But Not the Hippopotamus (Boynton on Board) (urspr publ 1982; utgåvan 1982)

Lots of fun, rhyming silliness! ( )

Pretty funny story yet it reminds me of "Eleanor Rigby"; all the lonely people; where do they all come from? ( )

Nice rhymes and rhythms, but the plot normalizes leaving some kids out of fun times (a fat quiet hippo, a hardened yellow armadillo). The lessons seem to be (a) insert yourself where you haven't been invited, and (b) you don't need to be kind or make overtures or keep an eye out for the kids on the sidelines who may be intimidated to join in. A read-aloud with over-the-top histrionics might even encourage laughing at kids who have a history of being excluded and are upset by it. Yuck. There exist much better lessons on handling shyness and alienation and loneliness. ( )

I loved reading this to my daughter when she was young, and read it again this year (2018) after reading the disappointing new sequel. Still love it! The combination of words and pictures is cute, charming and delightful. ( )

My two-year-old loves this book! It is one of the most delightful books for young children I have ever encountered. The fun illustrations depict the Hippopotamus, always watching her friends do things together, while looks on. But suddenly they all stop and ask her to join in. What will she do? Even she has to pause to decide. Find out in this lovely children's book! ( )