Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales

Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales

by Jeff Mack

Summary:

   Rabbit and Hippo are the most unlikely of friends. They are opposite in many ways but their differences are what sustain their friendship and  keep them having fun all day.

Evaluation:

     This is a wonderful beginning reader graphic novel for children ages 4 and up.  The stories in this book are very short and cute. They are about eating healthy, playing nicely together, and comforting on another. Being a graphic novel it would really appeal to boys, though the story itself is gender neutral. This format allows beginning readers to  fill in the gaps of Hippo and Rabbit's day by negotiating changes in location, time, and emotions of the two characters, giving them more control in the reading process. The illustrations work well with the text to tell the story. They are very simple and help the reader to fill in the gaps in the story left by the author. Rabbit and Hippo's day consists of breakfast, play time, and then bed. This allows young readers to fill in the gaps for the rest of the dynamic duos day, such as lunch, dinner, and getting ready for bed. It also helps them to obtain basic developmental proficiency in object solidity and perceptual dependability.

      Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales has changed my views on graphic novels. I use to think that they were just a means of entertainment and not learning. But, after seeing this begging reader it is very evident how graphic novels can be used in the classroom as a successful means of teaching students, especially boys, how to read. It is not intimidating as some books can be. It is very creative and assists students in the decoding process. Instead of reading seeming like a power struggle, this type of book puts the power into the readers hands. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor Brian W. Sturm put it perfectly when he said, "They are the ones who bring the story alive; they are the ones who get to add their personal touches to the unfolding story."

       As a mom of young children and a teacher I would highly recommend this book and other's of its kind.