Hidden Hippo
Written by Joan Gannij
Illustrated by Clare Beaton
Barefoot Books, 2008
Suitable for: Ages 3 and up
Theme/Topic: Animals, Hippos, Hide and Seek, Rhyme
Opening: “When I went exploring.
I wanted to see
A hippo or two.
Perhaps even three?”
Brief Synopsis: An explorer of the African plains searches for a hippo and finds all types of animals, but where, oh where, is the hippo. Each page offers — you guessed it — a hidden hippo.
Link to Resources: You can draw a picture with a hidden hippo (or another animal) or perhaps creating a scene with fabric illustrations similar to those in the book. The book also contains its own resource including one page about hippos, two pages about endangered species, and four about the animals of the African Plains. Underwater Hippo Art Lesson. This site Deep Space Sparkle has tons of art lesson information!
Why I like this book: We had our own adventure in the living room as we searched for the hidden hippos in this book. To my untrained eye, the illustrations appear to be in felt. This is awesome on its own, but the copyright page mentions “the illustrations were prepared in antique fabrics and felt with buttons, beads and assorted brick-a-brac.”
I really like Clare Beaton’s website and the samples of her work. I’m always interested in collage work. Beaton says her work is all hand-stitched and she’s always looking for more items to recycle and use in her work.
For more Perfect Picture Books, check out Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.
This sounds like a cute book. And I smiled when I saw the picture of the hippo “hiding” behind the tree.
I think the smile will continue if you read the book too. It did at our house.
I will be so sad when ‘hippo month’ is over at your house. I know real hippos are vicious, but the books you’ve highlighted have been adorable!
When I traveled to Africa, I read more people die from Hippos than other animals. They are big and powerful, which translates into cute picture book characters.
I love “hide and seek” storybooks…this looks like a fun one!
The author also has one about Moose.
How does a hippo hide? I guess this book will answer the question. Sounds like a fun one!
They mysteriously look like large rocks!
My kids love hide and seek. I’ll look out for this one, Stacy.
Hope they enjoy it.
Sounds like a fun book to read. Hide and seek books can be lots of fun. : )
I don’t know why it never struck me to mention a game of hide and seek. I have drawing activities on the brain this week.
I knew this was your read before I opened the link. What a GREAT, fun way to introduce African animals to the very young.
This is a fun book. I have a ton of safari books too as a result of my hippo search. Perhaps I need to go on another safari and write one too. Hee hee. Road trip!
Have loved your Hippo book shares. This one really sounds like a lot of fun as well as educational.
There are lots of resources in the back of this one.
Underwater Hippo Art Lesson? Count me in!
Yay. Let’s do it.
Love, love, LOVE Barefoot Books, and this looks as though it would be no exception. Thanks, Stacy!
If this book is any indication, Barefoot Books probably has a fun line of books.
Of course I want to read this to find all the hippos, but I really want to see the fabrics and buttons too!
The illustrations are very fun.
Cute! I just can’t find that hidden Hippo though… *scratches head* hee hee
Hee hee. Inside the book they are even harder to find. 🙂
Another great pick, Stacy! 🙂
Thanks.
Love the illustrations! It’s fun when illustrators use unusual techniques.
~Debbie
These are definitely unique.
This looks like a fabulous book! I look search and find books and collage illustrations. I’ll have to look for this one! Thanks!
The collage is great in this one. Very unique.
What a clever idea, and what warm appealing illustrations! So cute! I may need to get this immediately for my granddaughter! Thanks for sharing, Stacy!
They are warm and appealing. I hope your granddaughter will like it.
The illustrations do sound wonderful! I’m adding to my list for sure.