The Secret Rhino Society Format: Hardback

“This engaging romp will be a great way to initiate conversations about diversity, tolerance, and acceptance.”—Booklist (starred review)

In the spirit of favorites like Stick & Stone and Spoon this warmhearted and hilarious picture book tells the story of a highly unusual group of friends and is stunningly illustrated by Samantha Cotterill.

Meet Hudson, a hippo. Fran, an earthworm. And Jean, a lightbulb.

They have one thing in common: a profound appreciation for rhinos. So, they form a Secret Rhino Appreciation Society, in which a key activity it wearing paper horns. (Sometimes this results in a fire. That’s what happens when a lightbulb wears a paper horn.) But when they meet their first real, live rhino and ask her to do rhino-y things, she doesn’t want to charge or snort—she’s a gardener! She is not what the society expected, but can they learn to appreciate her for who she is?

This funny, character-driven story explores themes of friendship, expectations, and prejudice.

Jonathan E. Jacobs wears many hats, but first and foremost, he is a storyteller. Whether writing children’s books, making theater, or creating music-inspired spectacles, he’s always telling stories. He lives with his family in Brooklyn, teaches, and spins original vinyl as his alter ego, The Vintage DJ. Jonathan isn’t a member of any secret societies, but hopes to someday establish one where everyone can be a member! We’re going to need a really big clubhouse! Learn more at JonathanEJacobs.com/Writing.

Samantha Cotterill has written and illustrated many popular books for children, including the Little Senses series, Thankful and Heartfelt by Elaine Vickers, A Grand Day by Jean Reidy, Look by Gabi Snyder, Jinx and the Doom Fight Crime! by Lisa Mantchev, and Just Add Glitter by Angela DiTerlizzi, which The New York Times called “a sparkle of genius.” Samantha lives with her family in upstate New York. Learn more at SamanthaCotterill.com.