I read this book to my 7yr old son one lazy afternoon. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a break from the mild Mystery chapters we’ve been reading or the popular underwear cladded super hero books or even the books on his over obsession with the pixel block game I need not mention, as everyone with a young boy or child for that matter likely hears all too much of that subject. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading the above chapter books etc but the book was a refreshing change to our norm. It is a book with a powerful message that makes you feel good about yourself. I believe it is conveyed in a way that a child can perceive the meaning and gain some insight. I don’t think you have to have felt like a total outsider to understand the meaning.
I love the book has some foundation. That it is based on true life events. The author Helen Hipp writes about her son Ray, whom has had special needs growing up. They went on a “once in a lifetime trip” and brought back an amazing tale twisted with great imagination to share with our children. Especially during those times where we all at one time or another felt out of place no matter how “popular” we were. I love the bond you read over the son and Grandfather too as he makes his discoveries with Rosie and TLC.
A bit about book and character; Ray is the young boy who is on a trip in Africa. It’s a hot day and feeling sad and lonely, he decides to rest up under an umbrella tree. While there he spots a pink hippo named Rosie. He decides to ask Rosie how she feels about being so visibly different from the other hippos and Rosie takes him on a journey to explain how she now accepts her differences. She has a new approach to viewing things in the world and has help sharing these views with TLC (Tender Loving Crocodile). At first Ray is taken aback from the likes of a crocodile and his big sharp teeth but soon realizes that you can’t paint everyone with same brush so to speak. The two animals share another story of a “striped horse” whom also never fit the mold. In the end he wakes by his Grandpa to explain that his dream has taught him that you can be happy while being different.
For more information on the book please visit http://www.adifferentkinofsafari.com
By Maria McLachlan
Thank you for reviewing this awesome book! I have a nephew with autism, and a grandson with diabetes – and I can’t wait to get this book and read it to him! 😉