Boynton's Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set): The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopot – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise
Boynton's Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set): The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopot
book1999Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life
98%
WISE Score
4.9
Amazon
The ultimate starter pack for tiny humans who like silly animals, catchy rhymes, and not actually going to sleep when they're told.
Boynton's Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box (Boxed Set): The Going to Bed Book; Horns to Toes; Opposites; But Not the Hippopot
book
1999, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life
98%
WISE Score
4.9
Amazon
The ultimate starter pack for tiny humans who like silly animals, catchy rhymes, and not actually going to sleep when they're told.
Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.
Screenwise Verdict
This set is the 'Greatest Hits' for a reason. Sandra Boynton understands the toddler brain better than almost anyone. These aren't just books; they're rhythmic experiences that help kids learn language and routines without feeling 'educational.'
If you don't have these on your shelf, your nursery is technically incomplete. They are timeless, indestructible, and genuinely funny. It’s the rare piece of 90s media that hasn't aged a day because silly animals and bedtime routines are universal.
Age Fit
This is the sweet spot for ages 0 to 4. Once they hit kindergarten, they’ll move on to more complex stories, but for the diaper years, this is the peak.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
100
Sandra Boynton is the gold standard of toddler literature. The tone is gentle, funny, and entirely focused on the simple joys of childhood, like bath time, learning body parts, and understanding basic concepts.
Imaginative
92
The quirky illustrations of hippos, rhinos, and chickens doing unexpected things—like exercising on a ship deck—spark genuine curiosity and playfulness in young minds.
Safe
100
Zero safety concerns. These are board books designed for physical and emotional safety. No scary themes, no hidden agendas, just pure, age-appropriate content.
Enriching
96
These books are foundational for early literacy. They teach rhythm, rhyme, opposites, and social-emotional concepts like inclusion in 'But Not the Hippopotamus.'
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
The rhythmic prose is basically a cheat code for early language development and brain building.
Sandra Boynton’s humor actually lands with adults, making the 400th reading slightly more bearable.
Sturdy board book construction means they can survive the 'teeth and throwing' phase of toddlerhood.
'But Not the Hippopotamus' is a masterclass in teaching kids about belonging and joining the group.
⚠
What to Watch For
The 'Going to Bed Book' features animals exercising after their bath, which is a questionable life choice but a great talking point.
You will eventually memorize these and find yourself reciting them in the shower or during your commute.
Conversation Starters
"Which animal is your favorite in the big tub?"
"Can you show me where your 'horns to toes' are?"
"How did the Hippo feel when she was all alone, and how does she feel now?"