Note: I received a digital review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

I wanted to love this book. But it just doesn't quite come togather ( )

Lulu the bulldog is convinced that she is a rhinoceros, and thinks that if she can only find her horn, the other dogs will recognize her as such. The various objects she adopts as a horn - an ice cream cone, sock, traffic cone, and banana - don't produce the desired result, however. Eventually, chasing the pigeon who steals her banana/horn, she is led into the zoo, and finds her way to the rhino enclosure, getting her wish at last...

Written by American father/daughter team Jason and Allison Flom, and illustrated by British artist Sophie Corrigan, Lulu Is a Rhinoceros is one of those books that can be read and interpreted in a variety of ways. I imagine some will see it as a metaphor for transgenderism, while others might simply perceive a small creature (much like a child) who longs to be bigger and more distinct than they are. However one reads it, the story and artwork are clearly created in a spirit of fun, and there is a sense of humor throughout. I don't know that I enjoyed this one as much as I thought I would, picking it up - my funny-bone is decidedly difficult to reach, and the artwork, although cute, isn't really to my taste - but I do think many readers will enjoy it. ( )

Ahhhh. Lulu may look like a bulldog but deep down she is really a rhino. This could almost be a simile for transgender kids, or helping to explain transgender to kids. I said almost because the end. But that could even work as well, because it only took one person to see that Lulu was a rhino. Even if you don’t go in for the transgender simile the story is still adorable. The illustrations are on point, and bring the story to life. ( )