Product Description

Portly didn't ask to be a hippo; he was just born that way. And frankly, he's starting to find being a hippo kind of boring - standing in the water all day up to his eyeballs, eating grass - no fun at all! So he embarks on a journey to figure out just what kind of animal to be, and along the way, meets all kinds of creatures.

As he tries to do everything they do, this heartwarming story of a youngster searching for his identity and trying to be somebody he's not will strike a chord with all readers. Repetitive, silly text and bright illustrations make HIPPO-NOT-AMUS an infectiously fun read.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #521828 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780439564182
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2–Portly is trying to find his true self. He was born a hippopotamus, but is sick of wading in water and eating boring, old grass. Searching for new possibilities, he sets off on a quest where he encounters a herd of rhinoceros, a bat, an elephant, and a giraffe, and transforms himself into a hippo-gir-ele-bat-onoceros. Each new identity has comical, albeit unsuccessful consequences. His adventures make him long for the cool waters of home and grass. Portly and his parents are glad to be reunited, but when he sees a monkey swinging from tree to tree, he knows his explorations must continue. The artist uses bright, sunny colors, portraying this jungle fantasy through large, eye-catching paintings. Portly's multifaceted personality is well illustrated. While the theme is far from new, children will enjoy the humorous tale and will identify with Portly's desire to try out new personas. A smooth flowing, witty text gives this tale good storytime potential.–Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding book!
We found this book in the bookstore, and my husband read it to our 2 1/2 year old who was totally enthralled by it. I have since read it myself and have just ordered it from amazon.com. It's a charming book, very well written and beautifully illustrated. The story is about a young hippo who is tired of being a hippo and wants to be something else. So he goes off and tries to be a variety of animals till he realizes that he really rather likes being a hippo after all. The story is quite funny as Portly the hippo has quite a few mishaps trying to be a rhino, a bat, a giraffe etc. I highly recommend this book to any parent who has a toddler. You both are sure to love it!!

Great Book
This is an awesome book. It is entertaining and celebrates others differences while reconfirming your own individuality. All four of my children love this book (ages 11-1) The illustrations are amazing...the pictures are enough to keep my 1 year old interested. A must buy!!! Another great book to get by the same illustrator is Giraffe's Can't Dance.

Kids book with a nice lesson
This book is about a hippo who goes on a search to be something else. I use it as a school counselor with my 5th graders to prepare them for middle school. Learn to be happy to be yourself, then others will like you. If you pretend to be something else, then you will attract other fake friends. Love the book.