THE LITTLE HIPPOS' ADVENTURE

Landström (the Boo and Baa books) explores the leisurely rhythms of childhood in this tale of a trio of young hippos. "On the hippos' fine muddy riverbank, everything is the same as it always is," the narrative begins, and lists its mainstays—the big hippos relaxing in the warm water, nearby neighbor Mrs. Hippopotamus making her seaweed pudding. The young heroes, however, wish their diving board, which sits atop a wooden structure, were as high as Tall Cliff, an off-limits riverside ledge. "Every day they ask, 'Can we go to Tall Cliff today?' But they never get to go. And then one day, after asking many, many times, they suddenly get to go." The spare text quietly builds suspense: "The little hippos have forgotten what was so dangerous in the jungle. Was it snakes?" After they dive from a ledge below the highest part of Tall Cliff, the trio swims home, pursued by a crocodile. Mrs. Hippopotamus saves the day, then embellishes their diving structure with a higher board, slide and swinging vine. "Down by the riverbank, everything is the same as it always is," the narrative circles back, yet the thoughts of the trio begin to stray ("It sure was fun at Tall Cliff!"). Landström's text captures the dynamics of this small community, and her unadorned, earth-toned art features endearing images of the diminutive threesome, especially as they timidly make their way through the jungle and peer, wide-eyed and warily, over the foreboding Tall Cliff. Ages 2-6. (Apr.)