Handy Mr. Hippo

PreS-Gr 1—Each of these titles explores a different emotional or personal trait, such as perseverance. However, the execution of plot often flounders. For example, the persevering Brown Bear lifts weights with rocks after a leg injury, which seems unwise. The art varies widely, as some illustrators are stronger than others. The art in Handy Mr. Hippo resembles that of Richard Scarry, while others, such as Lulu the Shy Piglet, seems rudimentary and amateurish. Each title includes a "Social and Emotional Learning Focus" page with practical exercises to help readers go deeper into each topic. Some classroom activities seem incomplete. For example, in Bubbly and Grumpy, a book about sharing, readers will find a very lackluster activity (writing down the names of five people they'd like to share with). An exercise helping children deal with shyness—making a treasure chest and writing down positive qualities on circles—seems slightly fuller, but there is nevertheless a lack of thoughtfulness. This series lacks focus in a major way.