Sharko and Hippo by Andrea Tsurumi, Elliott Kalan
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0062791095
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Sharko and Hippo are friends—Sharko does the talking, and Hippo does the carrying. The two friends are setting out on a fishing trip, but Hippo can’t seem to understand what Sharko wants. Sharko asks for a boat, and Hippo hands him a coat. Sharko asks for a pole, and Hippo hands him a peel. This zany banter continues until Sharko gives up and the two head home.

This is a silly story that will make kids giggle. Sharko and Hippo are fun and likeable. The environmentalist in me doesn’t appreciate all the misguided givings being thrown into and left in the water. The mixed media illustrations fit perfectly with the tone of the book. They’re cartoonish, colorful, and help bring Sharko’s exasperation to the forefront. The overall humor of the book is captured well with the illustrations as well. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME