The Wonderful Thing about Hiccups

November 1, 2007
K-Gr 2-A girl gets the hiccups at the library, which sets off a sequence of events that involves little sisters, hippos, flying ice cream, and other zany happenings. While trying to get rid of them, she discovers a hippo in a tree and exclaims, "The wonderful thing about finding a hippo in a tree is that it is a BIG surprise. BIG surprises are the best way to get rid of BIG hiccups." She then adds that hippos are the best way to carry library books, and what follows is a rollicking series of events that even has a librarian climbing onto the roof to save the little sister. The silly pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations that race across the pages add sparkle and appeal. However, the whimsical nature of the story is at odds with the concluding messagethat being responsible with your library books shows that you are ready for your own library card. It's just too heavy-handed for most children. The book ends with "Library book rules to remember.""Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.