Hippos Can't Swim

December 16, 2013
Animal-based humor and goofy cartoons with the feel of 1950s animation fill the pages of this entertaining and lightly informational book. Bug-eyed turquoise jellyfish with bean-shaped heads and squiggly arms (some wear glasses, hair bows, and hats) “float with the currents of the ocean,” while on the opposite page, a nonthreatening-looking purple shark is paralyzed with fear over a long-lashed jellyfish’s bioluminescence. Elsewhere, readers learn that raccoons are “attracted to shiny objects” and ants “take about 250 naps throughout the day.” While the overall vibe is more Hanna-Barbera than National Geographic, there’s a good amount of animal factoids amid the silliness. Ages 4–8.

May 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-These titles are sure to whet the appetites of animal-loving children and maybe even some adults. Each book starts off with a few basic facts in the form of questions, such as "Did you know female chickens are called hens and male chickens are called roosters?" After that, things take off. Cool and intriguing facts about different animals (except household pets) are highlighted in two-page spreads. The transition between animals is smooth, and the authors do a commendable job of connecting or contrasting a fact or attribute of one animal to the next. For example, in Hippos Can't Swim, it is mentioned that jellyfish can produce light in their bodies, which is used to scare off predators. The next animals to be discussed are fireflies, whose light is used to communicate and to attract mates. In addition to the collection of interesting facts, the illustrations are comical and entertaining, though average in quality. Young readers are sure to be amused by these zany looking animals. These lively books are great choices for general purchase.-Jeanette Lambert, Nashville-Davidson County Schools, TN

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2014
Preschool-G Did you know that a firefly's light comes in different colors like . . . green, yellow, or . . . red? This title is jam-packed with similarly awesome animal facts, from the very obvious to the obscure. The authors skillfully execute transitions between each animal section to help beginning readers contextualize and categorize new information. After discussing a kangaroo's ability to hop, for example, the following section begins, a rabbit is another animal that hops. Likewise, the use of interrogative language, bold diction, and bright, comical illustrations will keep readers engaged. Direct addresses to the young audience (Did you know? Can you do that?), keeps kids involved and asking questions. In the end, the book comes full circle: Unlike hippos . . . blue whales sure can swim! An entertaining read for both browsing and curricular tie-ins, this closes with a page of more fun facts that may encourage further investigation.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)