That's What Makes a Hippopotamus Smile - Hardcover

"Fun knockabout humour, glorious illustrations, we realised we don't see enough hippos in books!"

"This is a really fun book to read, and makes for a very entertaining way to pass some time with the kids."

"a laugh aloud introduction to verse...With bold outlines and strong colour this will appeal to three-to five-year-olds."

"The lilting repetitive text echoes the enjoyment shared by the hippo and his hostess: the page turns beautifully punctuate the story, the space on each spread fully inhabited by the bold expressive illustrations, revelling in the hippo's size in contrast to his small companion. An exuberant yet reassuring book for sharing."

"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."

When a hippopotamus comes round to your house
don’t be worried or scared by his size,
just hug him and open the door really wide
because... that’s what makes a hippopotamus come inside!

What do you do when a hippopotamus comes to visit? Play splashy-sploshy games, of course, to make him happy. Share silly toys in a big warm bath, to make him laugh. Give him a great big crunchy salad-treat, as that’s what a hippo likes to eat. And when he’s ready to go home, do a little dance and say goodbye in style – because that’s what makes a hippopotamus smile!
And now that you’re his new best friend he’ll be sure to want to come round again – maybe not on his own next time!