Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind

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KarenCioffi, August 30, 2010 (view all comments by KarenCioffi)
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind is a delightful children’s picture book that deals with a “big change” in a little girl’s life. And, with the first line the reader is immediately hooked: “Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.”

What a great introduction to a children’s story. The stage is set, Ruthie’s “smiles slunk off in gloom.” Right there on the first page, in the first sentence you know Ruthie has a problem . . . a big problem.

Due to a family move, Ruthie had to leave her school, her neighborhood, and worst of all, her friends. Everything she was familiar with was gone. And, like most children, Ruthie was having a very hard time dealing with the situation . . . the loneliness . . . and the adjustment to new surroundings.

Then one day, out of the blue, something changes Ruthie’s mood: “A whimper came, and then one more. Frowns melted into smiles. A Magic Moment, swirling fast, zoomed in and worked its wiles.” This is great writing.

As the title depicts, Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind explores Ruthie’s unhappiness and resulting reactions in a lighthearted and amusing manner. With rhyme and vivid description, Finke brings the reader along on Ruthie’s plight of loneliness, sadness, and anger with a twist of silliness: “Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!”

In addition to a great story, the book is filled with outstanding full page illustrations that are bold, colorful, and full of life. This combination will have kids wanting to read it over and over.

Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind is a book that children will absolutely love, and benefit from. To add to the value of the book, Finke includes a PARENT TEACHER GUIDE. This section offers useful tips and strategies to help children who are facing a “big change.” It also includes three links to websites that provide additional help and resources.

I am a huge fan of Margot Finke’s work, including Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind. With her expertise in rhyme and story telling, she has a knack for cleverly conveying what children may be feeling in a manner that engages, entertains, and is filled with humor. She also has a knack for magically weaving rhyming content into wonderful images that bring the reader on an amazing journey.

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dmcdine, August 30, 2010 (view all comments by dmcdine)
Reviewer: Donna McDine, Write What Inspires You!

Much like “the elephant in the room” and in this case the hippo’s fat behind, no one wants to acknowledge the sudden change in Ruthie’s behavior and what to do about it. Told in perfect rhyme, Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind! explores one child’s woes in moving. Once content and happy, Ruthie becomes unbearable to live with after her family moves clear across the state.

Determined not to accept her new home and surroundings, Ruthie embarks on a downward spiral of rude behavior towards all who cross her path, each day worse than the one before. Until the day an unexpected visitor pays Ruthie a visit. Will Ruthie accept this unconditional love or will she continue to self destruct? Find out today and purchase Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind!

Coupled with a Parent Teacher Guide Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind! provides the perfect opportunity to get our children and/or student’s into a lively discussion of what change means to them and how they’ve handled it and what they can do to make transition easier in the future.

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Maria Calvani, June 29, 2010 (view all comments by Maria Calvani)
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind
By Margot Finke: http://www.margotfinke.com
Illustrator: K.C. Snider
Guardian Angel Publishing

Reviewer Mayra Calvani:
The Red Room, American Chronicle etc.

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-060-6
Copyright June 2010
For ages 5-12

New children's book explores 'big changes' in a child's life.

Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.
She wouldn’t talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.
Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!

Watch the trailer: http://www.margotfinke.com

Thus begins this humorous rhyming picture book about the effect that a major change can have in a child’s life and the selfless love that can bring about healing and joy once again.

Ruthie isn’t happy—not happy at all. In fact, she feels as big and ugly as a hippo’s fat behind. That’s because she’s moved house, and that means leaving her old home and her best friend behind. It also means fitting in a new school and going through the stress of making new friends, something Ruthie isn’t willing to do.

Her parents try many things to make Ruthie feel better, but nothing seems to work. One thing is for sure: Ruthie is getting from bad to worse. She hates her dad’s jokes; she hates her mom; she refuses to do her chores. She even decides to dress like a crazy person, with a wild hairdo and socks that don’t match, anything to show her anger, sadness and frustration. Then one day, while Ruthie is sitting alone on the porch, she receives a visit from an unexpected guest and this changes her life forever, transforming her back into the caring, affectionate child she originally was. Want to know who that unexpected visitor is? You’ll have to read the story to find out!

Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind will keep young readers giggling until the end. It is a funny, sweet story of change, one most children will relate to. Author Margot Finke has a gift for rhyme and it shows in the smoothness and wittiness of her verses. Oregonian artist K.C. Snider’s illustrations add their own touch of humor, complementing the tone and mood of Ruthie’s tale.

A parent-teacher guide at the end of the book will make discussing the story and exploring its theme easier. I highly recommend reading this to a child who has recently experience a ‘big change,’ such as moving house, welcoming a new sibling or step parent into a home, or going into a new school.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9781616330590

Author:

Finke, Margot

Publisher:

Guardian Angel Publishing

Illustrator:

Snider, K. C.

Subject:

Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings

Subject:

Children s Young Adult-Social Issue Fiction-Emotions and Feelings

Subject:

Children s Young Adult-Social Issue Fiction

Large Print:

Y

Publication Date:

20100531

Binding:

TRADE PAPER

Language:

English

Illustrations:

YES

Pages:

16

Dimensions:

11 cm.