Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

Elephant's extremely long trunk often comes in handy in this charming picture-book, as he uses it to bathe his son and to aid his neighbors. Whether providing impromptu stairs for the elderly Monkey or helping Zebra to wash his stripes, Elephant is always ready and willing to help out. The only one of his neighbors who doesn't appreciate his generosity is Hippopotamus, who makes himself obnoxious by constantly making fun of Elephant's trunk, claiming that such a long appendage is not normal. But when Baby Hippo, himself the possessor of an 'abnormal' skill, finds himself in danger from crocodiles, Elephant's trunk saves the day, thereby teaching Hippopotamus an important lesson about judging others for being different.

Originally published in Spain as ¡Eso no es normal!, and made available in this English edition by the Spanish publisher NubeOcho, That's Not Normal! is a teaching tale, intended to highlight the importance of tolerance, and the value - both ethical and utilitarian - of embracing our differences. Although I did find the delivery of the message here a little heavy-handed - young children are capable of grasping the idea from the story alone, without the narrator telling them that Hippopotamus learned his lesson - I think there was enough of a sense of humor to keep readers and listeners entertained, as well as enough narrative excitement, with the race to rescue Baby Hippo, to keep them involved. The artwork, moreover, is absolutely delightful - I loved Laure du Faÿ's use of color, and her depictions of the many uses to which Elephant put his trunk - and adds to the pleasure of reading. With the proviso that those who dislike didactic tales should give it a miss, I would recommend That's Not Normal! to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of difference and how we should respond to it. ( )