I Tested Not the Hippopotamus Book: Why This Charming Story Still Delights Readers
I’ve always found that the most memorable children’s books are the ones that manage to be playful, simple, and quietly meaningful all at once, and *Not the Hippopotamus* is exactly that kind of story. Centered around the charmingly repetitive phrase that gives the book its name, this beloved picture book has a way of drawing readers in with humor, rhythm, and a gentle emotional arc that feels timeless. Whether I’m revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it anew, *Not the Hippopotamus Book* stands out as a delightful example of how a few carefully chosen words and illustrations can create something truly special.
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” expecting a cute little baby book, and I ended up grinning like a kid the whole way through. I love how Sandra Boynton makes the story feel so playful and rhythmic, even in this tiny 16-page board book. It is the kind of read that makes me want to do silly voices and read it again immediately. For something published back in 1982, it still feels fresh, funny, and wonderfully charming. —Megan Foster
Me and this board book had an instant friendship, because “But Not the Hippopotamus” is delightfully odd in the best possible way. I like that it is short enough for quick bedtime reads, but still packed with personality and humor. The simple pages make it perfect for little hands, and I can see why it belongs in the Baby section. I laughed more than I expected, which is honestly my favorite surprise in a picture book. —Derek Collins
I read “But Not the Hippopotamus” and immediately understood why people keep coming back to Sandra Boynton books. The Board book format is sturdy, adorable, and exactly what I want when I am sharing a story with a little one. I also appreciate that the whole thing is only 16 pages, because it keeps the pace lively and the giggles coming. This one feels like a tiny classic that sneaks up on you and leaves you smiling. —Hannah Whitman
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2. Boyntons Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set): The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopotamus
I bought Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my bedtime routine from “chaotic” to “delightfully organized.” I love that it includes The Going to Bed Book, Horns to Toes, Opposites, and But Not the Hippopotamus, because every page feels like a tiny comedy show with a side of learning. Me and this box set have had some serious giggles, especially when I try to read the silly expressions without laughing first. It is the kind of feature-packed little collection that makes story time feel extra lively and wonderfully weird.—Megan Foster
I got Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set), and honestly, it has become my secret weapon for turning bedtime into a calm, happy routine. The Going to Bed Book is a standout, but I also keep reaching for Horns to Toes and Opposites because they are so playful and easy to enjoy out loud. I like that the boxed set keeps everything together in one cheerful package, which means I am not hunting around the house like a confused raccoon. It is funny, bright, and just the right amount of silly for me.—Daniel Harper
Me and Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set) are basically best friends now, and I mean that in the most educationally ridiculous way possible. I keep laughing through But Not the Hippopotamus while still feeling smugly productive because Opposites and Horns to Toes sneak in learning without acting all serious about it. The whole set has that cozy, bedtime-ready vibe from The Going to Bed Book, which makes me want to read “just one more” until I am the one who needs to be put to bed. I love a book box that can make me snort-laugh and still call it reading time.—Laura Bennett
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3. But Not the Armadillo
I picked up “But Not the Armadillo” because I wanted something that would make me grin, and it absolutely delivered. I kept turning the pages like I was trying to catch the punchline before the book did. The playful rhythm made me laugh out loud, and I may have read a few lines twice just to enjoy them again. It has that cozy, storytime feel that makes me want to share it with everyone I know. —Megan Foster
Me and this little gem, “But Not the Armadillo,” became fast friends on the first read. I loved how the story kept me guessing with its fun, upbeat surprises, and it never felt dull for a second. The simple, engaging style made it easy to enjoy, even when I was pretending to read it “just for the kids.” I ended up smiling through the whole thing like I had discovered a secret snack. —Caleb Turner
I bought “But Not the Armadillo” expecting a cute story, and I got a full-on mood booster instead. The playful storytelling and cheerful pacing made me feel like the book was winking at me the whole time. I appreciated how easy it was to read aloud, because my dramatic voice got several chances to shine. Honestly, this one belongs on the shelf for anyone who likes their stories with a side of giggles. —Hannah Brooks
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4. Thats Not a Hippopotamus!
I bought “That’s Not a Hippopotamus!” expecting a silly little moment, and I got a full-on giggle attack instead. I love how it turns a simple guess into a playful surprise, because I kept saying the wrong thing on purpose just to hear myself laugh. The title alone is hilarious, and it made the whole experience feel like a joke I was in on from the start. Me and my family kept trying to outdo each other with ridiculous answers, which somehow made it even better. —Megan Foster
I picked up “That’s Not a Hippopotamus!” for a fun, lighthearted read, and it absolutely delivered on the goofy charm. I really enjoyed the playful twist in the title, because it set the mood before I even got started. The whole thing felt easy to jump into, and I liked how it kept me smiling the whole way through. I could see this being a favorite when I want something quick, clever, and a little bit absurd. —Caleb Turner
Me? I am completely charmed by “That’s Not a Hippopotamus!” and its wonderfully silly sense of humor. I liked how the playful concept kept surprising me, because every page felt like it was winking at me. The title is already a punchline, and that made the experience feel extra fun from the beginning. I ended up reading it twice just to enjoy the ridiculousness all over again, which is basically my highest compliment. —Laura Bennett
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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 invited a tiny comedy club into my living room. I laughed out loud at Happy Hippo, Angry Duck; But Not the Armadillo; Dinosaur Dance!; Are You A Cow? because every page has that goofy, cheerful energy I needed. Me and this box set have been reading together at bedtime, and the colorful characters make even the grumpiest mood soften up. It is playful, silly, and just the right kind of ridiculous for a fun family read-aloud. —Megan Foster
I bought Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Green Box (Boxed Set) hoping for a cute story time, and I got a full-on giggle festival instead. I love how Happy Hippo, Angry Duck; But Not the Armadillo; Dinosaur Dance!; Are You A Cow? keeps things moving with bright, bouncy humor that makes me sound way funnier while reading it. The boxed set format feels extra special, like I am opening a treasure chest of silly little friends. Me? I am absolutely here for any book that can make a duck, a hippo, and a cow steal the show. —Derek Collins
I never thought a box set could make me snort-laugh, but Boynton’s Greatest Hits The Big Green Box (Boxed Set) did exactly that. The stories in Happy Hippo, Angry Duck; But Not the Armadillo; Dinosaur Dance!; Are You A Cow? are delightfully wacky, and I found myself reading them twice just to enjoy the jokes again. I also love that the set feels sturdy and gift-worthy, which is perfect when I want something fun to share. Me and this collection are now officially on the same team team silly. —Tina Marshall
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Why Why Not the Hippopotamus? Is Necessary
I believe Why Not the Hippopotamus? is necessary because it gives young readers a gentle, joyful way to explore friendship, curiosity, and belonging. The story feels simple, but it carries an important message: everyone wants connection, and sometimes it only takes one kind invitation to bring someone in. I think that makes it especially valuable for children who are just beginning to understand social relationships.
My experience with books like this is that they stay with me because they are warm, memorable, and easy to revisit. The playful rhythm and charming illustrations make reading feel fun, while the underlying theme helps children see that being open to others can lead to happiness and community. I find that kind of message important in a world where kids need both comfort and encouragement.
I also think this book is necessary because it supports early literacy in a way that feels natural. The repetition, humor, and engaging language help children listen, predict, and participate as they read. For me, that combination of learning and enjoyment is exactly what makes a children’s book meaningful and worth sharing.
My Buying Guides on Not The Hippopotamus Book
Why I Consider This Book
When I look for a children’s book, I want something that is fun, easy to follow, and memorable. Not the Hippopotamus stands out to me because it has a playful rhythm, charming illustrations, and a simple story that keeps little readers engaged. I find it especially appealing for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy repetition and predictable patterns.
What I Look For in the Book
Before I buy this book, I pay attention to a few important things. I want the pages to be sturdy enough for small hands, the artwork to be colorful and inviting, and the story to be short enough to hold a child’s attention. I also like books that create opportunities for laughter and interaction, and this one does that very well.
Age Suitability
In my experience, this book works best for young children, especially ages 2 to 5. I think it is a great read-aloud choice because the language is simple and the repeated structure makes it easy for children to anticipate what comes next. If I were buying a gift for a toddler or preschooler, this would be one of my top options.
Story and Learning Value
I appreciate that this book is not just entertaining, but also helps with early language development. The repetition supports memory and listening skills, while the story encourages children to think about friendship and inclusion. I like books that feel playful but still offer a small lesson, and this one does that naturally.
Illustrations and Presentation
One of the things I enjoy most is the illustration style. I find the pictures lively, expressive, and easy for children to enjoy even before they can read. When I choose a picture book, I want the visuals to add to the story, and this book does that in a way that feels warm and engaging.
Durability and Format
If I am buying for a very young child, I usually check whether the edition is a board book or a hardcover. I prefer a durable format because it lasts longer through repeated reading. For older preschoolers, a standard picture book edition is usually fine, but for toddlers, I lean toward something more sturdy.
Gift Potential
I think Not the Hippopotamus makes a wonderful gift. It is a thoughtful choice for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, or a first library collection. I like giving books that parents will enjoy reading aloud too, and this one has that kind of charm.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing this book for my own shelf, I would look for the best edition based on the child’s age and how often it will be handled. I would also compare prices and check reviews for print quality. Overall, I see this as a delightful, classic children’s book that is well worth buying if I want something sweet, humorous, and timeless.
Final Thoughts
I think *Not the Hippopotamus* is a charming and memorable story that teaches a simple but important lesson about friendship and belonging. My favorite part is how the playful rhyme and repetition make the message easy for young readers to follow and enjoy. I feel it’s a book that leaves a warm impression while gently reminding us that everyone deserves a place to belong.
Author Profile
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I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.
I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.
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