Hiccup

by Mercer Mayer

Mr. Hippopotamus' violent efforts to cure his lady friend's hiccups become increasingly irritating to her--then he gets an attack.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Humor

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Mercer Mayer is an American children's author and illustrator. He has published over 300 books, using a wide range of illustrative styles. Mayer is best known for his Little Critter and Little Monster series of books.

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for kids because it uses repetition but I would not want it in my classroom becasue they beat eachother with an umbrella.

[Jakob Free · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am of two minds in regard to this book. I love Mercer Mayer's art in this book, and it was especially well used to move the story along. I do not think the interaction between the hippo couple is something to take lightly or comically, though, and definitely would not read this to my children.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The illustrations are detailed and help drive the story, which otherwise would not be able to be understood. It gave me a good laugh!

[Lyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haha! This was a good book.

[jyweniverel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can everyone say KARMA!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a wordless book except for "hiccup." It is a funny story but being published in 1976 it is probably more likely to receive complaints these days. A lady hippo gets into a little boat with a gentleman hippo and immediately gets the hiccups. His methods of stopping her hiccups are funny on the one hand and can be considered slapstick, but on the other hand are violent. The ending is funny when she takes revenge. Great illustrations.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book! I read it often as a child and rereading it now does not change my response. Here, a hippo couple goes on a romantic date but the lady hippo has the hiccups. The gentleman hippo then attempts to rid her of her hiccups by all of the usual means, much to her displeasure. The book is mostly wordless and with the only word being "hiccup," young and early readers can easily enjoy interpreting the story. Also, this is the same author that wrote the series of Critter books, so fans of his other works may find this entertaining.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! It allows the imagination to get some good exercise. Originally, I thought the 2 hippos were married...but then, years later, I thought it would be much funnier if they were just 2 hippos on a date. Somehow, I don't think it would have led to date #2, much less marriage (unless they both really enjoying getting slapped over the head). Perfect story for random creative thinking. =)

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate when I find a book that I'm excited about and it turns out like this. I bought an ex-library copy of this book recently, mostly because I like some of the Little Critter books, but I'd never heard of this one and thought it might be charming. It's not, though. It's violent and strange. I mean, I get the point of trying to scare the hiccups out of her, but the whole point of the ending is that she takes her revenge, and I dunno, I'd rather not encourage cartoon violence in children.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

PBW

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a child. It's simplicity is one of its shining features. As a child the book clearly appealed to the little feminist in me :-)

[foo4luv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a family favorite. A perfect example of how well Mercer Mayer can tell a delightful story using just pictures. And one word.

[Alexandria K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiccup is funny. I loved the part where they both said boo! That was funny.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny....funny....funny a funny story told in pictures and with only two different words--Love it!

[Conquering · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is perfect for non readers, because there are not any words. It helps children use their imaginations to come up with their own dialogue. Perfect for babies too!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute almost wordless book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mercer Mayer's illustrations!