Hippopotamister

by John Patrick Green

Overview

"The zoo isn't what it used to be. It's run down, and Hippo hardly ever gets any visitors. So he decides to set off for the outside with his friend Red Panda. To make it in the human world, Hippo will have to become a Hippopotamister: he'll have to act like a human, get a job, and wear a hat as a disguise. He's a good employee, whether he's a construction worker, a hair stylist, or a sous chef. But what he really needs is a job where he can be himself"--

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250801920
Publisher:	First Second
Publication date:	05/11/2021
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

John Patrick Green is a human with the human job of making books about animals with human jobs, notably the smash-hit graphic novel series InvestiGators. John is definitely a multiple New York Times-bestselling human author and not just a bunch of animals in a trench coat pretending to have a human job. With over three million copies of InvestiGators in print, John is a successful human being with only two hands and a normal amount of fur. He lives in a Brooklyn apartment that doesn't allow animals other than the ones living in his head.

Editorial Reviews

Included in School Library Journal's "Best of 2016" list.

"Clever and fun!" —Raina Telgemeier, author of Smile

"Hip, hip, hooray for Hippopotomister!" —Lauren Castillo, author of Nana in the City

"Delightfully sweet. Three cheers for Hippopotamister!" —Jennifer & Matthew Holm, co-creators of Babymouse & Squish

"At it's core, Hippopotomister is a touching friendship tale in the tradition of Frog and Toad and Robot Dreams. But this book will also serve as the perfect roadway for those kids looking for a path from picture books to graphic novels." —Nick Bruel, creator of the Bad Kitty series

"Green’s (Teen Boat!) characters burst with personality, his comedic sense shines, and his visual storytelling skills are solid." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A charming book with a solid message about changing one's life through hard work, imagination, and openness to new experiences." —Kirkus Reviews

"A fun and engaging selection for readers just venturing into graphic novels." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2016-03-02
A hippo discovers that the possibilities are limitless. Hippopotamus' zoo home is in complete disrepair. Since no kids come to visit, the grounds are overgrown, and the animals look unkempt, neglected, and lonely. Bored and frustrated with his life, Hippo leaves the zoo in order to find a job among humans, refashioning himself as a Hippopotamister. But for what profession is a hippo suited? Green's warm illustrations and graphic-novel presentation create an appealing protagonist for his debut children's book as both author and illustrator (with finishing touches by colorist Caro). While the story's tone is more lighthearted than the early Babar books, Hippo's struggle to find his place in the world is reminiscent of that famous elephant's, and it is one with which readers will undoubtedly identify. Red Panda, Hippo's madcap sidekick, is his guide to the human world, and with each occupation they attempt, from hairstylists and construction workers to sous-chefs, Hippo learns more about himself and his hitherto-undiscovered talents. This story contains all of the elements that make the quintessential self-discovery tale so rewarding, as Hippo learns that birthplace need not dictate one's future and that identity and true happiness might lie in merging the new world he discovers with the home he initially leaves. A charming book with a solid message about changing one's life through hard work, imagination, and openness to new experiences. (Graphic fantasy. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews