Hippos Go Berserk! – A Joyful Adventure in Counting
As any parent knows, bedtime can sometimes feel like a battleground. With fidgety bodies and darting minds, finding the right book can be the difference between a peaceful transition to sleep and another round of “Can we read just one more?” On one particularly chaotic night, I spotted Hippos Go Berserk! by Sandra Boynton perched on our shelf, and I knew it was time for a little counting chaos.
Hippos Go Berserk! is a noisy, delightful romp through the world of counting, as a lonely hippo makes a phone call that sparks an extravagant and hilariously chaotic party with all his friends. The story unfolds with clever rhymes that build in whimsical rhythm: “One hippo, all alone, / calls two hippos on the phone…” My toddlers were instantly captivated, giggling at the exuberant antics of the hippos and how they multiplied in perfect counting order—up to the unforgettable moment when “ALL THE HIPPOS GO BERSERK!”
The illustrations in this board book are vibrant and expressive. Boynton’s distinctive style creates charming, playful scenes that had my children begging to flip the pages just to see the next raucous hippo arriving at the door. Watching their eyes widen in surprise as the numbers grew was a sweet reminder of how magical these simple moments can be.
What truly warmed my heart was the laughter that erupted when we reached the page where the hippos go wild. Their infectious giggles filled the room, making what could have been just another nighttime reading into a hilarious, bonding experience. My five-year-old even attempted to act out the hippos’ antics, twirling and stomping across the living room, while my two-year-old clutched the book tightly, pointing to his favorite pages.
One page that got us all chuckling involves six hippos showing up with an unexpected guest—a blue fuzzy monster, no less! It sparked a little conversation about what kinds of guests would make a party even more fun and filled our imaginations with silly possibilities.
As a mom, I appreciate how Hippos Go Berserk! doesn’t just teach counting; it also embraces the joys of friendship and the beauty of shared moments—chaotic, messy, and loud. It’s a timeless treasure that I can see passing through our family for years, becoming a keepsake filled with memories of bedtime giggles and playful, happy chaos.
I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to parents with little ones aged 1 to 3. It’s perfect for those who love silly adventures and vibrant illustrations. Whether you’re looking for a sweet bedtime story or an action-packed adventure to entertain during long car rides, this book fits the bill. For our family, it’s become a beloved classic that we’ll cherish—and likely read until the pages are dog-eared and the spine is well-loved.
So, grab a copy of Hippos Go Berserk!, and get ready for a counting party that just might turn your living room into a jungle of laughter!
Dive into the wild fun with Hippos Go Berserk! >>
