The Hippo-NOT-Amus

Contributed by Paige Eckhart

Book Title: The Hippo-NOT-Amus
Authors: Tony and Jan Payne
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
My Rating: 5/5
Would I recommend this book? Yes, one of my favorite books from when I was a kid.
Suggested Age of Reader: 8+, longer book with some harder words.
Brief Summary (no spoilers): Portly, the hippopotamus, has decided he does not want to be a hippo anymore. Then, he goes on a journey throughout the jungle to find an animal that he would like to be.
What I liked/ didn’t like: I loved the bright pictures, and the way Portly dresses as other animals is quite funny.
What the book teaches you: Even if your life feels a little boring, you will always come back home.

Leanne Guenther

About the Artist/Author:

Hello! I'm Leanne, the creative mind behind coloring.ws. I love nothing more than enjoying a warm cup of tea and a quiet day with a good friend. Here’s a bit more about me:

Things I Love:

Drawing: My happy place is with a pencil in hand, bringing ideas to life on paper.
Creative Writing: I love using my imagination to create delightful stories and playful rhymes for kids.
Early Childhood Education: I absolutely adore those early, eager-to-learn years with kids. Their curiosity and enthusiasm are infectious!
History: Exploring the past helps me understand the present and dream about the future.

Things I Have a Love/Hate Relationship With:

Technology: I love how it connects us and makes things easier, but why does it have to change so quickly?
Trivia Nights: I'm your go-to person for fun facts, yet somehow, I always end up in second or third place. Frustrating!
Gardening: I like to think I have a green thumb, but it has a few brown speckles. My plants and I are working on it.
Animals: I adore my pets and they bring me so much joy, but oh, the chores! Why can’t they clean up after themselves?

I earned my degree back in the early '90s, and as a lifelong learner, I continue to delve into the things I love. This includes technology (though I struggle to keep up!), art, early childhood education, history, and mythology as it relates to sociology.

I know that while the coloring pages are largely for kids, many of you visiting the site are educators and caregivers. I’ve tried to share some interesting trivia tidbits and fun facts to make your visit enjoyable too.