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Katrina Hyena, Stand-up Comedian
An early chapter book about a laughing hyena who yearns to be a stand-up comedian that will have kids rolling with laughter
When the spotted hyenas in Katrina’s clan laugh, it’s meant as a warning to alert the clan that danger is near. But that’s not why Katrina laughs. Katrina laughs because she thinks the world is just sooooo funny!
This causes great frustration with the other hyenas. Every single time Katrina starts laughing, they think she’s in danger and rush to help her. What if Gary the Lion is on the prowl?!
Katrina, whose dream is to be a stand-up comedian, thinks her stressed-out clan worries too much about Gary, so she decides to help them relax by putting on a comedy show.
This laugh-out-loud story will have readers developing their own jokes, and the hilarious illustrations will act as a helpful guide for emerging readers, who will devour chapter after chapter. The recurring theme of self-acceptance assures readers that it’s okay to be different, and that sometimes it’s our differences that make us special.
When the spotted hyenas in Katrina’s clan laugh, it’s meant as a warning to alert the clan that danger is near. But that’s not why Katrina laughs. Katrina laughs because she thinks the world is just sooooo funny!
This causes great frustration with the other hyenas. Every single time Katrina starts laughing, they think she’s in danger and rush to help her. What if Gary the Lion is on the prowl?!
Katrina, whose dream is to be a stand-up comedian, thinks her stressed-out clan worries too much about Gary, so she decides to help them relax by putting on a comedy show.
This laugh-out-loud story will have readers developing their own jokes, and the hilarious illustrations will act as a helpful guide for emerging readers, who will devour chapter after chapter. The recurring theme of self-acceptance assures readers that it’s okay to be different, and that sometimes it’s our differences that make us special.
64 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 25, 2024
Katrina Hyena, Stand-up Comedian is a funny book about a hyena who’s a little different from the others. While most hyenas only laugh when there’s danger, Katrina wants to make them laugh out of fun and dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. It’s a great concept, and the pencil-colored illustrations are really wonderful! Children will love this humorous picture book!
August 28, 2024
This story was so cute! I love reading funny picture books with my son. We got to preview read this story, and I honestly love stories that make hyenas out to be a positive character. Katrina does make some great jokes, and we love a silly hyena!
June 22, 2026
This was cute and simple, I like the illustrations. It was well paced and I like that it was broken into chapters for those just starting to read independently. I liked the plot for the most part (though I do wish it had ended maybe ever so slightly differently).
August 4, 2024
Katrina Hyena, Stand-up Comedian
Sophie Kohn
Aparna Varma, Illustrator
Genre: Children’s Beginner Chapter Book
Katrina is a hyena, and she lives in a clan of hyenas (a group of hyenas.) In her clan laughing is a warning to let the other members know there is a danger. Katrina is different, she laughs because she finds things funny. She finds everything funny. The other hyenas are exasperated. Katrina will start laughing (which she does a lot) and the members of the clan think she’s vulnerable and they hurry to help her.
What if Katrina really was in danger? What if Gary the Lion trapped her? What if he attacked her?
The whole clan was upset, stressed out and upset so Katrina did what she does best. She put on a comedy show.
This is a funny book. It has jokes, and funny illustrations.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is very funny, and I love the illustrations, but Katrina was putting herself and her clan at risk. It didn’t make any difference to her. She laughed anyway and did not take any of their warnings to heart. I agree with the be true to yourself message. It’s ok to be different. But is it fair to be “true to yourself” when you are putting others in danger. This book sends out both positive and negative messages. It is selfish to only think of yourself.
Fact: Hyenas make a noise that sounds a lot like laughter. They make the sounds when they are fighting for food, in some type of social conflict. The laugh means they need help, are frustrated or a way to let others know their hyena social status. The laugh lets other hyenas know the presence of food or danger; it can also be used as a greeting or to establish dominance.
Sophie Kohn
Aparna Varma, Illustrator
Genre: Children’s Beginner Chapter Book
Katrina is a hyena, and she lives in a clan of hyenas (a group of hyenas.) In her clan laughing is a warning to let the other members know there is a danger. Katrina is different, she laughs because she finds things funny. She finds everything funny. The other hyenas are exasperated. Katrina will start laughing (which she does a lot) and the members of the clan think she’s vulnerable and they hurry to help her.
What if Katrina really was in danger? What if Gary the Lion trapped her? What if he attacked her?
The whole clan was upset, stressed out and upset so Katrina did what she does best. She put on a comedy show.
This is a funny book. It has jokes, and funny illustrations.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is very funny, and I love the illustrations, but Katrina was putting herself and her clan at risk. It didn’t make any difference to her. She laughed anyway and did not take any of their warnings to heart. I agree with the be true to yourself message. It’s ok to be different. But is it fair to be “true to yourself” when you are putting others in danger. This book sends out both positive and negative messages. It is selfish to only think of yourself.
Fact: Hyenas make a noise that sounds a lot like laughter. They make the sounds when they are fighting for food, in some type of social conflict. The laugh means they need help, are frustrated or a way to let others know their hyena social status. The laugh lets other hyenas know the presence of food or danger; it can also be used as a greeting or to establish dominance.
September 19, 2024
Katrina Hyena just wants to make people laugh. Which, is counterproductive and a little odd because Hyenas only laugh when there is DANGER.
My 5 year old and I really really enjoyed this book! The jokes were adorable and silly, and the message was great. The only thing was having chapters was a little odd and jarring when you're used to regular picture books. But, I completely understand this is marketed as an "early chapter book". I love the message of "following your dreams", and the "villian" was not scary but made to be a little silly (which I appreciated).
The illustrations are great too!
Cute message, silly jokes, lots of fun. Would definitely pick this up in stores!!
My 5 year old and I really really enjoyed this book! The jokes were adorable and silly, and the message was great. The only thing was having chapters was a little odd and jarring when you're used to regular picture books. But, I completely understand this is marketed as an "early chapter book". I love the message of "following your dreams", and the "villian" was not scary but made to be a little silly (which I appreciated).
The illustrations are great too!
Cute message, silly jokes, lots of fun. Would definitely pick this up in stores!!
October 10, 2024
Katrina Hyena, Stan-up Comedian is a short, early chapter book story by Sophie Kohn with illustrations by Aparna Varma. Katrina is a hyena that loves to laugh. This is a problem because hyenas are only supposed to make their trademark laughing sound when danger is close by. They aren't supposed to laugh because something is funny. But Katrina finds things to laugh about everywhere and wants to be a stand up comedian. Can she teach the other hyenas to enjoy comedy as much as she does or will she always be in trouble for sounding false alarms? Illustrator Aparna Varma uses a limited color pallette and a sketchy, free flowing style that brings the characters to life.
June 8, 2025
A cute and innovative book about a hyena who loves to laugh and dreams of being a stand-up comedian. Katrina Hyena enjoys laughing at many things. This puzzles the other hyenas in her clan because hyenas “only laugh to warn others of danger.” I’ll be honest—I did not know this until I read this book! My knowledge of hyenas mainly comes from The Lion King. :) One day, Katrina sees that her hyena friends are sad, so she tries to cheer them up with a stand-up show! Little does she know, there is danger lurking around the hyena clan. How will our hyena friends escape? Will Katrina make her dream of becoming a comedian a reality? Find out!
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Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 90
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Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 90
July 31, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Katrina is different from the other hyenas as she finds the humor all around them. Unfortunately, this means she laughs a lot and causes panic for the others. Readers see how she finds a way to have her dream and and still keep everyone safe. The humor shines through. I appreciate the message of being true to yourself but Katrina is very self focused and doesn't make an effort herself to be sensitive to others. So, a mixed message but worth the read to open dialogue.
Katrina is different from the other hyenas as she finds the humor all around them. Unfortunately, this means she laughs a lot and causes panic for the others. Readers see how she finds a way to have her dream and and still keep everyone safe. The humor shines through. I appreciate the message of being true to yourself but Katrina is very self focused and doesn't make an effort herself to be sensitive to others. So, a mixed message but worth the read to open dialogue.
July 25, 2024
Thanks to SLJ's Picture Book Palooza for a sneak peek!
Kids will LOVE this book (although I really don't think it is a beginning reader. BUt it also has "chapters" which I know will appeal to those kids who think they are too old for picture books.) I love the idea of a stand up comedy act with hyenas. Also, Gary the Lion wanting hot sauce....it's just so humorous.
And it is a book that encourages kids to embrace their differences and their passions because it just might save the day
Kids will LOVE this book (although I really don't think it is a beginning reader. BUt it also has "chapters" which I know will appeal to those kids who think they are too old for picture books.) I love the idea of a stand up comedy act with hyenas. Also, Gary the Lion wanting hot sauce....it's just so humorous.
And it is a book that encourages kids to embrace their differences and their passions because it just might save the day
October 22, 2024
An early chapter book. Very short and silly. Perfect for those early readers who want a fun, silly story. Katrina just wants to make the other hyena's laugh, so she tells some pretty corny jokes. They end up loving it.
August 1, 2024
Crisp, funny writing in a unique format that will appeal to readers bridging the picture book / chapter book divide. Delightful illustrations and clever characters kids will enjoy!
August 4, 2024
Cute, quick read divided into very short chapters.
ARC from Netgalley.
ARC from Netgalley.
August 27, 2024
Meh. Cute enough I guess.
October 25, 2024
Entertaining early chapter book packed with some great jokes.
March 25, 2025
There are just NOT enough kids books starring hyenas! What a blast. :-)
April 30, 2025
No notes.
Art is fuzzy and adorable.
Super simple plot.
Terrible dad jokes told by a hyena working hard to be true to herself.
The kids will love it.
Art is fuzzy and adorable.
Super simple plot.
Terrible dad jokes told by a hyena working hard to be true to herself.
The kids will love it.
September 22, 2024
Fun story about a hyena that wants to do standup. The pictures and story were both really cute. Plus it had toe ultimate dad jokes. My kids would have loved this and wanted it read every night.
5 stars
5 stars
July 15, 2026
Katrina Hyena is not like other hyenas. They laugh to warn the others of different dangers and situations, but Katrina laughs because everything seems so funny to her. She wants to be a stand-up comedian, so when the other hyenas are stressed out because they anre afraid of a lion who is stalking them, Katrina fulfils her dream. Funny story in 11 short easy-to-read chapters with fun illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews