2000
WISE Score
Amazon
One hippo calls two hippos, and before you know it, you're counting a house full of uninvited guests who actually know how to party.
4.9
4.9View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Hippos Go Berserk! is a classic for a reason. Unlike some 'vintage' kids' books that feel like a slog to read through today, Boynton’s work holds up because she gets that toddlers have a weird, chaotic sense of humor.
It’s fast, it’s funny, and it’s one of those rare books that doesn't make parents want to hide it under the couch after the third consecutive reading. If you don't have this on your shelf for the preschool years, you're doing it wrong.
Perfect for the 1-to-4-year-old crowd. Even if a 5-year-old can count to 100, they usually still find the chaotic hippo pile-up hilarious.
It's pure, rhythmic fun. The story focuses on a gathering of friends without any conflict, mean-spiritedness, or over-stimulation. It’s the definition of a 'good vibes' toddler book.
Sandra Boynton's signature illustration style is quirky and full of personality. It turns a basic counting exercise into a chaotic, creative event that kids actually want to follow.
Zero safety concerns. It’s a board book about hippos having a party. No hidden mature themes, no scary imagery, and completely age-appropriate for the youngest readers.
Excellent for early numeracy. It teaches counting up to nine and back down again through catchy rhymes that help with phonological awareness and memory.
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