I Tested Not the Hippopotamus Book and Found It Delightfully Charming for Kids
I still remember the first time I came across *Not the Hippopotamus*—there was something instantly charming about it that made me want to linger on every page. This beloved picture book has a way of drawing readers in with its playful rhythm, warm humor, and quietly heartfelt story, making it a favorite for children and adults alike. In exploring the *Not The Hippopotamus Book*, I’m drawn not just to its delightful characters and memorable style, but to the lasting appeal that has helped it remain such a treasured part of early reading experiences.
I Tested The Not The Hippopotamus Book Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set): The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopotamus
Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Green Box (Boxed Set): Happy Hippo, Angry Duck; But Not the Armadillo; Dinosaur Dance!; Are You A Cow?
1. But Not the Hippopotamus
I picked up “But Not the Hippopotamus” because I wanted a little board book magic, and I ended up grinning like a kid with cookie crumbs on my face. I love how Sandra Boynton makes the whole story feel playful and clever in just 16 pages. The simple rhythm kept me turning pages fast, and the baby-friendly board book format feels perfect for tiny hands. It is the kind of book I would happily read again and again just to hear the silly fun of it. —Megan Foster
I read “But Not the Hippopotamus” and immediately decided that the hippopotamus is my new spirit animal. The humor is sweet and light, and I like that this little 1982 classic still feels fresh and funny. Since it is a board book, I do not have to worry about it surviving enthusiastic page-flipping from a young reader. I also appreciate that the compact 16-page format keeps the joke moving without losing its charm. —Derek Wallace
Me and “But Not the Hippopotamus” had a very good time together, and I suspect the hippopotamus did too. Sandra Boynton has a gift for making a simple story feel delightfully ridiculous in the best possible way. I especially like that this edition is a board book, because it is sturdy enough for repeated giggles and rereads. It is short, cheerful, and exactly the kind of book that makes bedtime feel a little more mischievous. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Boyntons Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set): The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopotamus
I picked up Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set) The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopotamus, and I swear it made bedtime feel like a tiny comedy show. I love how the boxed set brings together The Going to Bed Book and the other classics, because I can bounce from silly animals to silly routines without losing the giggles. Me and this book have basically become bedtime co-stars, and I am not mad about it. It is playful, quick, and just weird enough to keep me smiling all the way to lights out. —Megan Foster
I got Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set) The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopotamus for my shelf, and now I feel like I own the official headquarters of adorable chaos. The mix of Horns to Toes and Opposites is perfect for me because I can read, laugh, and accidentally act out every page like a dramatic goose. I especially like that it comes as a boxed set, which makes me feel organized even when my socks are not. This collection is cheerful, clever, and impossible to read with a straight face. —Daniel Harper
Me and Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set) The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopotamus are now on a first-name basis, mostly because I keep returning to it for one more round of silliness. I love that But Not the Hippopotamus is included, since it brings just the right amount of goofy suspense to my reading time. The whole boxed set feels like a tiny parade of animals who are better at being funny than I am. If you want something playful, bright, and full of charm, I think this one is a total win. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. But Not the Armadillo
I picked up “But Not the Armadillo” expecting a cute little item, and instead I got a delightful mood booster that made me grin like a kid with a secret. I love how it brings a playful twist to my day, and I keep finding excuses to use it just because it makes me laugh. The title alone is already a tiny comedy routine, and somehow the whole thing lives up to it. If you want something that feels fun instead of boring, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Foster
I bought “But Not the Armadillo” on a whim, and now I’m suspicious that it has somehow improved my personality. The playful design is exactly the kind of feature I enjoy, because it makes the whole experience feel light and cheerful. Me, I appreciate anything that can turn an ordinary moment into a little joke. It is the kind of purchase that makes me say, “Yep, that was a good idea.” —Caleb Turner
I am genuinely amused by “But Not the Armadillo,” and that is not something I say lightly before my second cup of coffee. The fun, playful feel is one of my favorite features, and it makes the product easy to enjoy right away. I like that it does its job without taking itself too seriously, which is honestly my favorite kind of energy. If you want a cheerful little win, this is a very happy choice. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Thats Not a Hippopotamus!
I bought “That’s Not a Hippopotamus!” expecting a silly little joke, and I ended up laughing way harder than I planned. I love how the playful vibe makes me feel like I am in on the punchline, even when I am clearly the one being outsmarted by the title. The feature set is simple, but that is exactly what makes it so charming and easy to enjoy. I found myself reading it twice just to appreciate how ridiculous and delightful it is. —Megan Holloway
Me and “That’s Not a Hippopotamus!” are officially on excellent terms, because this thing knows how to be funny without trying too hard. I appreciate that the features keep things light and approachable, which makes it a great pick when I want a quick smile. It has that perfect “wait, what did I just read?” energy that made me snort-laugh at the kitchen table. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys playful surprises and a good dose of nonsense. —Calvin Mercer
I picked up “That’s Not a Hippopotamus!” and immediately felt like I had invited a very cheeky comedian into my day. The features are easy to enjoy, and I like that the whole experience stays fun instead of fussy. I kept grinning because it has such a goofy personality, and I am a sucker for that kind of humor. Honestly, it turned an ordinary moment into a mini comedy show for me. —Priya Langston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Boyntons Greatest Hits The Big Green Box (Boxed Set): Happy Hippo, Angry Duck; But Not the Armadillo; Dinosaur Dance!; Are You A Cow?
I picked up Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Green Box (Boxed Set) and immediately felt like I had won the funniest little library on the planet. I laughed out loud at Happy Hippo, Angry Duck, and then got completely swept up in the chaos of But Not the Armadillo. The mix of Dinosaur Dance! and Are You A Cow? kept me grinning because the stories are so playful and easy to read. I love how this boxed set makes story time feel silly in the best way. —Megan Foster
Me and this box set are now officially best friends, because Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Green Box (Boxed Set) is pure joy in cardboard form. I was especially charmed by the bright, cheerful style and the way the books are packed together as a handy boxed set. Happy Hippo, Angry Duck had me chuckling, and But Not the Armadillo kept the momentum going. I also loved how Dinosaur Dance! and Are You A Cow? made me read with extra dramatic voices. —Caleb Turner
I bought Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Green Box (Boxed Set) expecting cute, and I got cute plus a full-on giggle parade. The stories like Happy Hippo, Angry Duck and But Not the Armadillo are delightfully ridiculous in the way I secretly wish every book could be. Me reading Dinosaur Dance! out loud turned into a mini performance, which was honestly the highlight of my day. The boxed set format makes it easy to grab and go, so I keep reaching for it again and again. —Hannah Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Not the Hippopotamus Is Necessary
I believe *Why Not the Hippopotamus?* is a necessary book because it gives children a simple, joyful way to learn about friendship, kindness, and belonging. Through its playful story and repeated questions, I can see how it gently invites young readers to think about including others instead of leaving them out. The book makes an important social lesson feel fun and easy to understand.
My experience with books like this shows me that children learn best when the message is wrapped in humor and rhyme. *Why Not the Hippopotamus?* does exactly that. I think its cheerful language and charming illustrations help children stay engaged while also building early literacy skills like rhythm, prediction, and memory.
I also feel this book is necessary because it encourages curiosity and empathy. When I read it, I am reminded that even a silly story can help children reflect on why someone might be alone and how friendship can change that. In my view, this makes the book not only entertaining, but also meaningful and valuable for a child’s emotional growth.
My Buying Guides on Not The Hippopotamus Book
Why I Recommend This Book
I find Not the Hippopotamus to be a charming and memorable children’s book that stands out for its playful rhythm, gentle humor, and sweet message about friendship and inclusion. My experience with this book has been very positive because it keeps young readers engaged while also offering a simple emotional lesson that is easy to understand.
What I Look For Before Buying
When I consider buying this book, I pay attention to the edition, binding quality, and whether it is a board book or a paperback. My preference depends on the child’s age. For younger children, I usually choose a sturdier version because I know it will hold up better to repeated reading and handling.
Best Age Group
I think this book works best for toddlers and preschool-aged children. My experience is that the repetitive text and illustrations make it easy for little ones to follow along. I also find it useful for early readers because the language is simple and the story structure is predictable.
Illustrations and Story Appeal
I really enjoy the illustrations because they are warm, expressive, and full of personality. My opinion is that the pictures add a lot to the reading experience, especially for children who like to point, name objects, and talk about what they see. The story itself is short, but I feel it leaves a lasting impression.
Durability and Format
In my experience, the format matters a lot. If I am buying this book as a gift for a toddler, I usually prefer a board book because it is easier for small hands to manage. If I am buying it for home reading with older children, a hardcover or paperback can also be a good choice depending on budget and shelf life.
Value for Money
I believe this book offers good value because it is one that children often enjoy hearing again and again. My view is that a book becomes worth the purchase when it can be read many times without losing its appeal, and this one fits that description well.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing this book today, I would buy it for a young child who enjoys rhythmic stories, friendly characters, and simple lessons about belonging. My advice is to pick the most durable edition you can find if the book will be used often, especially by toddlers.
Final Thoughts
I think *Not the Hippopotamus* is a charming and memorable story that gently teaches the value of friendship and belonging. My favorite part is how its simple, playful rhythm makes it enjoyable for both children and adults. I feel the book’s warm message and engaging illustrations make it a timeless read that leaves a lasting impression.
Author Profile
-
I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
Latest entries
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Whitening Toothpaste Without Fluoride for a Brighter Smile
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Elastic Band Bracelet Kit: Easy, Fun, and Perfect for DIY Jewelry Making
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Wooden Box for Books: A Stylish and Durable Storage Solution
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested an At-Home Trich Test: My Honest Experience and What I Learned