Hippos Remain Calm

This title’s hippo protagonists are not the same wholehearted party animals Boynton portrayed more than 45 years ago in Hippos Go Berserk! But make no mistake: these hippos are living their best, totally centered lives. Now they’re inclined to read from The Big Book of Hippoetry (“O, flare thy wild nostrils, and welcome the day!”), practice mindfulness (of spring snow flurries, “We can... enjoy how it feels on our noses and eyes”), and appreciate a home where they can “settle and breathe.” And when a visit to a friend turns into a raucous hippo party as in the days of yore (a full spread reveals party hats, pink drinks, and hijinks), the protagonists are perfectly capable of hanging in ’til dawn. But their journey home via wheelbarrow now includes a song of gratitude: “Hey I-EEE! I’m a goin’ HOME now!” The creator’s ability to make googly eyes speak volumes remains unmatched, and the reprise of these simple hippo shapes in her signature colorblock hues feels like an embrace from an old friend. As for the hippos, their Middle Way should resonate with introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. All ages. (Dec.)