The Enduring Legacy of But Not the Hippopotamus

Common Sense Media called But Not the Hippopotamus a “Cute rhyming book [which] shows how to be a friend.” BUT, the majority of reviews agree it’s really anything but that.

Most people see it as a critique of society, some people have make it into a religious message, and one woman even used it as her origin story for her entire blog, Mommypotamus (It’s a natural parenting blog, not a tough momma blog as I hoped, but it’s good).

There are so many But Not the Hippopotamus reviews online, you instantly know it’s a classic. My favorite short review is on Goodreads:

“A tragic story of exclusion, bigotry and prejudice, while ultimately celebrating redemption. Without wanting to post spoilers, I will also add that the denouement contains a twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalan.” – Philip Smith on Goodreads

It’s true.

For a slightly longer, but brilliant analysis, the New Yorker tackled Sandra Boynton in general, but also multiple interpretations of But Not the Hippopotamus.

“the final invitation to “come join the lot of us” is bittersweet—are the moose and bear and cat and rats just leading her on? Is the armadillo wise to steer clear of these savages?” – Ian Bogost in the New Yorker.

I Love But Not the Hippopotamus

I love it because it captures that moment we have all experienced when we are feeling left out and suddenly it seems someone is inviting us in…and then we have doubt. Do toddlers have these same doubts? Hippos? I’m not sure we can ever know.

This little book may be deeper than many of the novels I have read.