He spent his childhood in Italy, but returned to the United States to attend art school. Matthew Trueman lives near a river and likes to eat, two things he has in common with hippos, he says. He lives in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

Source: Candlewick Press.

Book Reviews

Booklist Reviews 2015 July #1
Illustrator Trueman emphasizes the book’s title right from the start, with a cover illustration featuring the enormous, gaping yawn of a hippopotamus. This large format, eye-catching book is wonderfully designed for the youngest researchers and naturalists. London has chosen the facts most likely to interest kids, such as hippos’ crocodile-crunching and dung-swatting capabilities (the latter features an illustration that will definitely prompt giggles). He uses two types of text: one with simple vocabulary in a large, dark print, and another providing more detailed information in a smaller, lighter font. Trueman’s mixed-media illustrations seem to burst off the page in dominating double-page spreads, with occasional smaller drawings scattered throughout. Perfect for group storytime reading or individual enjoyment, this is also an ideal book for teaching reference and research skills to beginning readers. An easy-to-use index highlights simple vocabulary (e.g. fighting, speed, weight). Sure to be a favorite! Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.
Horn Book Guide Reviews 2015 Fall
In fresh, interesting descriptions, London emphasizes just how dangerous these massive animals can be--a sequence of hippopotamuses in fights involves their gross-out poop-flinging skills--and contrasts this aggression with the care shown by hippo mothers as they raise their babies. Trueman effectively captures the animal's essence: every part of the hippo bodies, from their giant teeth to their sturdy legs, are massive. Ind.
Kirkus Reviews 2015 January #1
Hippos are huge, graceful and dangerous, as depicted in this colorful, informative book for the youngest naturalists.From the cover image of a hippo's gaping maw and the pink endpapers resembling the interior of the hippo's mouth, readers understand that they will be immersed in details about the unusual creature. Bold claims about its characteristics and prowess appear in big type. The conversational narrative asks questions and directs readers' attention. Additional fascinating facts appear in a smaller font. It begins with the declaration that hippos are HUGE: "They can weigh as much as fifty men," or 4 tons. Hippos are fast on land and in water. They can bite a crocodile in half. And although children will undoubtedly giggle upon learning that bulls begin their battles by standing rump to rump batting balls of dung at each other (SPLAT! SPLOP!), the point that the fight can be ferocious is well-made. Mixed-media illustrations—which vary from double-page spreads to s pot art—add to the free-flowing style and highlight the hippo's mottled skin and mostly watery habitat. The combined effect is a playful, clever introduction to the hippo that works for read-alouds or independent study. (index, author's note) (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus 2014 Kirkus/BPI Communications.All rights reserved.
SLJ Reviews 2015 February
PreS-Gr 2—With gorgeous mixed-media illustrations and accessible, engaging language, this picture book will spur interest in the world of hippos. Trueman's vivid images take advantage of every inch of available space to convey the size of these creatures, and the "Isn't this cool?" tone of London's text keeps readers hooked. Two types of text appear on each page: larger print encompasses the main narrative full of fascinating facts (ideal for reading aloud), while smaller print presents drier statistics and additional facts of interest. With a focus on high-interest details—such as a spread featuring two bull hippos flinging dung at each other in warning—this title stands out. VERDICT A solid nonfiction read-aloud.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Discussion Questions

  1. The author states that, “whales – along with dolphins and porpoises – are hippos closest living relatives”(page 3). What does this mean?
  2. Who runs faster: A hippo or a human? Compare how fast you can run to how fast an average hippo can run.
  3. Have you ever heard of a hippo “dancing” before? Descriptive words like “dancing” are called adjectives. What adjectives did you think describe how hippos moved before you read this book? Would you use different adjectives after reading it?
  4. Do you think it is important that baby hippos are born during “the rainy season, when the grass is plentiful”? (page 21). Why or why not?
  5. Did you notice that some words are printed big while others are very small? Why do you think the author and illustrator chose to do that?
  6. What is your favorite illustration in the book? Why?
  7. Hippos are herbivores (page 23). Are you an herbivore? Why or why not?
  8. At the end of the book the author includes a section called “About Hippopotamuses” (page 29). Why do you think he did that?
  9. The author also included an index (page 28). Do you think the index is helpful?
  10. Hippos have been “added to the Endangered Species List as ‘vulnerable’” (page 29). What do you think people could do to help hippos survive?

Created by Lauren Lindskog, Youth Services STEM Librarian, November 2017