All summer, I’ll be sharing books for kids of all ages on topics that interest them or offer something new to learn about. Most of the time, these will be nonfiction books, but sometimes we can learn from fictional stories too. I believe reading over the summer is so important, and keeping kids interested in reading by finding relevant books about topics that they are interested in is very important. Kids should read at least 20 minutes every day, and I hope that these books offer you ideas to keep your kids reading and learning all summer.
I hope you will stay tuned to these posts. They will always have Summer Read-to-Learn in the title and will be tagged in the post. There will be books on all kinds of topics kids love to read and learn about. Be sure to stop by each week to see what book I’m sharing as part of my Summer Read-to-Learn series.
To see all the books in the Summer Read-to-Learn series, click HERE.
ONE WHOLE HIPPOPOTAMUS
A Book About Parts and Patterns
Curious Concepts Book 3
By: Carter Higgins
Published: May 26, 2026
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Non-Fiction
In the 3rd book in the Curious Concepts series, Carter Higgins builds on her first two books by adding a few more concepts. This book teaches about shapes, colors, patterns, sizes, and fractions. Concepts such as same or different show circles of various sizes with different patterns, or triangles in different colors, in alternating positions on the pages. Younger kids will notice the same shapes and different colors, while older children will notice different sizes and patterns.
Questions on the pages encourage kids to think about the shapes and how they can be used. A mix of shapes can be formed to build a boat floating on the sea or an ice cream cone. How many scoops are on the cone? Which one has more? A watermelon is cut into quarters to show the concept of fractions. Build on the learning by creating your own shapes out of construction paper or cardboard. Then, have your child make an ice cream cone or a watermelon out of the shapes.
The end of the book offers opportunities for learning with babies and toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners, and older kids. All the books in this series are great for home and classroom libraries and offer a wide range of learning opportunities.
Carter Higgins is the author of many books for young readers. She is a creative storyteller who designs playful experiences around visual literacy. Carter believes the wit of kids’ language is the best poetry of all. She is an Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist. Carter also spent a decade as an elementary school librarian. She lives in Richmond, Virginia. Find out more about Carter, HERE.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of ONE WHOLE HIPPOPOTAMUS
Get all 3 Curious Concepts Books HERE
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you paying a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Carter Higgins, Children's books, Summer Read-to-Learn, board book, colors, shapes