The Hiccupotamus

The Hiccupotamus

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04  ·  rating details  ·  269 ratings  ·  73 reviews
HIC HIC HIC What's worse than a chronic case of the hiccups? How about a HIPPO with a chronic case of the hiccups? Is there any cure, or are those hiccups doomed to stay? vibrant illustrations, spirited text, and unforgettable characters unite in this exciting debut work from talented author/illustrator Aaron Zens.
Hardcover, 26 pages
Published August 28th 2005 by Dogs in Hats Children's Publishing (first published August 2005)
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Evan Banned
Summary
A hippopotamus gets the hiccups and his "friends" decided to help him out.

I can only start this review with one question: If a hippopotamus got hiccups, who would give more than two shits? After much research (AKA, repeated viewings of the movie Congo) I have found that hippopotami are complete and total assholes. The first half of this book proves this point as the hippopotamus (from the latin "monster douche"), runs from friend to friend disturbing their lifestyles to the point that th...more
Angie
Synopsis: "There was a hippopotamus who hiccupped quite-a-lotamus. And every time he got'emus . . . he'd fall upon his bottomus.

Calamity ensues when an elephant, a centipede, and

a rhinoceros try finding a cure for hippo's colossal case

of hiccups. Zenz's creativity shines through with

his use of colored pencil in this off-the-wall

read-aloud. HIC! HIC! HIC!"


My Review: Well I have mixed feelings about this book. It is a really cute concept and the story is cute how all the other animals try to help...more
Derek Cooke
The hippo has a big problem and it is affecting everyone. He has the hiccups. Hippo goes to each one of his friends and tries to get their help, but something big and drastic happens each time. After all the friends gathered together, they decided they were going to help hippo get rid of the hiccups. They read books and then tried every crazy hiccup remedy possible. They tried spinning him in circles with licorice, tying him to buffalo, putting him in a fish tank and many more. Something finally...more
Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides
Cute art, but somewhat forced rhymes. Deliberately forced, but the gag gets a little wearing.

I think this is the only book on my shelves catalogued under "Medical remedies involving the use of buffalo — Fiction." Probably.

It has a fun disclaimer: "None of the characters were harmed (other than allergic rashes and minor chafing) in the making of this book." (In general the copyright notice page is whimsical.)

Make sure you turn all the way to the end to see the "Character Bios" page.
Heidi
This is just a silly book, with silly rhyming, silly pictures, and a silly ending. I think the preschoolers will love it. Now I just have to practice the silly rhymes.

Originally 3 stars. The 4th star? The Cast bios. Best part of the book!

6/22/10 & 6/24/10 - They weren't rolling on the floor with laughter, but they had a lot of smiles from this book. They especially liked my hiccups. I think the colors and illustration design for this were also eye-catching for them. A very good choice.

2/1/12...more
Alissa
Poor hippo has the hiccups and boy do they cause him some trouble! The rhyming in this book was so fun to read out loud. The illustrations are full of vibrant colors and so much action. The facial expressions are hilarious! I love an author who includes humor for the adults too. Check out the Cast Bios at the end, and also the title page at the end of the book has interesting reads too!
Magila
This book was such a treat. The art was colorful and exciting. The cadence and story was totally engaging. And who doesn't love a hippopotamus?

By far, the best element is the rhyme scheme and invented words. What a fantastically creative and fun book for the wee ones.

I doubt you've heard of this book, but you absolutely should have!

Strongly recommend.
Jamie
This book is about a Hippo that has the hiccups that won’t stop. The hiccups are so bad they cause a series of mishaps that upset the Hippo’s friends. The hippo’s friends make attempts to problem solve the Hippo’s hiccups with a series of remedies. In the end, the Hippo stops hiccupping, but you have to read to see what else happens.

Christina
Max's birthday present. The best part BY FAR is the hilarious "Cast of characters" on the last page, where the "actors" in the book are profiled. (Like the buffalo, who is played by Arlo, a ground squirrel, who needs 14 hours in the makeup chair each day.) A wonderful touch of greatness for the parents/babysitter.
Teresa
This is a silly story with lots of word play about a hippo that has a terrible hiccuping problem. When he meets new friends he causes problems because of his hiccups. The friends try and help him but in the end he can't help but hiccup. Funny little cute story to read aloud.
Cara
I read this while I was shelving. Very silly book about a hippo with the hiccups. There are made up words in the story, but when you read it out loud they are pretty funny. I'm not sure how much the guy trying to read appreciated the impromptu story time though!
Trauma F Newell
This is a fun whimsy book about a Hippo with hiccups that are so strong they will blow you away, make you bounce off the ground, and send you flying through the air. The illustrations are so colorful and exciting to look at and the silly rhyming words sounds fun rolling off your tongue. This book is so much fun to read out loud.
Katrina
I suppose not everyone enjoys this book as much as I do, but it really tickled me. It's so fun that adults and children alike can appreciate it on a couple different levels. It reminds me of my mom (which adds to the delight). :)
Jan
Delightful, hilarious word plays throughout this funny story of a hippo trying to get rid of his hiccups. With a nod to Jabberwocky, Aaron Zenz freely creates wonderful new words. This book was MADE for reading aloud! Ages 2-10.
Laree
I have not laughed this hard over a picture book in ages! The rhyming structure is hilarious, the pictures vibrant, the plot catching. And the cast of characters at the back may just be the best part of all!
Liz B
This book is about an hippopotamus who has the hiccups. It is delightfully written with a repetive, rhyming text. Fun text to read aloud to the class for them to join in on all the "hic, hic, hics".
Allison
Jordan was somewhat interested. I loved it! Clever rhyming, and it reminded me of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz ("...from top to bottomus...")
Sara Jones
Nonsensical rhyming words, a hippo that can't stop hiccuping, ensuing mayhem, and a flipped ending. I think preschoolers will get a real kick out of it.
Chris
For myself, this book was cute enough to earn a smile. My four year old, however, cracks up uncontrollably so I am rating this from his perspective!
Julie
My daughter loves this book. She gets lost a bit on the word play, but loves trying to repeat the story herself and, of course, hiccup!
Rachel Christensen
(Picture Book) A great play on words. A hippo has the hiccups and causes havoc with the other animals, who then work to cure the hippo of his hiccups. Soon the hippo is cured, but that doesn't mean the problems are over!
Chelsea
The silliest book ever with super illustrations! Definitely not a bedtime book because the kids will be laughing the whole way through!
Kelly
Silly rhymes and cute pictures, but the story is nothing special. The main character doesn't even solve his own problem!
Johanna
This is one of my favorite books to read to the kids. The rhymes are so fun, and it's silly. The drawings are really great, too.
Danielle Monroe
This is another great rhyming book. The author uses a lot of silly made up words to rhyme everything to the animals' names!
Susan
This book is terrific fun as a read-aloud! It's listed for ages 1-3, but my 5-year-old granddaughter enjoyed it too.
Heidi
Seriously one of my favorite read aloud books. I am so impressed by the illustrations. All in color pencil! Beautiful!
Tricia
Kids will like the rhymes that verge of over the topamus. Bright illustrations add to fun of the book's delivery.
Stephanie
This is such a cute book. My little loves it! She loves the bright colors and all the rhyming.
Paula

A hippopotamus with severe hiccups causes chaos until other creatures finally find the right cure.
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The Hiccupotamus (Hardcover)
The Hiccupotamus
The HICCUPotamus (Board Book)
The Hiccupotamas (ebook)
The Hiccupotamus (Kindle Edition)

Aaron Zenz is the author and illustrator of The Hiccupotamus. He is the illustrator of 9 additional children's books as well.

Aaron lives in West Michigan. In addition to writing and illustrating, he also frequently visits schools and libraries where he inspires kids to read and write through fun, interactive programs."

More about Aaron Zenz...
Chuckling Ducklings and Baby Animal Friends Hug a Bull: An Ode to Animal Dads I Love Ewe: An Ode to Animal Moms The Chimpansneeze Skeleton Meets The Mummy (Big Book)

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