When Hippo Was Hairy - Softcover

Nick Greaves

4.02

86 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1868724565 ISBN 13: 9781868724567

Publisher: Struik Publishers Ltd, 2000

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Excellent Book

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About the Author:

Nick Greaves was born and educated in England, where he studied geology and environmental sciences before leaving to work in souther Africa. His work as a geologist took him to many of the remote and unspoiled regions of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. There he developed a lasting fascination for the wildlife and its varied, often fragile habitat. He now lives in Zimbabwe.

Rod Clement is a well-known author, illustrator and cartoonist. He has written and illustrated "Grandpa's Teeth" and "Just Another Ordinary Day" and illustrated "Edward the Emu" and "Edwina the Emu, " both written by Sheena Knowles. He is also a caricaturist for several Australian newspapers. Mr. Clement lives in Sydney, Australia.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6 A handsome volume with an unusual format. Thirty-six African folktales, each with tribal identification, give imaginative reasons for certain animal characteristics: why the cheeks of the cheetah are stained with tears, how the jackal got his markings, why the ostrich has a long neck. Familiar animals such as the lion, leopard, hyena, and elephant appear along with the lesser-known waterbuck, tsessebe, and dassie. After each folklore section, a page provides factual information about the beast. A chart lists basics such as height, weight, and lifespan; a map shows distribution on the continent; the text describes identifying features, habitat, habits, diet, and breeding. Occasionally the text in this section teeters toward fictionalizing. Can an animal's hunting technique be "sophisticated?" Does a zebra kick with "murderous intent?" But these are quibblesthe prose is clear, lively, and fun to read. The numerous illustrations are superb. They include black-and-white sketches and small color pictures at the head of each section. Best of all, part way through each tale, the book opens to a full-color double-page spread of the animal in an arresting pose. Physically, the book appeals with its glossy pages, red chapter headings, and well-designed layout. Ellen D. Warwick, Robbins Junior Library, Arlington, ass.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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