That's Not a Hippopotamus!

That's Not a Hippopotamus is a deft and delightful tale, packed with word play and madcap energyand with a whole different story to enjoy in the illustrations.

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Best Picture Book winner, New Zealand Children’s Book Awards 2018

An irresistible read-aloud story about a class trip to the zoo with rhyming word play and madcap energy.

A school trip to the zoo descends into a chaotic hunt for the missing hippopotamus. Teacher, zookeeper and all the children join the search. The noise and drama reach a pitch, and no one thinks to listen to quiet Liam, who really might know where the hippo is hiding.

I see him, Miss! He’s super tall!
I’ll fetch him in no time at all.
I got’im, Miss! I got’im, Miss!
I KNEW that I could spot’im, Miss!

This clever rhyming story for children aged 2 to 7 years features humor and wordplay that will entertain toddlers, preschoolers and early readers. Children delight in spotting the hippopotamus hiding on every page and identify with sweet Liam, the quiet but observant boy who no one listens to. Sarah Davis’s charming and lively illustrations tell a different story about where the hippo is hiding in each scene. Perfect for reading together again and again as a family, in the school classroom or independently, this picture book features a cast of diverse characters and funny and curious children.

“Buoyant fun for the very young” – Kirkus

Juliette MacIver is a picture book writer and mother of four, who lives in New Zealand. Her popular books are regularly shortlisted for awards.

Sarah Davis has illustrated more than 30 books. She has won and been shortlisted for numerous awards in Australia and New Zealand.

Praise for That’s Not a Hippopotamus
“Good-natured, funny, and a fabulous read-aloud to groups of kids.” – School Library Journal

“This delightful tale will bring smiles to your face and cheers to your lips! Kids will ask for it again and again just for the pure joy of joining in the hippo hunt.” – Storywraps

“A fantastic romp to read aloud but it would also be wonderful to share so the nuances in the illustrations can be fully appreciated. Recommended.” – Magpies Magazine