Hand-Me-down Hippo
Hazel Edwards
Mini Goss

Penguin 2004
75pp., pbk., $12.95
0143501194

This book is a collection of short stories about a little boy and his imaginary friend, Mini the Hippo. Mini Hippo lives on the roof and loves eating cake and goes everywhere with the little boy. Whenever the little boy is scared Mini Hippo is right by his side.

In one of the stories the little boy is asked to his first sleep over ever. He isn’t really sure that he wants to stay the night, but with the help of Mini the Hippo by his side, the little boy has a good time.

In the last chapter the little boy tells the reader that Mini Hippo is a Hand-Me-Down Hippo. She is a gift that can be passed on to someone else that needs a friend.

I really enjoyed reading this book. At times I think that everyone could have Mini Hippo as their friend. I feel that this book is aimed for young readers from about the age of 8, although I know that younger readers would enjoy having the story read to them. I thought that the illustrations were good and I would give the book a rating of 9 out of 10.

Elizabeth Year 6 Bundaberg.