A rhino makes an interesting imaginary friend. This imaginary rhino helps a young boy learn that when he dislikes something or someone, there’s at least a rhino friend who agrees with him. But even rhinos know that there’s also good. Moms and dads might be strict in their discipline, but they’re always there for a young child. Teachers might seem mean, but they also do fun things with the students, like taking them on field trips to interesting museums. Big brothers can be a pain, but they can also be someone to look up to, as well as someone to depend on when things get tough. Life can be hard and it’s difficult for a young boy, full of creative energy and enthusiasm, to understand the benefits of eating good food, going to school, and keeping his room tidy. There are rules for everyone and even young boys with imaginary rhino friends must learn to live by the rules.
Riccardo J. Simpson’s Rhinos Don’t Like It And Neither Do I! is an interesting and very clever story told in rhyme with colorful illustrations, teaching young readers that it’s okay to dislike things and people, but one must also look at the positive side of everything and everyone. There is good and bad in everything and we’re all different. Using a young boy with very clear dislikes, the author presents a parallel between the boy and his imaginary rhino friend, the only one that supports his likes and dislikes. Worthy of a chuckle or two and a great book to share with a child.
Emily-Jane Hills Orford – Readers’ Favorite