When young Rosana visits the zoo and hears a strange voice speak to her, she is shocked to discover that the voice belongs to a hippopotamus! The hippo, who insists on being called Mister H, politely
When young Rosana visits the zoo and hears a strange voice speak to her, she is shocked to discover that the voice belongs to a hippopotamus! The hippo, who insists on being called Mister H, politely asks her to release him from his habitat. Once free, Mister H begins to explore the world around him. But how will people react when they see a hippo roaming the streets? And will Mister H be able to find his true home?
This funny, one-of-a-kind illustrated novel will keep even the most reluctant readers entertained.
The Horn Book Guide
"Stylish illustrations lend a mid-century vibe to Nesquens's offbeat story. The Spanish import will appeal to confident chapter-book readers."
Booklist
"This episodic adventure brings a magical element into everyday life."
Children's Literature
"Both author and artist produce children's books in Spanish with a different look, a certain charm, and quite a bit of success. Here they collaborate to bring middle readers the story of a talking hippo who walks out of a zoo to find his home in Africa. . . . Lozano's especially good at cities full of retro-style charm, rendered in black pencil and acrylic (or computer) with lots of bright, present-day color and offbeat angles."
Children's Illustration
"A goofy short chapter book about a talking hippo's quest to return home to his jungle in Africa. . . . The hippo and the plot meander (in a good, Syd Hoff kind of way) and the story comes to an open-ended/existential ending. The confident, airy and stylish paintings by Luciano Lozano are reminiscent of Roger Duvoisin and Miroslav Sasek, with a little James Marshall in there too, and add to the breezy feel of the story."
Catholic Library World
"Despite its whimsical illustrations, short chapters, and large print, this book is not as simple as it looks. . . . Will register most fully with confident young readers who have a taste for satire and the absurd."
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