Easy Reading: Hand Me Down Hippo

Title:"Hand Me Down Hippo" ISBN:0-14350119-4  Author: Hazel Edwards   Illustrator: Mini Goss Publisher: Penguin Books Australia  Out of print

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Just as valued toys and clothes become hand-me-downs', the mini female cousin hippo is a hand me down of the imagination.

It is meant for the generation of readers who read the earlier rooftop-cake-eating hippo picture books. Aimed at newly independent readers who like chapter books, 'Hand Me Down Hippo' explores the challenges of sleeping over, being picked for sports teams and flying. All times when you need a friend with the answers, or even the coaching skills.

The illustrations by Mini Goss have most imaginative perspectives that can provoke thought and discussion. For example: Why might the candle be question-mark shaped?

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Tamworth Library holds a Hazel Edwards' Week in connection with Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

They've author recorded a number of Hazel's books but also 'The Mud-Caked Hippo' , an unpublished Hazel Edwards story read by librarian Amy for children to illustrate themselves. It's a sequel to 'Hand Me Down Hippo' with the

little female cousin hippo. Youtube link here. An innovation in library activities!

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There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake was adapted for the screen by Pocket Bonfire Productions as a short film. Starring Angus Sampson and Bridie Carter, the story follows rogue 9-year-old Zoe  and a shower-singing, bike-riding, cake-eating Hippopotamus. Click here to preview the movie trailer.

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Educational Resources for Teachers

To celebrate the anniversary of the original Hippopotamus book, Puffin created some fun Hippo Party materials. You can visit the Puffin website or download the items here.

Hippo Party Invitation Hippopotamus Colouring In Sheet Pin the Cake on the Hippo!

The Little Big Book Club have also prepared a comprehensive Classroom Activity Sheet. Click here to download a copy

Hand Me Down Hippo can provide an imaginative and fun theme for the kindergarten, classroom and the school community as a whole. A range of resources are available for download below. Enjoy!

Curriculum Themes and Activities Classroom Activities Recipes and Food Ideas

You can find more resources and classroom ideas for all of Hazel's Books by clicking through to the Teachers Resources Page.

Premier's Reading Challenges

Hand Me Down Hippo is listed as approved reading on Premier's Reading Challenges throughout Australia:

• NSW Premier's Reading Challenge: K-2 Challenge Level
• Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge: Years Prep to 2
• South Australians Premier's Reading Challenge: Reception to Year 2
• ACT Chief Minister's Reading Challenge: Years Prep to 2

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Reviews and Feedback

Have you read Hand Me Down Hippo? Why not send Hazel a comment? You can email Hazel, tweet Hazel or post a message on her Facebook Page.You could also write your own book review. Here are some of the comments online. If you have more why not send them through!

You may wish to read Hazel's other Hippo picture book titles illustrated by Deborah Niland.

Book Reviews of 'There's a Hippo...'

• Review of 'There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake' on The Book Chook
• There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake named in the Bub Hub 'Classic Ten' list for 18 months to 3 Years.

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