"Here comes Rhinoceros. / Beautiful as a mountain. / A tiny bird settles on his back, / gentle as a snowflake, / and chirps. / A tiny bird, / a fellow traveller / who flies away too soon." And so begins this lovely, poetic look at a grey rhinoceros, so like a mountain in many respects, who wishes he were as free as the little white slowflake (AKA bird) who sometimes rides upon him. Fortunately, the rhino's friends are able to convince him that he is perfect just as he is, and the little bird, who in turn wishes to be solid and heavy, shows him that all creatures sometimes wish to be different than they are...

Originally published in German as Kommt das Nashorn, this beautifully-written, beautifully-illustrated picture-book was included in the "White Ravens" catalogue by the International Youth Library, which highlights the best children's books of the year, from forty different nations, and in more than thirty languages. I can certainly see why Here Comes Rhinoceros made the list, as the narrative is understated but evocative, with the repeated comparison of the rhino to a mountain working very well to communicate the central message of the tale. The accompanying artwork by Bansch, whose own picture-book, I Want a Dog!, is quite charming, is likewise understated but appealing, done in sepia tones that match the African plains setting. Recommended to anyone who appreciated beautiful picture-books, and to anyone looking for children's stories about accepting yourself for who you are. ( )