Friday, May 12, 2017

Margo's Musings: Hippos are Huge!

In fact, whales- along with dolphins and porpoises- are hippos closest relatives!~ Hippos are Huge!

After seeing a show on television about Fiona, a baby hippoat the Cincinnati Zoo who was born very early, my little sister, Margo, has been obsessed with hippos. She thinks they're cute, and I agree! Of course, when we went to the library she had to pick out a book on her new favorite topic.  

Hippos are Huge! by Jonathan London is chock-full of interesting facts. I thought I had an idea of what these giant animals were like, but I had no clue they are actually the most deadly animal in Africa! They look slow and lazy, but they are a force to be reckoned with for sure! Hippos mouth's can open up to four feet wide. They have some amazing symbiotic relationships with fish and birds (which I don't want to ruin for you). But, without a doubt there was one part that made us laugh out loud. Do you know what to do if you see a hippo and he turns his backside to you, then starts swinging his tail? Run! It may be funny to read about, but in real life it would be gross! 
  
Margo has wanted to read this one over and over again. I think it is awesome that a picture book taught me so much about hippos. Now I hope I never see one in person. I know I can't outrun them and they are very powerful. The bright pictures are filled with details that help spotlight the facts.  This book will put a smile on your face, and you'll want to find out more about these massive animals! 

Has anyone else read Hippos are Huge!? Or have you read another book by Jonathan London? Do you already know a lot about hippos? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~F

47 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great one to learn indeed. Hopefully we also never run into a hippo at our feed.

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    1. Pat- I always thought hippos were cute- but now I can see it would be best to keep my distance. :) ~F

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  2. Sounds like a fun read! Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Valerie- I thought it was hilarious. And informative! :) ~F

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  3. Four feet wide...that's huge. Sounds like a super book. Definitely want to read it now.

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    1. Rachna- I couldn't believe how much I learned! :) ~F

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  4. They're tanks! I love hippos and knew they were deadly after watching a show a few years back. It is surprising for sure.

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    1. Anna- They are tanks! I couldn't believe it! :) ~F

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  5. I don't know much about hippos, but that looks like an excellent picture book. I'll definitely stay away from their backsides in the future!

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    1. Tamara- I learned so much. Definitely stay away from their backsides! :) ~F

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  6. That is amazing they are so deadly. I just imagine them hanging sround in water all day.

    Betty

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    1. Betty- I thought the same thing! I just pictures them laying about in the mud. Nope- they are quite dangerous! :) ~F

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  7. Hi Jess - love the illustration ... and can definitely imagine what fun the book would be to read ... they are incredible creatures.

    At one stage I found an article about a keeper in Shanghai zoo cleaning the hippos teeth ... with a four foot long toothbrush ... they are fed veg and fruit in captivity ... and that can get clogged up - so oral hygiene is needed! Looks like the hippo is happy ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary- Aren't the illustrations great! Hippos are definitely fascinating creatures!

      I hadn't thought about brushing a hippos teeth. See- I keep learning. :) ~F

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  8. I love hippos. Must have this book. So cute.

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    1. Heidi- You will love this book and so were your kids! :) ~F

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  9. I did know that hippos are the most dangerous animal (after us) in Africa.
    And am pretty certain what they do if they turn their back and start swinging their butts.
    The tiger at a local zoo is prone to giving visitors golden showers...

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    1. EC- Yes, humans are the most dangerous for sure- but then the hippo. When they turn their backs- watch out! I had to laugh about the tiger at your local zoo. I guess onlookers need to watch out! :) ~F

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  10. Looks like an entertaining read. I bet the images are alot of fun.

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    1. Brenda- I loved the illustrations and I learned SO much! :) ~F

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  11. Também gosto de flocos de ouro. Aquele batom fica lindo nos lábios! ;D

    Parece ser um livro bem informativo. Não sabia que a boca dos hipopótamos podia abrir até quatro metros de largura!

    Ótimo sábado!

    Beijo! ^^

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  12. This book looks pretty disgusting, haha :D I love it. I would want to read it too. Glad you enjoyed it a lot :D I love hippos. <3

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    1. Carina- It is disgusting and fascinating. You can't help but laugh! :) ~F

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  13. Ha,ha. Sounds like a fun book. I know nothing about Hippos, but think I'll stay away from them. :)

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    1. Beverly- Definitely stay away- and pick up this book. You will learn a lot! :) ~F

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  14. I have this strange thing in my mind where I find hippos both frightening, and also adorable creatures. I don't know much about them actually, so I could probably learn something from reading this too!

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    1. Olivia-Savannah- I agree- they are both cute and terrifying. This is a quick read and you will learn a ton! :) ~F

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  15. My nephews would crack up seeing the illustrations of those hippo butts. lol

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    1. Chrys- It really does make you laugh out loud! :) ~F

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  16. Hippos are a goddamn force of nature. They're responsible for a disturbing number of deaths in Africa.

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    1. Robert- They really are a force of nature! :) ~F

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  17. I just LOVE the cover and I can easily imagine the hilarity caused by the splat page. My little granddaughters would laugh their heads off at that!

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    1. Barbara- A fun and entertaining read! Your granddaughters will definitely crack up! :) ~F

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  18. I just love that cover, makes you want to dive in!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan- I love that the book has such fun illustrations! :) ~F

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  19. Sounds like an excellent, fun read!

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  20. Wow, they are the deadliest? I wouldn't have known! But I've heard that hippos and rhinos can be very, very fierce when it comes to protecting their young (or when they are about to deliver). That's a cover that'll stop one in her tracks!

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    1. Claudine- I had no idea that hippos were so deadly either! I can imagine rhinos being very fierce too! :) ~F

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  21. Ha! This sounds funny and informative. I learned they were the deadliest a while ago probably from a documentary or Animal Planet. The bright pictures look enticing. I'm sure I would love this book as well as any kid.

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    1. Adriana- Animal Planet does teach us a lot. I think you will really enjoy this book! Funny and informative for sure. :) ~F

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