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But Not the Hippopotamus

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"But Not the Hippopotamus" by Sandra Boynton is a heartwarming story about friendship and inclusion. The book follows a shy hippopotamus who watches from the sidelines as other animals have fun together. Eventually, the other animals invite the hippopotamus to join them, highlighting the importance of including everyone and making friends. The rhyming text and charming illustrations create a delightful reading experience for young children, while also subtly addressing themes of shyness and loneliness.

The writing style of the book is engaging, with rhyming words and a light-hearted tone that makes it enjoyable to read aloud. The story teaches valuable lessons about inclusion and empathy, as well as the importance of reaching out to others who may feel left out. Sandra Boynton's simple yet expressive illustrations enhance the story, making it a perfect choice for toddlers and preschoolers.

Characters:

Characters include a shy hippopotamus and several other lively animals that engage in various activities, showcasing themes of social participation.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by playful rhymes and a lighthearted tone, though some readers note it lacks the smoothness of Boynton's more popular works.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows a shy hippopotamus who observes various animals having fun and eventually finds the courage to join in, touching upon themes of social interaction and inclusion.

Setting:

The setting is whimsical and playful, with simple backgrounds that frame the animals' interactions.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, engaging young readers and allowing them to reflect on the characters' social interactions.

Notes:

The story is about a shy hippopotamus who watches other animals have fun.
The book addresses themes of shyness and inclusion.
Children can learn about empathy through the hippopotamus's experience.
The hippopotamus eventually joins the group but not the armadillo.
The illustrations are cartoonish yet recognizable, typical of Sandra Boynton's style.
The rhymes and rhythms are enjoyable for young readers.
Many parents appreciate the book for encouraging discussions about social situations.
It’s a good book for toddlers and preschoolers to practice recognizing emotions and friendships.
Sandra Boynton is known for her fun, silly stories that appeal to children and parents alike.

From The Publisher:

A shy hippo makes a big impact in this Sandra Boynton classic.

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.

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About the Author:

Sandra Boynton is a popular American cartoonist, children's author, songwriter, producer, and director. Since 1974, Boynton has written and illustrated over sixty children's books and seven general audience books, including five New York Times bestsellers. More than 70 million of her books have been sold, "mostly to friends and family," she says. She has also written (with Michael Ford) and produced six albums of renegade children's music. Three of her six albums have been certified Gold (over 500,000 copies sold) and Philadelphia Chickens, nominated for a Grammy, has been certified Platinum (over 1 million copies sold). Boynton has also directed twelve music videos of her songs, including the award-winning "One Shoe Blues" starring B.B. King, "Alligator Stroll" starring Josh Turner, and "Tyrannosaurus Funk" (animated) sung by Samuel L. Jackson. She lives in rural New England, and her studio is in a barn with perhaps the only hippopotamus weathervane in America.

 
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