Valeri Gorbachev

Little Hippo was the youngest, smallest member of his family. Dwarfed by his parents, and littler than his elder siblings, he was also small compared to many of the other creatures he encountered. Feeling like the smallest animals in the world, and impatient to grow up and get bigger, he went for a walk and discovered a tiny creature - a baby beetle - in need of help. His act of kindness, and the reactions of the beetle family, made him feel very big indeed...

A sweet story about being little show more but wanting to be big - an experience that many young children will recognize from their own lives - Big Little Hippo pairs a simple but engaging text with appealing watercolor artwork. I particularly appreciated the idea, implicit in the story, that there are many kinds of bigness, and that kindness is one them. Author/artist Valeri Gorbachev seems to specialize in animal stories, and this is a worthy addition to his large body of work. Recommended to all young children (and the parents in their lives) who feel small and long to grow bigger. show less

As the youngest and smallest in his family, Little Hippo feels dejected when comparing himself to their large neighbors like crocodile, giraffe, and elephant. But when Little Hippo comes across a tiny beetle in help, he realizes how big his impact can be.

This is a fast-paced read that will likely be relatable to young listeners and readers, who often are seen as "too little" to engage with whatever their older siblings, cousins, etc. are doing. I love how nothing actually changes in this show more book except Little Hippo's perspective. It's an important lesson for little kids to learn -- and some adults to remember -- that sometimes you can't change your circumstances, but you can change your attitude. Of course, there's also the message that anyone can be helper, no matter how tiny their contribution. And sometimes those seemingly small efforts can make a world of difference for the person (animal in this case) they help.

Illustrations are gentle watercolors that fill the whole page with colorful landscapes and engaging animal pictures. show less

When Brother Duck and Sister Duck are given new nets, they immediately set out into the wide world to explore. Their chase leads them deep into the woods, where they find themselves lost, and darkness setting in. Here they are seen by Ms. Owl, whose hooting alerts the other woodland animals to the crisis. Each one uses their voice to try and call Mama and Papa Duck. But will they hear...?

Author/artist Valeri Gorbachev seems to specialize in goodhearted animal stories - thinking og the recent show more Big Little Hippo, or Doctor Nice - and Lost and Found Ducklings is the latest example. The narrative here is engaging, with its repetitive structure and the fun onomatopoeia of the various animals' calls, while the artwork is cute and appealing. I gave this one my "duckling in danger" designation, created after I noticed how many stories there were about ducklings who get into all kinds of trouble. Recommended to young animal lovers, as well as to Valeri Gorbachev fans. show less

Simon loved dragons. He loved reading books about them, drawing pictures of them, and playing with dragon toys. When he confides in his sister Emma that he intends to befriend a dragon, she makes sure that he knows all the rules about such encounters, from not showing fear to wearing your seat-belt, when riding upon the dragon's back. Simon promises to follow the rules... or, at least to try...

Using a wonderfully fantastic premise - who doesn't love dragons?! - author/artist Valeri Gorbachev show more spins a tale here that is as much about friendship, and how to be a good friend, as it is about loving those magical draconite figures. The artwork in How To Be Friends with a Dragon is colorful and engaging, capturing the jolly humor of Simon and the dragon's interactions, even as the more staid text, in the form of big sister Emma's strictures, paints a less adventurous picture. Recommended to all young dragon lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about friendship, and how to be a good and considerate playmate. show less