DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND, by Jonathan London and Andrew Joyner, Two Lions, August 15, 2017, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-7)
In February, Jonathan London and Andrew Joyner introduced young readers to a charming new duo — Duck and Hippo. Now, they’re back with Duck and Hippo Lost and Found, the latest book in the series.
This time around Duck and Hippo invite their friends to share a picnic at their favorite pond. Everyone arrives with something to share. Everyone except Hippo. Before the celebration can begin Hippo sets off into the forest to pick some wild berries. Hippo is gone for a long time, and his friends begin to worry he’s lost. Together, they follow Hippo on an adventure into the forest.
Duck and Hippo Lost and Found features the same playfulness found in Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm. The characters are bright and expressive. Illustrator Andrew Joyner has taken author Jonathan London’s rhythmic and animated text and expanded upon it. There’s no ambiguity here.
My 3 ½-year-old was immediately engaged by the story and enjoyed perusing the illustrations further. The publisher’s suggested age range on this is 3-7. I think 7, and even 6, are probably pushing it. I’d start a little younger. Duck and Hippo Lost and Found is perfect for 2-5-year-olds.
Duck and Hippo Lost and Found is a delightful look at the true meaning of friendship. It’s already made its way into our reading rotation.
Jonathan London has written more than 100 children’s books, including the bestselling Froggy series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. He is also author of the Aaron’s Wilderness middle-grade series, illustrated by his son Sean London. Jonathan lives in Graton, California.
Andrew Joyner is an illustrator, author, and cartoonist based in South Australia. He has illustrated a number of picture books, and he wrote and illustrated a chapter book series about a warthog named Boris. He has also illustrated for newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, and Rolling Stone magazine, among others.
There’s more fun with Duck and Hippo in the free downloadable activity pages: https://www.andrewjoyner.com.au/activities/
