#Review: A Different Kind of Safari by Helen C. Hipp

Summary:
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!   

My review:
This book was a truly enjoyable read. Anyone who is different from the mainstream of people can relate to the experiences of Raymond, the main character. I liked how his "safari" introduced him to animal characters that helped him to see that he might be different, but his difference is what makes him special and to embrace those things.

The artwork is simple line drawings and does not add that much to the story in my mind but they are cute none-the-less. This book seems to be targeted for children who are a bit older and read fairly well but younger children would enjoy the book just as well and may get the concept of it.

I could certainly see this book being used in a classroom as a jumping off place to discuss differences among classmates and respect for each other.

What makes this book even better to me is that Raymond is based on the authors real-life son and the hippo character in the book was an actual hippo that her family saw on safari. Rosie was the name her son actually gave the hippo and it stuck with her. Cool, huh?

This is the kind of "safari" I could sink my teeth into and it gets 4 stars from me.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find 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. For more information, visit the books official website and to see a picture of the real Rosie the real life pink hippo that inspired this story, go to www.adifferentkindofsafari.com 

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