#365PictureBooks 42. The First Hippo on the Moon by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross

Walliams, D., & Ross, T. (2014). The First Hippo on the Moon. London, UK: HarperCollins Children' Books.

ISBN: 9780007494002
Pages: 32
Age Level: Middle Childhood 7-12
Genre: Picture Storybook
Rating: 4 stars

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OK, I admit it ... I'm a David Walliams fan.  Not so keen on Little Britain 'cause it's just a bit to 'camp' for me, but man is he clever.  And his chapter books for kids are fantabulous.  Very popular as read-alouds with our year 5 & 6 teachers. 

The First Hippo on the Moon is Walliams' second picture book.  It tells the story of Sheila (yes she is a hippo named Sheila - get over it!) and her attempt to be the first hippo on the moon.  Her competition is Hercules Waldorf-Frankiln III (I dare you to say this aloud and not use a posh voice!).  Hercules Waldorf-Franklin III, who happens to be extremely rich, pays to have a space rocket built.  Sheila, who is just a regular hippo, talks her friends into helping her build one.  Does Sheila's rocket even get off the ground?  And if so, who gets to the moon first?

This is such a hilarious read and full of humorous one-liners.  It's particularly good as a read-aloud, especially if you use different voices - Hercules just asks for a pompous voice, and Sheila for some reason just came out all high-pitched and squeaky.  I used it for book week last year with our year 5 & 6 classes.  They just 'get' Walliams humour.

Tony Ross's illustrations are amazing too.  They tie in perfectly with the story.  Using his signature style, combined with lots of bright colour the bring Walliams tale of these two hippos to life.  The animals are quite realistic in appearance so younger children will have no trouble recognising them.

The illustrations are a combination of full page images and graphic novel style images and include lots of speech bubbles as well as the main story text.  Make sure you read all the extra bits 'cause they ARE part of the story.

This is such an awesome book and well worth adding to your collection, whether you are a David Walliams & Tony Ross fan or just for the fun of the story.  Definitely a book for Middle childhood and older (including adults).

I got my copy of The First Hippo on the Moon from the Taradale Primary School library where I work. 

You can find a copy at Napier Libraries.