Fiona the Hippo - (A Fiona the Hippo Book) by Zondervan (Board Book)

About the Book

The "New York Times"-bestselling artist ("Bad Dog, Marley") tells the story of Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo who captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Fiona, the famous hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, was not expected to live, born prematurely at only 29 pounds. But her inspiring story of spunk and determination captured hearts around the world. Cheer on smart, sassy, and fearless Fiona as she defeats the odds and becomes a happy, healthy hippopotamus.

Fiona the Hippo, by?New York Times?bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey (Bad Dog, Marley), is a heroine for children and adults everywhere, and she will steal hearts and give readers the courage to face whatever challenges they might have in their own lives.

Fiona the Hippo board book:

• Is an inspiring true story: Follow Fiona's journey from a premature baby hippo to a healthy, happy star, teaching kids the power of perseverance and positivity.
• Encourages resilience and determination: Fiona's story shows children ages 0-4 that anything is possible when they never give up, no matter the odds.
• Features lovable zoo friends: Introduces readers to Fiona's charming animal companions.
• Makes a great gift: For baby showers, holidays, or other gift-giving occasions, this lovely board book will be a delight.

Check out other titles in the Fiona the Hippo series:

• Fiona, It's Bedtime
• A Very Fiona Christmas
• Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt
• Happy Halloween, Fiona
• Happy Birthday, Fiona
• Fiona, Love at the Zoo

Review Quotes

Cowdrey (Bad Dog, Marley!) takes an anthropomorphic approach to Fiona's story by introducing a cast of talking zoo animals eager to meet her. Fiona is rendered with a big smile, long eyelashes, and a chunky pink-gray body. Cowdrey conveys the excitement surrounding her birth (zoo attendees in scrubs surround Fiona, taking pictures on their cell phones), and describes Fiona's developmental milestones: she drinks from a bottle and learns to walk and swim. The other animals, which include a tortoise, flamingo, giraffe, and bear, are as captivated by Fiona as her human fans--and Fiona finally wants to meet them, too: 'and thinsp;'Did you hear that?' 'It's our turn to play with the baby!'and thinsp;' Though Cowdrey doesn't give readers much sense of the peril Fiona initially faced, the exuberant animal characters offer an engaging introduction to her story. Ages 4--8. (Aug.)--Publishers Weekly

A beloved social media star makes a splash again, this time in picture book form. Fiona the hippo was born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo in January 2017. Her precarious arrival and well-documented milestones during her first year of life have made her an international hit online, and her story is loosely retold here. The illustrations of the spirited little hippo with curly eyelashes and other cute animals will charm audiences. Young readers will be encouraged by Fiona's story of perseverance in the face of many challenges, such as learning to walk and swim. They will enjoy chanting her mantra throughout the story: 'she let out a snort, wiggled her ears, and said, 'I've got this!' ' While adorable, it's no surprise that this title was created in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Fiona is often anthropomorphized in real life, and this book is no exception. The upbeat zoo inhabitants roam freely as they discuss her and are eager to play with her; Fiona giggles and talks. VERDICT Readers looking for facts about Fiona or hippo development in general should look elsewhere, but young fans who can't get enough of baby Fiona will be delighted.-Elissa Cooper, Helen Plum Memorial Library, Lombard IL--School Library Journal