I Had a Hippopotamus [Paperback]

Hector Viveros Lee (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

An imaginative boy opens a box of animal crackers and gives his family members a hippopotamus, anaconda, rhinoceros, and other exotic animals.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The bestiary that emerges from a box of animal crackers is anything but half-baked when a boy imagines them as living, breathing, purple (and other decidedly unnatural colors-why not?) creatures. These hippos, marabous, rhinos and other exotic fauna offer much more than a cookie ever could. "I had a kangaroo," states the boy. "But I gave it to my grandma." Grandma makes good use of the kangaroo in the kitchen, its pocket serving as perfect storage for utensils. "I had a coyote," says the boy, "But I gave it to my uncle." His guitarist uncle strums appreciatively, to the howls of his new singing sidekick. The deadpan narration follows the same pattern throughout the book, with the box of crackers seen only in the first, wordless spread. Debut author/artist Lee paints with a wildly vivid palette, using an unusual technique; India ink is layered with watercolor and gouache, creating a dramatic look similar to woodcut. A winning spin on the notion that 'tis better to give than to receive... an anaconda. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

I Had a Hippopotamus ($14.95; May 1996; 32 pp.; 1-880000-28-8): A boy opens a box of animal galletas, or crackers, and gives away the creatures one by one: an elephant to a baby brother, a kangaroo to a grandmother. In Lee's first book, polished illustrations with the look of woodcuts allow readers to see that, in the boy's imagination, he is not giving away mere crackers, but real animals, with funny results. The clues to what's real and what's imagined require--and reward- -careful scrutiny. (Picture book. 4-8) . . . -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880000628
• ISBN-13: 978-1880000625
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 10 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #558,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of my 13 month old's favorites..., December 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: I Had a Hippopotamus Boards (Board book)

My daughter adores this story about a little boy who shares his animal crackers with his friends and family. The illustrations are clear and engaging and introduce a wide variety of animals to your child. (How many toddlers can identify a pangolin?) Frankly, I don't know why this book hasn't been a bigger hit in the toddler market. It is a fabulous book for kids.