That's What Makes a Hippopotamus Smile

Have you ever wondered what to do if a hippo happens to come calling? Probably not but just in case, the girl narrator of this amusing story seems to have got it worked out, at least to the satisfaction of her particular, very large visitor.

Determined to give her visiting – or rather door crashing – hippo a great time she plays a wonderfully ‘splashy, sploshy, squity wirty’ game followed by a scrub in the tub complete with appropriate floaty toys. This is followed by a yummy and very crunchy, super sized salad. Even her farewell is spot on – a big grin and a stylish dance; both sure to create wonderful memories for a new best friend and the likelihood of a return visit, perhaps with a friend or two in tow.

The playful, half rhyming text is cleverly structured with ‘Because… ‘ used to link action and reaction both of which are amusingly portrayed in Cardon’s comical mixed media scenes. Herein the small green amphibian creature certainly knows how to make his presence felt at every turn of the page. The unusual shades of blue, green, purple and pink that Cardon chooses to use add to the surreal quality of the story.