My Hippo Has the Hiccups

May 1, 2009
Gr 2-5-This is a zany and at times challenging volume of more than 100 poems, 39 of which are read by the author on an accompanying CD. Nesbitt's consistent rhythms and unforced rhymes make these poems readable, but his subject choices are what will amuse children: from not-too-smart talking dogs, to angry vegetables in a stew, to goofy dreams about pink-headed zebras, everything is fair game for wild interpretations and wordplay. "Learning Languages" illustrates this well: "My mom and dad learned Latin/many years ago in school./My brother's taking Spanish, /which he thinks is pretty cool./My sister studies French/because she loves the way they speak./But I just like computers/so I'm learning Ancient Geek." Long's spare line illustrations add humorous touches. This will be a popular addition to most collections."Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
From a boy who's disappointed with his pet banana to a fisherman who goes home to his wife after a fish grants his wish--for a wife--these poems, with strong rhythms and clever rhymes, are fun to read aloud. Long's black-and-white drawings match the tone, but the pages without art are too dull. Nesbitt reads some of his poems on an accompanying CD.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)