★ 02/22/2016
Hippopotamus follows his friend Red Panda into the working world after conditions at their zoo deteriorate. It’s Red Panda who nicknames him Hippopotamister—it’s more appropriate when they’re among humans, he says. A self-effacing fellow, Hippopotamus worries on their first day in a restaurant kitchen. “How do I know my food will taste good?” Yet his delicious-looking Hippopasta Primavera shows natural talent. Brash Red Panda—“Trust your instincts, Hippopotamister. Mine never fail me”—not so much. His antipasto consists of “red vine licorice, mushrooms, and car keys.” In a series of comic episodes, the two are hired and fired from a string of jobs. When Hippopotamus returns to the zoo, though, he has assembled the skills he needs to turn the place around—and there’s a special job for Red Panda, too. Green’s (Teen Boat!) characters burst with personality, his comedic sense shines, and his visual storytelling skills are solid. It’s not until well into the story that readers begin to see where the characters’ foibles will take them. The payoff’s unconventional, too, the prospect of a career that’s both meaningful and satisfying. Ages 5–8. (May)
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
04/01/2016
Gr 1–4—In this colorful step into the graphic novel format for younger middle grade readers, pages with panels are interspersed with full-page illustrations in a humorous tale of friendship and adventure. Red Panda and Hippopotamus live in a run-down zoo until Red Panda decides to leave and get a job among humans, eventually convincing Hippo to join him. Red Panda gives Hippo the moniker "Hippopotamister," claiming this will help him fit in with humans. Silliness ensues as the two try a variety of jobs, almost all of which Hippopotamister miraculously excels at while Red Panda fails spectacularly. So many failures have to add up to success eventually, don't they? Indeed, Hippopotamister brainstorms a way to use skills developed in the human world to help his animal friends back at the zoo. Readers will root for modest Hippopotamister as he loyally tolerates his bossy friend. Drawn in graphite and digitally colored, the artwork is bright, clear, and enticing. In one charming spread, Hippo mopes on a rock in the urban zoo; his worried expression turns to enlightenment as the sun sets, the sky darkens, and city lights come on in the background. While the text includes a smattering of sophisticated words, the characters and situations will appeal to younger readers, making this an attractive option for children who read at or above grade level but still prefer books with colorful pictures, funny characters, and innocent story lines. VERDICT A fun and engaging selection for readers just venturing into graphic novels.—Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
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)
