Elmer and the Hippos (Elmer)

PreS-Gr 2--In this installment, the patchwork elephant uses his powers of negotiation to solve a conflict. The hippos' river has seemingly dried up, causing them to crowd the elephants' waterway and make everyone miserable. After discovering that fallen rocks are the problem, Elmer and his cousin Wilber rally the other animals to restore the river's flow. Job done, all the animals realize that working together is the best way to achieve a goal resulting in a splashy, happy, and satisfying ending for all. With its vibrant, eye-catching colors and engaging goings-on, this book is a visual delight.--Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

"The elephants get upset when hippos move into their river. Patchwork elephant Elmer, put in charge of finding out why the hippos' river has dried up, enlists both hippos and elephants to help remove a pile of rocks blocking the water. McKee's story, while a little heavy with its compromise-and-teamwork message, still manages to entertain with vivid, lively illustrations." —The Horn Book Guide