Sad, Mad, Glad Hippos    by Jane Yolen & Vlasta van Kampen Order:  USA  Can Key Porter, 2008 (2008) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Sad, Mad, Glad Hippos is one in a trio of Hippos-themed Alligator Tales board books, written by Jane Yolen and whimsically illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen. The story opens with 'Hippos sad, / Hippos blue, / Having nothing / Else to do.' It's a grey day and those massive creatures go through the same range of emotions as small children in the same circumstances. Boredom leads to anger and conflict ... 'Calling names, / Pulling hair! / Hippos in / The time-out chair.' After the eruption, these critters are sorry about being bad and ready to be glad ... 'Hippos run. / Hippos follow. / Happily / Into the wallow.' Small children will laugh at the lumpish hippos' tantrums, while identifying with their feelings - especially if they've recently been sad, mad, bad and glad themselves. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews