REVIEW
A Different Kind of Safari
by Helen C. Hipp
A Different Kind of Safari is recommended for children ages 5 to 10. This review opportunity is brought to you by Mother Daughter Book Promotion Services.
Description
What do you need to feel happy about being different? Based loosely on real life experiences, this heartwarming and powerful book illustrates how self-awareness, and courage help a young boy named Raymond learn the difference between seeing things as they appear to be and seeing things as they are.
Feeling "different and lonely" Raymond befriends a hippo while on Safari in Africa. Unlike other grey hippos, this hippo is pink. Ray is soon carried into a world beyond labels and challenging assumptions. You will never guess what happens next!
Book Video
Praise for the Book
"There are several layers to this book as well as significant depth in the underlying messages and lessons. There are many potential points for discussion including Asperger’s syndrome, fear, self-acceptance, tolerance, and more. I highly recommend this great book to children ages 5 to 10." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
"A timeless book, that will speak to everyone. To be enjoyed over and over again! A fun, yet very thought provoking story for all ages. If books had a satisfaction guarantee, this one would be on the top of the list. " ~ 5 Star Review, Adden B. Chrystie, Amazon
"A Different Kind of Safari is truly a different kind of children's book! The beautiful artwork bring a very special story to life and I am excited the book is now available in audio format for an added bonus while driving kids around town! I particularly love the message of the book, which teaches us to celebrate our unique differences through Rosie the Pink Hippo rather than allow them to keep us from exploring our potentials. I highly recommend this book to all parents and special needs educators in particular. Thank you for writing this wonderful story!" ~ 5 Star Review, missladyjane, Barnes and Noble
"I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations were beautiful. I found this book to be very interesting and it was written from real life experiences. A Different Kind of Safari draws you in along with Ray on his journey to find his happiness and the answers to his questions. I recommend this book to children that are of grade school age but yet many younger children may enjoy the illustrations." ~ 5 Star Review, Whittle House, Goodreads
"The book has a great story. The illustrations are amazing!!!!! Get this book! All children from the young to the old will love this book. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mel, Amazon
"A Different Kind of Safari is not only a good book, but a great story! It is not only for caregivers, teachers and parents, but for anyone who has ever felt out of place. A pink hippo named "Rosie" and her friend "Ray" take a journey and explore their similarities and differences on the river of life. Self- acceptance and the acceptance of others is exquisitely conveyed in a fresh, FUN way through this sweet tail. It is a prize for all libraries!" ~ 5 Star Review, Anna Wood, Barnes and Noble
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
While on safari in Africa with his family, Ray meets Rosie, a pink hippopotamus who speaks to him! Rosie has learned that it's okay to be different. So, when Ray confides that he is different to the other children and that this makes him unhappy, Rosie decides to help him. Ray hops on her back and they take a trip down the river. Along the way, they meet a cast of animal characters, and Ray learns a few valuable lessons.
The illustrations by Hilary Ann Love Glass are simple yet perfectly suited to this gentle but powerful story. This is a wonderful book to promote self-awareness and to increase the self-esteem of a child who is not happy with being different. It is especially suited for sharing with a child who has Asperger's syndrome. You'll also find out the meaning of the Swahili word "safari" and how it relates to the story. And the moral: we need to "let go of our fear of being different so we can be happy just being ourselves."
An absolute delight.
Guest Post by the Author
The Inspiration Behind the Story
Inspired by real-life adventure, the story behind the story unfolded when I went on an African safari back in 2001. The trip was lead by my father whose dream was to share the safari experience with his family. Little did I know that this trip was going to incite me to write a children’s adventure book but it did.
The storyline made it appearance when my family spotted a pod of hippos and one was pink! My son Ray fourteen at the time immediately named her "Rosie". Curious and wanting to learn more about this hippo we asked the guide many questions about hippos and hippo behavior. Specifically I wanted to know why the pink hippo stood so far outside of her pod. The familiarity of the guides answer took me by surprise, he explained that "Rosie" was tolerated but not necessarily accepted by the herd because of her differences. As a parent of a child with special needs I immediately felt a strong affiliation with Rosie’s situation as did my son Ray who has experienced his own challenges with acceptance. Inspired, I decided to share the story with the world by weaving them into a children's adventure book that celebrates differences. The book is entitled A Different Kind of Safari. Find out what you can learn from Rosie the pink hippo, and how you can share those lessons with the children in your life.
About the Author
Helen Hipp’s experience raising a special needs child led her to an M.A. in clinical psychology and certification as a life coach. She began her career as a psychotherapist to help people find answers for their life problems. Her work eventually evolved into a coaching practice, WithinU Life Coaching, focusing on individuals with special needs and their families. Helen uses her 13+ years of counseling experience and 20+ years’ experience as a successful advocate for individuals with special needs by helping them reveal their innate ability to solve difficult situations. Her debut book A Different Kind of Safari puts into words the essence of Helen's teachings addressing the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities.
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