Pretty amusing, but not something that I personally wanted to read and re-read. A few things I thought were particularly amusing for adults. I liked that we could see the zookeeper's name tag ("Randy") in one shot, which makes me think that the author (Jeff Newman) was poking fun at a friend. I liked that the rhino is not gendered and is referred to as "Rhino" throughout (nevertheless, I notice that other reviewers assume the rhino is male!). I liked the various people going through the zoo -- the little gnome kid, the person whom I can only assume is a drag queen whose hat gets blown off, the skeevy guy and the geeky girl he's hitting on with her pleasant smile -- so like people I've known.[return][return]Nevertheless there's not a lot of words, which makes it a lot more work for the adult reading it! So I wouldn't turn back to this one over and over again. However my 21mo had other ideas. "Rhino! Rhino-no-rhino!" she cries. "Where's rhino-no-rhino book?" So it seems this book is a hit for the little ones. Is it the rhino being so frustrated? Trying to cover up the sign with its poopoo? Throwing one of its little birds at the sign? Or the rhymes? Who knows. But the happy refrains of "Mamala read it! Mama read it!" and "RHINO! NO! RHINO!" pretty much seals the deal on this one, which has now been re-read about eight times in two days. ( )

This book is for very young children, and involves a zoo keeper and a family and a misplaced sign that misrepresents a hippo for a rhino

This near wordless book tells the story of a sad rhino that is mistaken over and over for a hippo due to a misplaced sign. Eventually a child realizes the mistake and rights it and this cheers the rhino up tremendously. ( )

Cute book. I could see sharing this with an elementary school class before a field trip to the zoo. In fact, it made me want to go to the zoo. :) ( )

Constructed with little to no text, Newman relies on superb illustrations to convey this humorous story of mistaken identity. When an absentminded zookeeper places a sign proclaiming “Hippo” next to Rhino’s cage, the animal’s look of disbelief triggers a series of emotional episodes that will likely send young children into silly bouts of laughter. As the story progresses, Rhino’s demeanor turns from confusion to frustration which leads to rage and finally settles on dejection. Just when all looks bleak, a young boy comes along to save the day. Empathizing with Rhino’s disposition, the boy takes action amid the wreckage of artifacts dropped by startled tourists who faced the wrath of the unhappy Rhino. Suspense and humor coalesce as the final page is turned to reveal Hippo now donning the look of frustration as he stares at the “Porcupine” sign pointing in his direction. In the absence of words, the plot and corresponding emotions are articulated through crisp, vivid imagery and detailed facial expressions. The pages are brimming with abstract art that combines a bright primary palette, eccentric coloration of characters and scenery, and shifting perspective. Coupled with enthusiastic tones and sound effects from an adult reader, children are sure to enjoy this amusingly antagonistic tale. ( )