I thought it was about time I reviewed and shared another lovely kiwi picture book. This is true kiwi fun.
A Hippo Lives in Havelock
Written by: Brett Avison
Illustrated by: Scott Tulloch
Published by: David Bateman Ltd, New Zealand 2015
Ages: 2 – 6 years
Theme: fitting in, being accepted.
Opening Lines: When the hippo came to Havelock, no one quite knew what to do. There are no hippos in New Zealand. Well, only in the zoo.
Synopsis: Imagine the reaction when a hippo comes to live in the little South Island town of Havelock!
Brett Avison’s witty text and Scott Tulloch’s (no relation) irresistible illustrations reflect the small-town life we Kiwis are familiar with – the postie on a bike, our wildlife and seashells, the town hall and community gardens – making it a quintessential New Zealand story.
Why I like this: I couldn’t help but giggle at the idea of a hippo strolling into town anywhere in New Zealand let alone the small country town of Havelock. The rollicking rhyming text with typical kiwi humour and yes we can even make use of hippo poo. And although we might complain a little, kiwis are known for having everyone’s best interest at heart and hippo becomes a part of the community, even the tourists join in Scott Tulloch’s detailed illustrations depict things us Kiwis are familiar with: the NZ Post postie on a bike, camping scenes, the Cook Strait ferry, campervans, our wildlife and seashells, colonial wooden buildings, town halls and community gardens. Brett Avison is the author of bestselling children’s titles – A Bigger Digger, Stuck in the Muck and Ducks to Water. He lives in Havelock with his wife, cat and dog. This is a great book for kids and reading in class.
Illustrator’s blog… http://scottlucyt.wixsite.com/scotttulloch
Ask the kids to write down a favourite animal they would like to come and live in their town and why? Now write how that animal would be able to help their community.
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors
Writer and Dreamer at work 
I love these kiwi stories. What fun!!
Thank you Darlene.
Looks like a LOT of fun!
Yes, it is… lol. Thanks Julie.
I love the cover! That alone makes me want to read it:)
🙂 Glad you like it Barbara.
I’m already giggling at the front cover illustration. I can’t wait to read this book. It looks like a real gem.
LOL… Glad you like it Leslie. Hope you can pick it up over your way.
I’ll be on the lookout for a hippo in my hometown!
Now if I could give you a “thumbs up” I would. 😉 You never know Cathy… lol.
I love all things New Zealand! I visited those beautiful islands for a month way back in 1988. Loved the people, the sheep, the landscape…everything! So now I’ve got to find this book. Oh, and I have been in the land of hippos. We were camping one night in the middle of the Okavango Delta when we heard a rustling in the bushes. I kept thinking it was a bird, until my husband headed toward the shrubbery to relieve himself. Well, it was a grazing hippo. We spent the rest of the night on top of the truck in a tent, waiting for the hippo to graze away. She did. And we eventually came down from out perch.
That’s a hilarious story Jilanne. Oh my goodness. We would never see such an animal here in New Zealand. I’m so glad you have great memories of your trip here to New Zealand. Hopefully you will return again soon. 🙂
This looks like a lot of fun!
Yes it is. Thanks Maria.
That is one great cover with the hippo flying over the whales! Hilarious. I’d enjoy sharing this one with a child, just because of the humor and because of the quaint illustrations of the community of Havelock. Funny you share a name with the illustrator.
It is a great story. Very much kiwi humour for sure. Yes I was surprised to see the surname of the illustrator. Not related though 😉
Yay, a slice of Kiwi life and humor. Great choice, Diane!
I thought you would love it. Real kiwi humour. Glad you like this Joanna.