I Totally Don't Want to Play!

by Ann Bonwill, Simon Rickerty (Illustrator)

Hugo the hippo has his routine. He always goes skating with Bella the bird. In fact he always does everything with Bella. So when Bella makes a new friend and announces she's going to the playground with Cressida (a crocodile) instead, Hugo feels a bit miffed. Once at the playground, everything seems to be made for two - the swings, the see-saw, even playing leapfrog. And whichever way the friends pair up, there's always someone who feels left out. But there is something that they can all enjoy together and, when they discover it, it proves that three really is better than two! With wonderfully quirky illustrations from new talent Simon Rickerty and a great read-aloud text, this is a made-for-sharing picture book.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2014

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story on the theme of sharing and friendship.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo and Bella are joined by new friend Cressida for a day of fun in the park. Hugo reluctantly follows the two, having found out his friend forgot their playdate. As they begin to play, Hugo and Cressida turn out to be a match, while Bella is too small and light to share in the same activities. Sometimes a game can't be played by all, whether due to lack of skill, strength, the rules, or some other aspect. It is no fun to be left out, so discouraged, Bella decides to leave. Thankfully, there are plenty of games to chose from where everyone can be happy, and things end well.

The artist employs various contrasting colours to distinguish ground from sky, and to make characters pop off the page. These tend to be solid, although there is some brush strokes, and patterns involved. A hippo, a bird, and a crocodile are an unusual trio, but this only benefits the point. Even their designs are distinct. Hugo is grey and curvy, Bella is blue and egg-shaped, and Cressida is green with a pink dress and rectangular.

Like I Don't Want to be a Pea, I Totally Don't Want to Play shares an important lesson in a colourful and fun way that children can relate to. Play a game that everyone can play. After all we all have been left out at one point or another.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo the hippo is looking forward to spending time skating with his friend Bella for a day of fun in the park. Bella, however, has other plans with her new friend, Cressida. Hugo is not happy because he does not share their idea of fun.
After a series of shared experiences, the three reach the conclusion that playing together needs to be worked at but is ultimately lots of fun…
This tale is ideal for sharing with individuals or groups (very good resource for P4C and/or citizenship lessons) as children can relate to the complications that can result from the beginning of new friendships. The bright illustrations complement the story beautifully.

[Mender · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simplistic kid dynamics in pretty colours. From what I've seen of kids playing, they take a certain glee in telling each other 'you're not my friend anymore'. Won't help a kid who's not being played with make friends, and not overt enough to help a kid learn that refusing to play with other kids is hurtful. The relationships in this are unlikely.

[Lenore Appelhans · Rating 5 out of 5]

More fun with Hugo and Bella!

[Fiona Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learn the art of compromise with three posh animal pals in this book written entirely in dialogue.