That's Not a Hippopotamus!

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 1
  • Reading Level: Grade 1

Best Picture Book winner, New Zealand Children’s Book Awards 2018

An irresistible read-aloud story about a class trip to the zoo with rhyming word play and madcap energy.

A school trip to the zoo descends into a chaotic hunt for the missing hippopotamus. Teacher, zookeeper and all the children join the search. The noise and drama reach a pitch, and no one thinks to listen to quiet Liam, who really might know where the hippo is hiding.

I see him, Miss! He’s super tall!
I’ll fetch him in no time at all.
I got’im, Miss! I got’im, Miss!
I KNEW that I could spot’im, Miss!


This clever rhyming story for children aged 2 to 7 years features humor and wordplay that will entertain toddlers, preschoolers and early readers. Children delight in spotting the hippopotamus hiding on every page and identify with sweet Liam, the quiet but observant boy who no one listens to. Sarah Davis’s charming and lively illustrations tell a different story about where the hippo is hiding in each scene. Perfect for reading together again and again as a family, in the school classroom or independently, this picture book features a cast of diverse characters and funny and curious children.

“Buoyant fun for the very young” – Kirkus

Juliette MacIver is a picture book writer and mother of four, who lives in New Zealand. Her popular books are regularly shortlisted for awards.

Sarah Davis has illustrated more than 30 books. She has won and been shortlisted for numerous awards in Australia and New Zealand.

Praise for That’s Not a Hippopotamus
“Good-natured, funny, and a fabulous read-aloud to groups of kids.” – School Library Journal

“This delightful tale will bring smiles to your face and cheers to your lips! Kids will ask for it again and again just for the pure joy of joining in the hippo hunt.” – Storywraps

“A fantastic romp to read aloud but it would also be wonderful to share so the nuances in the illustrations can be fully appreciated. Recommended.” – Magpies Magazine

Format Your Price Add
978-1-927271-96-4
Temporarily out of stock
$14.24
978-1-77657-084-3
$23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 1
Reading Level Grade 1
Genre Picture Books
Copyright 2016
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Gecko Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2016-08-01
Text Type Fiction—Humor
BISACS JUV057000, JUV002330, JUV002260
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 10.2 x 9.8
Lexile 390
Features Original artwork, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Juliette MacIver

Juliette MacIver is the author of 18 picture books. She has received the Storylines Notable Book Award six times, and has had multiple nominations for awards in NZ, Australia and the U.S. She recently won Best Picture Book in the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Juliette lives with her husband and four children in Wellington.

Illustrator: Sarah Davis

Sarah Davis grew up in New Zealand. She won the 2009 Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Crichton Award for Best New Illustrator. She recently won Best Picture Book in the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Sarah lives in Sydney, Australia.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

That's Not a Hippopotamus!

Best Picture Book winner, New Zealand Children’s Book Awards 2018 An irresistible read-aloud story about a class trip to the zoo with rhyming word play and madcap energy. A school trip to the zoo descends into a chaotic hunt for the missing… View available downloads →

Classroom Book-a-Day Recommendations

“Reading aloud and talking about what we’re reading sharpens children’s brains. It helps develop their ability to concentrate at length, to solve problems logically, and to express themselves more easily and clearly.” Mem Fox Do you have the goal to read aloud a picture book every day of View →

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“©olorful illustrations match the text’s energy and zaniness. . . . Buoyant fun for the very young.”—Kirkus Reviews