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Here Comes Doctor Hippo

Here’s a new one for the Perfect Picture Book Fridays list.


Here Comes Doctor Hippo
Written by Jonathan London
Illustrated by Gilles Eduar
Boyds Mills Press, 2012

Suitable for: Ages 3-5

Theme/Topic: Imaginative Play, Animals

Opening: Little Hippo didn’t like being little. In fact, he liked to dress up and pretend that he was big. So, one day he marched outside to play doctor.

Brief Synopsis: Little Hippo goes out to play doctor, but finds his animal patients can be a challenge. Mama Hippo helps Little Hippo finish out his day with a little mama medicine.

Link to Resources: Here’s a lesson plan called At the Doctor. A role play exercise for seeing a doctor. Children can play doctor with their animals at home just like Little Hippo did.

Why I chose this book: I mentioned last week we are reading Hippo books. From the first page, my son enjoyed this book and asked for it again and again. While the author has written several books, a quick search didn’t lead me to London’s website. I did find this Kirkus Review of the book, which mentions a similar title called Doctor Ted by Andrea Beaty in 2008. After reading a bit more about the author and his Froggy series of books, I’ll guess the “A Little Hippo Story” at the top of the cover means more books are no doubt expected in the future. 

For more Perfect Picture books, check out Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog. 

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36 Comments

  1. How fun…this book reminds me of the “George and Martha” series, which are hysterical to read, especially for adults. Thanks for sharing!

  2. This sounds adorable! My 4-yr-old just got a doctor’s kit, so this would be a perfect choice for us 🙂

    1. Little Hippos doctor adventures are very interesting. His patients are a bit challenging, especially the Lion.

    1. We’re not playing doctor yet. But we do love to get those “boo boos” on – band aids!

  3. You and Enzo are on a Hippo roll. This book sounds fun and engaging. Liked your resource idea about role playing going to a doctor. I always look to you for books for younger children — especially boys.

    1. It’s interesting to look at a collection of books on the same subject at once. Not all are PPBF worthy.

  4. Looks cute–and I love the books where kids (even hippo kids!) are oblivious to their limitations.

  5. I loved playing doctors when I was a kid. I like to hear of books Enzo demands many times.

    1. I like to find those books. It makes reading fun. Of course, he always asks for “more books!” at bedtime.

  6. This book looks pretty cute! Some of the little kids I visit at school love to play doctor! and I always get to be the patient. They like hearing my heartbeat!

    1. I’m sure there are plenty of dolls and toys that help add to the imagination of playing doctor.

  7. This covers an idea I had in my idea journal. Boo hoo. I’ll definitely have to check it out. Sounds like boys will like this one in particular, Stacy. I like that the reader is involved in the story. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    1. So many stories are the same. It all depends on your delivery to make it unique! No pressure. Who knows. You may be inspired to write it one day. Follow your heart!

  8. I love your hippo theme 🙂 This book looks cute and like it might give kids a little hint of what it’s like to be a doctor. I like the activities. Thanks for sharing it with us! 🙂

    1. The animals in the story present Little Hippo with some interesting challenges to treat his patients.

  9. this sounds like a really cute book. I love the cover!

  10. Most kids want to be bigger…this looks like a really cute story. You are so lucky to have a built-in audience and testing ground for picture books, Stacy.:)

  11. Like many others in these comments, I loved to play doctor or nurse when I was a kid. This book sounds delightful, and one that passes the Enzo test is bound to be excellent.

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