Riley the Rhinoceros [Hardcover]

Patricia Derrick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2007 | Age Level: 3 and up

Riley is called the jungle bus because he gives rides to baby animals as they find their way back home. But, he can't give rides to all the animals because that would be preposterous. Find out what happens when Eleanor the Elephant comes along. Can Riley the Rhinoceros give Eleanor the Elephant a ride? Teacher notes, science notes, musical score and musical CD included. Ages 2-8

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–Derrick's book and musical CD set emphasize rhythm, rhyme, and repetition–concepts elaborated on in an endnote to adults. Unfortunately, this tale of a rhinoceros who gives rides to other jungle animals is heavy-handed in its application of these concepts. While Riley the Rhinoceros/Is the jungle bus, readers are repeatedly told through the strangely contradictory refrain, he can't give rides to all of us/'Cause, that would be/Pre pos ter ous. Riley then proceeds to turn down more rides than he offers, refusing a cheetah with a pain in her side and an injured giraffe. Throughout his encounters with would-be riders, readers are subjected to simplistic rhymes and awkward rhythms. The animals in the simple watercolor illustrations are far too cute to be believably pre pos ter ous, and the rhino is somewhat amorphous. The accompanying CD is more successful with its upbeat recording of the text, complete with voices and jungle animal sounds. Additional notes present sheet music, enrichment activities, and facts about rhinos. Riley the obtuse rhino will find a home in only the largest audio picture-book collections.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI
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Review

The rhyming and phonics, both crucial elements of language development, will help children to develop critical language skills. But the children will not notice that they are learning as they read and sing along to the simple stories. They will be too busy giggling at the silly illustrations and dancing to the lively tunes --Lyda Whiting, Awareness Magazine

The inclusion of a musical CD is ingenious. It elevates the books to more than a reading experience. By employing the musical CD, the author gives the teacher more tools for teaching. --Writer's Digest

This series of brightly-colored picture books is specifically designed for the amusement of children ages 2 to 8. The texts emphasize rhythm, rhyme and repetition, while each charming and lively volume is accompanied by the inclusion of a 5-minute musical audio CD. . . . Enthusiastically recommended. --Midwest Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Animalations, LLC; second edition (March 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933818158
• ISBN-13: 978-1933818153
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,327,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Patricia Derrick was born in Van Nuys, California in 1947, becoming a public school teacher at age 20. Patricia has owned and operated early learning and Montessori Schools for 32 years. Animalations books are a result many years of working with children in her schools to find new ways to develop language and reading skills. Most Animalations books have an original song that sings the words in the text of the book. When children learn the song, they can read along in the book, even if they are pre-readers. Patricia holds 16 national awards for her books and recently created Intellitale Video Series as an audio and visual experience for very young children developing language skills.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars loved the snake, August 13, 2007

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Reader Views "Reviews, by readers, for readers" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riley the Rhinoceros (Hardcover)

Reviewed by Stephanie, Parish (age 3), and Isaac (age 1) Rollins for Reader Views (8/07)

Riley is a purplish rhinoceros. He has the words "Jungle Bus" on his stomach, but do not let that fool you. He is not a rhinoceros. He is quick to tell you that. He lets baby animals ride on his back so that they will be able to find their way home. The adult jungle animals try to hitch a ride with him, but he tells them that it is preposterous.

The jungle is full of animals. There is a giraffe, a snake, a cheetah, and an elephant. Isaac loved the animal drawings. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life. Isaac especially loved the snake.

There is a CD that goes with "Riley the Rhinoceros." It retells the story with music. It is a cute song that both the kids liked. I had to explain the word "preposterous" to Parish. She cannot say it properly, but she sounds cute trying.

"What do you think of this book?"

"I like it."

"What is your favorite part?"

She points to the snake. She and Isaac start hissing.

"Do you think we should keep this or give it away?"

"Keep it." Isaac grabs it from her, so he can look at the snake. They start arguing about who gets to hold the book. I guess that sums it up.

Book Received at No Charge