Hippos in Books

In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring hippos that we found around the web. We also had a free download of hippo paper bag puppet pattern.

We are continuing the hippo theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a sloth puppet.  We’ve noticed that kids become more engaged during reading when a puppet is used to help bring a book alive.

WHY USE A PUPPET WHILE READING?
    • Kids love puppets.
    • Puppets boost creativity and stimulate kids’ imaginations
    • Sometimes kids feel more comfortable reading to a puppet rather than to an adult
    • A puppet can be used as an impartial character allowing kids to express their true emotions.
    • A puppet made from our patterns is perfect for story time because it is soft and pliable.  It can be stuffed into a small place ready to pop out to engage the kids.  And it is easy to wash!
Books Featuring Hippos

The hippopotamus is another animal that children and adults find fascinating. There are so many children’s story books with hippos as lead characters it was hard for us to narrow the list down. Here are just a few. We always try to add a non-fiction book to the list.

Hippos Go Berserk by Sandra Boynton is the classic counting story perfect for travel, bedtime or party time.  For ages 2-5 years, preschool to kindergarten.  As always, Sandra’s illustrations are delightful.


Even though Little Hippo is the smallest and youngest among his family (and friends), he learns that when he helps someone smaller than himself it’s the size of his heart that really counts.  Big Little Hippo by Valeria Gorbachev is for ages 3 and up, Preschool and up.  It’s a sweet story with adorable illustrations.


“There was a hippopotamus who hiccupped quite-a-lotamus. And every time he got’emus… he’d fall upon his bottomus!”  This quote from the book gives a clue as to the fun and silliness of HICCUPotamus by Aaron Zenz.  Even though the book is rated for 1-2 years, older preschoolers will enjoy the delightful illustrations and antics of the book.


Owen and Mzee is the amazing true story of the remarkable friendship between an orphaned baby hippo and a 130 year old tortoise in Kenya. For ages 4-8, Preschool to 3rd grade.  The book might be a little wordy for preschoolers; you might want to do some paraphrasing as you read.  The pictures are wonderful for all ages.


Hippopotamuses is a fact filled book by Josh Gregory and is from the Nature’s Children series.  The book is geared for kids 8-10, grades 3-5.  Abundant pictures accompany information about how hippos live, what they eat and their everyday lives. Preschoolers will enjoy the pictures as someone talks about what is written.


Free Download of Hippo Hand Puppet Pattern

Don’t have the time to sew a puppet?  Need a puppet fast?  We have a free download for a hippo hand puppet pattern using felt squares available from craft stores.  The puppet can be made without sewing – all you need is a hot glue gun.

Need a puppet that can talk and make expressions?  You can sew one with our Hippo Puppet Sewing Pattern.  The pattern is available as a digital download so you can start sewing immediately. We recommend using fleece and felt fabrics because they are inexpensive, readily available from craft stores, washable and easy to sew.  Customers tell us how easy our step by step patterns (with lots of pictures) are to follow especially after watching the video tutorials.  In fact you can watch our free video tutorial on how to sew the hippopotamus puppet right now!  Our customers also say the puppets turn out really well and are a joy to use!

“The puppets are just adorable!” – Christine

Hippo Puppet Pattern