If you should ever get a rhinoceros for a pet, you're in for a surprise. It won't chase a ball. Or a stick. Or a Frisbee. In fact, according to the experts, a rhinoceros does only two things: pop balloons and poke holes in kites.

But don't be discouraged. As you'll discover in Jon Agee's hilarious picture book, rhinoceroses can do more — so much more — than that!

“This everyday fantasy will delight kids and may have them asking for a rhino of their own.” – School Library Journal

Read My Rhinoceros and extend students' enjoyment with these activities:

1. Decorate your library or classroom with colored balloons, streamers, and/or small handmade kites.

2. Read My Rhinoceros to the Story Hour participants and have them share about their favorite parts of the story--ask the participants questions about what happened in the story, or questions about the rhinoceros in the story.

3. Organize a Make-Your-Own-Mini-Kite activity using popsicle sticks and construction paper.

4. Have participants draw their dream pet.

5. Create a simple connect-the-dots reproducible activity in the shape of a kite.

6. Create a simple reproducible maze with the rhinoceros navigating through a park and reaching a hot air balloon.

7. Ask participants if they have pets, and what they think is special about their real pet.

8. Hand out the included coloring sheet and ask kids to complete it with their favorite colors.

9. Have participants share something about their real pet that surprised them when they first found out about it, like the rhinoceros surprised the boy in the story by flying.

10. Have a bunch of balloons tied up at the front of the room and have kids guess how many balloons are in the bunch. Have them write their guesses on paper. Announce the answer. Those who got the right number could receive a special party favor.