While not a hippo book, one does appear in this week’s choice for Perfect Picture Book Fridays



Way Far Away on a Wild Safari
Written by Jan Peck
Illustrated by Valeria Petrone
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2006

Suitable for: Ages 3 and up

Theme/Topic: Safari, Animals

Opening:
Way far away on a wild safari,
I’m hunting for a lion for my grandma and me.
I’m so brave,
can’t scare me,
way far away on a wild safari.

Brief Synopsis: From the book’s jacket:
“Grab your binoculars
and follow me.
Let’s travel far away
on a wild safari.
There are lots of fun trails!
Many sights to see!
As we hike, hike, hike
on this wild safari.”

Link to Resources: Here’s the curriculum guide for the Way Out series of books from Jan Peck’s website. The picture book We All Went on Safari has several pages about the animals of Tanzania, the Maasai people, and Swahili names. Here’s a Safari in Kenya lesson plan from Homeschool Creations.

Why I like this book: We found this book as part of our hippo adventures. One appears in this book! This adventure takes the boy full circle from being in the wild and meeting the animals to saying goodbye and being with his grandma. The final illustration shares a surprise about this young explorer.

And, may I ask: Where did February go? Hello March.

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