Veronica

In another mood I'd probably give this LFL find 4 stars. Conspicuous and famous are not synonymous. And how lovely the ending - the old lady helps Veronica get out of jail and back home, instead of sending her to a zoo like happens in other old picture-books. I also appreciated that the hippo and the people could not talk to each other--another creative difference compared to other old picture-books. I will look for the sequels!

Veronica, a hippopotamus who wants to stand out from the herd and be famous, travels to the big city where she indeed does stand out. Causing traffic jams, blocking sidewalks, and devouring a pushcart vendor's vegetables in one big gulp, Veronia is arrested and jailed. How she discovers that there is no place like home is told with warm humour and sublimely mirthful illustrations that are great fun to share with a young child.

A book that will teach kiddos the meaning of the word "conspicuous." Veronica is a hippopotamus who lives among other hippopotamuses in obscurity. She longs for attention, so she travels to a city fully of people, where she'll stand out. Unfortunately, she also gets in some trouble with the law, so a kind old lady bails her out and sends her back to the other hippopotamuses. But don't be sad for Veronica, her city trip lends her the glamor she desired in the first place.

I love the language and illustrations -- a wonderful book to read aloud. Yay to Knopf for reissuing.

This is a quite common story plot (a hippo wanting to see the world and being famous), that introduces them to the word CONSPICUOUS in a well narrated tale. We read two more of his books and they are EXCELLENT.

Pity poor Veronica, the inconspicuous hippopotamus who lives with so many hippopotamuses that she isn't notcied. Off she goes to the city where she is unique, but alos in the way, until a nice lady comes along.