Rhinos Don't Cry - Mark Grist - ★★★★★

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AUTHOR: Mark Grist
ILLUSTRATOR: Chris Jevons
GENRE: Children's Picture Book.
RATING: 5 stars.

In a Nutshell: Such a cute story, shattering the stereotype about how brave people don’t cry. A perfect package – Loved it!


Milo the rhino loves to do all sorts of rhino-y things. He spends his day busy with activities such as singing and painting and mountain-bike riding, and happily indulges in all. But there’s one thing Milo can’t do – he can’t cry. Why? Because rhinos don’t cry! Milo learnt this rule from his favourite hero during a movie scene. No matter what hardship he faces, Milo sticks to this rule. But one day, his beloved pet cat Pickles goes missing. His rule now becomes quite tough to adhere to.

You might think you can guess what happens next, and what you guessed is quite possibly right. But there’s a surprise twist as well, one that made me laugh out loud!

Crying is quite a healthy habit, and many emotional issues that kids (especially boys) have is because they have always been told to suppress their emotions. This book shatters that myth, and shows how it is perfectly okay to cry and express your honest emotions.

I just loved this story, written in simple text but speaking such volumes. I initially assumed that the theme would be about how boys don’t cry, but the book expands this concept and depicts how what screen icons say influences their young fans to follow their words blindly. Thus the content hits at a dual level, with both lessons being equally important.

The message might be a serious one but the book has a few funny moments as well. I am sure kids will laugh aloud at some of the antics in the second half.

A picture book is made great with a great moral, but is even greater when its illustrations hit the spot. And oh my, what lovely illustrations this book has! Right from little Milo and his adventurous activities, to his teary eyes when he is trying hard not to cry, to his pet cat and his toy teddy bear – everything is a treat for our senses. The colours are nice and bright, and the sketches have plenty of background detailing that enhance the story. Can’t forget to mention Momma Rhino with her perfectly dabbed lipstick! 😂

Definitely recommended in homes as well as in schools. It’s the perfect way of conveying a valuable message in a memorable and fun way. The writing level suits ages 3-6.

My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and NetGalley for the DRC of “Rhinos Don't Cry”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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