Xlibris Releases Little Hippino -- The New Children's Picture Book by Author Richard Castellane


MUNNSVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 21, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Designed for children ages 7-14, "Little Hippino" sends a strong moral message about the value of compassion, understanding and acceptance of people's differences.

The story is told by an old man who witnesses a gang of young children cruelly teasing two little boys who have obvious physical disabilities. He chastises the gang for their cruelty, and offers to tell them a story about the animal kingdom in which animals thoughtlessly tormented those who were different. The gang is initially unaware that the old man's story contains a powerful statement on the value of judging others for the goodness of their hearts, not upon their physical appearance.

The old man tells the story of "Rosie" the hippo, and "Thunder" the rhino. They fall in love, and despite other animals' objections, they get married, and eventually produce their beloved son, "Little Hippino." They name him "Little Hippino" to celebrate his uniqueness, part of him being hippo, part of him being rhino.

Despite his great kindness and concern for others, "Little Hippino" is cruelly treated by the other animals because he is different. He has one ear like a hippo, the other like a rhino, and a ridiculous crooked little horn. Making matters even worse is the fact that "Little Hippino" can't stay under the water as long as baby hippos, nor can he knock down little trees like baby rhinos. Other animals do not seek to understand the goodness of his heart -- they only see his unusual physical appearance. "Little Hippino" finds himself shunned by all, except for his parents and a few baby animals who are also mistreated because they are different. "Little Hippino's" only friends being Zott, a baby zebra with dots, not stripes; Bouncer, a baby giraffe with short legs and a short neck; Colby, a baby cobra who will only eat fresh fruit and leafy vegetables, etc. Despite being cruelly treated, "Little Hippino" never acts cruelly in return. All he ever wants is to be accepted and understood for the goodness of his heart. A catastrophic event then occurs, threatening all the animals. At that moment, it is only "Little Hippino," because of his unique physical qualities, who can do a deed that will save the animals, including those who have been so cruel. The old man's narrative of "Little Hippino's" actions and how it affects those who have been so cruel, makes a deep and lasting impression upon the street gang.

The story of "Little Hippino" embodies an engaging narrative and highly creative characters and clearly conveys a powerful message about compassion and the value of differences.

Anne Gray Kaback, consultant on early childhood education, and formerly on the faculty of CCNY (where she was a lecturer on early childhood) has stated, "There's not a child who has not felt rejection -- real or imagined. For them the story of 'Little Hippino' will be a great comfort. What comes through in the story is the theme of empathy, kindness and compassion -- qualities hard to come by these days."

About the Author

The author, Richard Castellane, after graduating from Princeton University -- a degree in art and archeology -- continued with graduate studies at Columbia University. He became an art dealer representing such world famous artists as Yayoi Kusama and Robert Smithson. Thereafter, as a second career, he studied law and is a N.Y. attorney. Writing however has always been something that fascinated him, and is now a full-time occupation. Little Hippino is the author's first book for publication. He is quite hopeful of seeing Little Hippino made into a full length animation film -- with some human actors. To that end, the author has written three songs which hopefully will be incorporated into the film.



                Little Hippino -- by Richard Castellane
  Trade Paperback; $30.99; 86 pages; 1-4134-9479-X; 978-1-4134-9479-2
  Cloth Hardback; $40.99; 86 pages; 1-4134-9480-3; 978-1-4134-9480-8

To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 472. Tearsheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marketing Services. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 876.



            

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