Riley the Rhinoceros

Patricia Derrick
Animalations (2007)
ISBN 9781933818153
Reviewed by Stephanie, Parish (age 3), and Isaac (age 1) Rollins for Reader Views (8/07)


Riley is a purplish rhinoceros.  He has the words “Jungle Bus” on his stomach, but do not let that fool you.  He is not a rhinoceros.  He is quick to tell you that.  He lets baby animals ride on his back so that they will be able to find their way home.  The adult jungle animals try to hitch a ride with him, but he tells them that it is preposterous. 

The jungle is full of animals.  There is a giraffe, a snake, a cheetah, and an elephant.  Isaac loved the animal drawings.  The illustrations are vibrant and full of life.  Isaac especially loved the snake.

There is a CD that goes with “Riley the Rhinoceros.”  It retells the story with music.  It is a cute song that both the kids liked.  I had to explain the word “preposterous” to Parish.  She cannot say it properly, but she sounds cute trying. 

“What do you think of this book?”
“I like it.”

“What is your favorite part?”
She points to the snake.  She and Isaac start hissing.

“Do you think we should keep this or give it away?”
“Keep it.”  Isaac grabs it from her, so he can look at the snake.  They start arguing about who gets to hold the book.  I guess that sums it up.

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