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Books for Me!
Books are awesome! Reading’s free...Let’s go to the library!
Hippo is looking for a new book. There are so many to choose from. There are books about pirates, bears, superheroes, and more! And as Hippo looks around the library, she imagines the stories inside each book. How can Hippo choose just one? Maybe she doesn’t have to...Sue Fliess’s sing-song text combines with Mike Laughead’s adorable illustrations for a fun celebration of finding just the right books.
Hippo is looking for a new book. There are so many to choose from. There are books about pirates, bears, superheroes, and more! And as Hippo looks around the library, she imagines the stories inside each book. How can Hippo choose just one? Maybe she doesn’t have to...Sue Fliess’s sing-song text combines with Mike Laughead’s adorable illustrations for a fun celebration of finding just the right books.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2015
7 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Sue Fliess
74 books147 followersSue Fliess ("fleece") is the bestselling author of Robots, Robots Everywhere!, I'm a Ballerina! and How to Trap a Leprechaun, and more than 35 other children's books including Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket, Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins, Mary Had a Little Lab, Beatrice Bly's Rules for Spies, and many Little Golden Books. Her books have sold over 850,000 copies worldwide. Her background is in copywriting and PR/marketing, and her essays have appeared in O Magazine, HuffPo, Writer's Digest, and more. Fliess has also written for Walt Disney.
Her books have received honors from the SCBWI, have been used in school curricula, museum educational programs, and have even been translated into multiple languages. The Bug Book was chosen for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library three years in a row and The Hug Book was selected to the Imagination Library Australia.
She's a member of SCBWI, Children's Book Guild of DC, and the Author's Guild. She does book signings, school visits, and speaking engagements.
When she's not writing, she is walking her two silly English Labradors or busy with her two teen boys. She really misses traveling. Sue lives in Northern VA with her family. Visit her at www.suefliess.com.
Her books have received honors from the SCBWI, have been used in school curricula, museum educational programs, and have even been translated into multiple languages. The Bug Book was chosen for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library three years in a row and The Hug Book was selected to the Imagination Library Australia.
She's a member of SCBWI, Children's Book Guild of DC, and the Author's Guild. She does book signings, school visits, and speaking engagements.
When she's not writing, she is walking her two silly English Labradors or busy with her two teen boys. She really misses traveling. Sue lives in Northern VA with her family. Visit her at www.suefliess.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 10, 2018
I love, love, love, LOVE the library. It's the one place I always feel comfortable and often a bit of excitement and anticipation as I look at those fully stocked shelves! I love the smell of paper and glue, the crinkle of the plastic covers, the flip of a page being turned, and all the possibilities surrounding me. That's why I love this book, it could have been written about me!
June 18, 2018
A book about books that you can sing like a song! Plus, she's a hippopotamus and that's probably the longest word I can spell without pretending to type it out on a keyboard!
February 24, 2015
This picture book celebrates going to the library. A young hippo girl and her dad go to their local library, where she tries to decide which stories to take home. The visuals are quite clever, especially the covers that refer to classic children's books and previous books with the same character.
One thing I loved is that her interests in stories aren't restricted to "girl" stories. She wants to read about pirates and trucks and superheroes too. It's a nice introduction for younger kids to the types of stories that are available, and they might enjoy seeing one of their favorites pop up on the page.
I think BOOKS FOR ME is best for younger kids before their first trip to the library. It might help them to know what to expect when they go. It might also be a fun choice for older little kids who really like to go to the library (like my niece and nephew). Since the focus is on the library, and not just books, it might've been nice to introduce storytime and crafts and other programs libraries offer for their younger patrons.
BOOKS FOR ME! is a fun rhyming book with bright illustrations. I doubt it will be one of those favorites that gets read over and over, but it is cute.
One thing I loved is that her interests in stories aren't restricted to "girl" stories. She wants to read about pirates and trucks and superheroes too. It's a nice introduction for younger kids to the types of stories that are available, and they might enjoy seeing one of their favorites pop up on the page.
I think BOOKS FOR ME is best for younger kids before their first trip to the library. It might help them to know what to expect when they go. It might also be a fun choice for older little kids who really like to go to the library (like my niece and nephew). Since the focus is on the library, and not just books, it might've been nice to introduce storytime and crafts and other programs libraries offer for their younger patrons.
BOOKS FOR ME! is a fun rhyming book with bright illustrations. I doubt it will be one of those favorites that gets read over and over, but it is cute.
January 4, 2018
One of my favorites - great rhyme and cute illustrations. Great gift for young readers!
September 5, 2018
I loved this book. A guy who goes to my church illustrated it and I love what a wonderful job he did! It is wonderful to show children how important reading is.
September 15, 2018
Fun Read
Our favorite place is the library. My granddaughter enjoys reading this book to me. We enjoy the story and the graphics.
Our favorite place is the library. My granddaughter enjoys reading this book to me. We enjoy the story and the graphics.
April 4, 2019
Very cute story about a little girl's trip to the library and all the reading choices she has there. Some choices are better left unchosen, but she ends up finding a lot that are just right for her.
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May 11, 2023Turn/Level: 2/2
Books, Libraries
Rhyming short read that shares the joy of the possibilities of books.
Books, Libraries
Rhyming short read that shares the joy of the possibilities of books.
July 14, 2025
Fliess takes readers through all sorts of book topics. The pure joy of reading comes through clearly. A high energy read.
January 18, 2016
The book cover is quite adorable, it shows a girl hippo who is surrounded by books, and as the title suggests, is an avid reader. The book itself was okay, there was no real plot or story but younger children would very much enjoy every word rhyming. It is very short and in my opinion should be a sing-along song for younger aged children to get the full effect.
The story-song follows a young hippo and her father gallivanting around a library stating every type of book she likes, many are references that can be caught immediately such as 'books on mittens (Kittens who lost their mittens), broken chairs (Goldilocks & 3 Bears), mice and moons (Goodnight Moon & 3 Blind Mice). I am unsure if young children would understand these allusions, and the target audience is not the teacher or a college literature class, so the clever allusions are wasted. The best line in the book, which any age or being can relate too is 'Mermaids, dragons, in my hands. I escape to other lands.' Anyone who has listened to a story, read a story, or watched a story can relate to the out-of-body experiences that literature can give.
The whole book is illustrated by Mike Laughead in big and bright illustrations, mainly to show parodies of the books referenced such as '3 broken chairs' instead of 3 bears. This book was entertaining for the minute taken to read it a few times. It was very age appropriate for younger grades and in my opinion should be made into a children's song.
The story-song follows a young hippo and her father gallivanting around a library stating every type of book she likes, many are references that can be caught immediately such as 'books on mittens (Kittens who lost their mittens), broken chairs (Goldilocks & 3 Bears), mice and moons (Goodnight Moon & 3 Blind Mice). I am unsure if young children would understand these allusions, and the target audience is not the teacher or a college literature class, so the clever allusions are wasted. The best line in the book, which any age or being can relate too is 'Mermaids, dragons, in my hands. I escape to other lands.' Anyone who has listened to a story, read a story, or watched a story can relate to the out-of-body experiences that literature can give.
The whole book is illustrated by Mike Laughead in big and bright illustrations, mainly to show parodies of the books referenced such as '3 broken chairs' instead of 3 bears. This book was entertaining for the minute taken to read it a few times. It was very age appropriate for younger grades and in my opinion should be made into a children's song.
March 8, 2015
NOTE: I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway. = )
This children's picture book was fun with bright illustrations which clearly stood out on white backgrounds, great for very young children, toddlers and preschoolers. The words rhymed and had a rhythm kids will enjoy. And I loved that it strongly emphasized the joy of reading books! Another fun twist that adults will like as much or more than kids is how they showed parodies of other famous Picture Books (including Where the Wild Thing Are, The Mitten, Goodnight Moon) in the illustrations, which can reinforce the pleasure of great books to kids who have already heard these stories and will recognize them here.
I liked the colorful, numerous illustrations, often several on a page. The only thing that bothered me were two fairly picky points about the illustrations - The father hippo's eyebrows made him look a little scary or mean, and the nostrils of all of the hippos appeared in some of the illustrations as if you could see right down into their hollow heads! Maybe it was just me and no one else would even notice these points.
It's also nice that there are two other books in this series with the same characters, so kids who like this book have others to immediately enjoy, too. My kids always enjoyed recognizing "friends" from previous stories in new books.
This children's picture book was fun with bright illustrations which clearly stood out on white backgrounds, great for very young children, toddlers and preschoolers. The words rhymed and had a rhythm kids will enjoy. And I loved that it strongly emphasized the joy of reading books! Another fun twist that adults will like as much or more than kids is how they showed parodies of other famous Picture Books (including Where the Wild Thing Are, The Mitten, Goodnight Moon) in the illustrations, which can reinforce the pleasure of great books to kids who have already heard these stories and will recognize them here.
I liked the colorful, numerous illustrations, often several on a page. The only thing that bothered me were two fairly picky points about the illustrations - The father hippo's eyebrows made him look a little scary or mean, and the nostrils of all of the hippos appeared in some of the illustrations as if you could see right down into their hollow heads! Maybe it was just me and no one else would even notice these points.
It's also nice that there are two other books in this series with the same characters, so kids who like this book have others to immediately enjoy, too. My kids always enjoyed recognizing "friends" from previous stories in new books.
January 13, 2015
LOVELY STORY REMINDING US HOW MEANINGFUL IT IS TO HELP OUR CHILDREN FIND THEIR "BOOK LOVE!"
One summer day, young Hippo's dad brings her to the library, and she is swept away into the wonderful world of books and the imagination. Hippo is amazed as she remarks, "Words are waiting to be read--new ideas to fill my head," and she embarks on an adventure of the mind, imagining herself to be a character in many of the books she sees. Fliess' whimsical words and Laughead's bright illustrations put a smile on my face as I watched Hippo feel the book love! Mock-ups of covers of a number of familiar, beloved children's picture books appear throughout the story, although the titles of the books are changed (not sure how I feel about that, but it's another example of the whimsy of this story and does hold a certain childlike charm).
BOOKS FOR ME! is a lovely story reminding us of how magical and meaningful it is to help a child find the love of books and begin what is, hopefully, a lifelong relationship with their public library
One summer day, young Hippo's dad brings her to the library, and she is swept away into the wonderful world of books and the imagination. Hippo is amazed as she remarks, "Words are waiting to be read--new ideas to fill my head," and she embarks on an adventure of the mind, imagining herself to be a character in many of the books she sees. Fliess' whimsical words and Laughead's bright illustrations put a smile on my face as I watched Hippo feel the book love! Mock-ups of covers of a number of familiar, beloved children's picture books appear throughout the story, although the titles of the books are changed (not sure how I feel about that, but it's another example of the whimsy of this story and does hold a certain childlike charm).
BOOKS FOR ME! is a lovely story reminding us of how magical and meaningful it is to help a child find the love of books and begin what is, hopefully, a lifelong relationship with their public library
August 8, 2016
Is this the best book ever? No. Are the illustrations the most beautiful I've ever seen? Not even close. But what I did really like about this book was that it showed how diverse books can be. There are so many different subjects and themes and adventures that you can take when reading a book. It shows kids that if you look, you will find a book that interests you. It also had a cute little rhyme that flowed pretty well throughout the book.
So again, this is not a book that is going to win some sort of literary award, but it's a great book for beginning readers to show them the world of books and just how diverse the topics are in stories.
So again, this is not a book that is going to win some sort of literary award, but it's a great book for beginning readers to show them the world of books and just how diverse the topics are in stories.
January 24, 2015
This was a very colorful book. A very good book for children. This book gives children a good idea of the different kinds of books that are available at the library. There is something for everyone, whatever your interest are. I also like that it was a father and daughter going to the library together. A lot of children don't see their father's reading.
January 24, 2015
Such a lovely book for kids. I read the book to my 2 year old daughter and she loved it. She keeps saying the title over and over. It promotes reading for children and for us as larents to help them pick their favorite types of stories.
The illustration was amazing and i'm looking foward to reading it more times to my daughter and future kids.
The illustration was amazing and i'm looking foward to reading it more times to my daughter and future kids.
December 16, 2015
**I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.**
For this review I asked my husband (teacher) and daughters for their opinions. All my youngest would say was she loved it. My husband said it started out slow but then picked up midway through for a great finish. My oldest daughter and I shared the opinion that the artwork aspect of it was our favorite.
For this review I asked my husband (teacher) and daughters for their opinions. All my youngest would say was she loved it. My husband said it started out slow but then picked up midway through for a great finish. My oldest daughter and I shared the opinion that the artwork aspect of it was our favorite.
March 7, 2015
These Hippo books are okay, but the dad in this one looks...freaky? Scary? Not sure what it is, but there is something about him that just not right. Further, the blatant visual inclusion of another book in this Hippo series (Shoes for Me!) and its depiction as Hippo's "favorite" book is just gratuitous and way too navel-gazing for any audience. Enough already!
January 7, 2016
A young hippo visits the library and shares all the different types of stories and books you can checkout. Rhyming fun with bright illustrations rendered in graphite, ink, and digital media.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
January 29, 2015
This is a wonderful book for children! It keeps the attention, of the child, with the great writing and pictures. My grandson said it was the "coolest" book and he really liked it! I would recommend this book for any child! A+ I received this book, free for a review, through Goodreads.
February 8, 2015
Very sweet illustrations and a good way to get kids excited about the library. I have always loved going to the library and I hope to instill that in my baby nephew who will be the recipient of this book.
June 10, 2015
Little Hippo is back for more rhyming fun when she heads to the library. How can you pick just one book, or even think about reading it just once? I love Mike Laughead's nod to some picture book greats in his illustrations. Probably my favorite Hippo book yet!
May 22, 2015
"Hippo is looking for a new book. She heads to the library and soon finds stories about knights, pirates, bears, superheroes, and more! With all the books out there, how can she choose just one? Maybe she doesn't have to..."--Dustjacket.
June 5, 2015
The rhymes flow nicely making this a great choice for read out loud. I really like the inclusion of so many interests and of a parent monitoring what their child chooses, rather than a librarian. Any book that shows the library as a fun, exciting place to be wins my approval. :)
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September 19, 2015I don't like the part about reading library books in the bathtub, and I'd probably skip the scary page at story time, but it's cute otherwise. I especially like the "off-brand" versions of classic picture book titles.
March 20, 2015
Another wonderful book to encourage the love of reading in children. Bright illustrations and fun poetry.
February 6, 2015
Goodreads giveaway winner
My daughter loved this book the story kept her interested and the illustrations of hippo and the other characters were adorable I would recommend it
My daughter loved this book the story kept her interested and the illustrations of hippo and the other characters were adorable I would recommend it
January 28, 2015
Great book to foster a child's imagination in reading! I plan to donate my book to the local elementary school library.
February 20, 2015
A little girl shares her love of all things books and library.
October 27, 2015
Books are awesome, and reading's free! Busy illustrations celebrate the joy of a young hippo's first visit to the library.
April 26, 2015
A sweet rhyming book about the joys of going to the library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews