This sweet story is from the author of the beloved Froggy stories, a mainstay through my son's early reader years. Duck comes to visit her friend Hippo and they are off on walk in a rainstorm sharing, or at least trying to share, Duck's umbrella. Their friendship survives the adventures in wind and rain and with a second book is due out this summer, their friendship is sure to be keeper. The story is fun and kids will enjoy it, but the true gem of this story is the artwork that hearkens back to retro first grade primers. This is a book both children and their parents are sure to enjoy. ( )

Duck knocks on her best friend Hippo's door one rainy spring day, and proposes a walk. Agreeing, once he has been assured of space under her umbrella, Hippo and his anatine companion set out. They soon discover that a little negotiation is necessary, when it comes to sharing the umbrella, whether it functions as a covering or a sailing ship. Then Duck is swirled away by a strong gust of wind, and it falls to Hippo to chase after her...

Prolific picture-book author Jonathan London, creator of the popular Froggy series with artist Frank Remkiewicz, launches a new series here, together with Australian illustrator Andrew Joyner. An enjoyable tale of two friends, Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm features a fun, entertaining story, and cute, colorful illustrations. I don't know that it (or any of its potential sequels) is destined to be a particular favorite of mine, but it will definitely hold appeal for younger children who enjoy stories of oddball friends and their humorous misadventures. ( )

We loved the Froggy series when our kids were little. The author, Johnathan London, is back with a new series including adorable characters that are the best of friends. Duck and Hippo are friends even though their size differences sometimes get in the way. When Duck shows up at Hippo's house to ask him to go for a walk in the rain, Hippo realizes it isn't easy for both of them to fit under Duck's umbrella. But, he finds ways to make it work because they are friends.

Children will love the silly antics of both Duck and Hippo. They will love the illustrations and expressions of their faces. They will learn about problem-solving and finding adjustments to make something work. I just love the color scheme of the illustrations and how adorable Joyner has created the characters. This is a new series with the next book in the series, DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND coming out in August 2017.

Duck and Hippo are true friends despite their differences. This new series about friendship will create a whole new group of fans of the author, Jonathan London ( )

Some popular authors stagnate, unable to move past their popular picture book characters. Others are able to grow and try new things.

This has never been a problem for Jonathan London - best-known for his classic Froggy series, he's a prolific author of many picture books, nonfiction, even a middle grade novel. My personal favorites are his Hippo picture books and one of his latest nonfiction titles, Otters Love to Play. Australian author and illustrator Andrew Joyner is also a versatile creator whose retro-style cartoons decorate many picture books and his own beginning chapter book series, Boris, a popular series in my library.

So, I was not surprised to be delighted and amused by their collaboration. Oddball friends Duck and Hippo are out for a walk in a rainstorm. But their different sizes - and temperaments - cause some problems, especially when they run into crocodiles, a pond, and a gusty wind! Fortunately, they are both good at figuring out solutions and compromise and work together to get through their adventures and back home, safe and sound.

Joyner's colorful, bright pictures are the perfect accompaniment to this classic but fresh pair of friends. Bright splashes of red, rain-washed greens, and stormy skies surround the two on their cozy adventures. The text is a little longer than I'd usually choose for a toddler storytime, but the repetition of phrases and the predictable rise and fall of the plot will hold even wiggly little ones in thrall.

Verdict: Classic but fresh, this is sure to be a delightful addition to your storytime repertoire and collection - and a gentle reminder of the importance of getting along with friends. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781503937239; Published 2017 by Two Lions; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library