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Hippopotamister
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.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2016
14 people are currently reading
1540 people want to read
About the author
John Patrick Green
72 books361 followersJohn Green grew up on Long Island and has worked in New York City ever since graduating from School of Visual Arts for Graphic Design in 1997. He was the comics consultant for Disney Adventures magazine, and in addition to Disney has written, illustrated, or otherwise worked on comics for Nickelodeon, Dreamworks, Scholastic, DC Comics, and First Second Books. When not drawing comics John creates artwork for video games, such as Emerald City Confidential, Puzzle Bots, and Nearly Departed. See more of John's work at www.johngreenart.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
July 4, 2018
Middle grade book about a Hippo and a red panda. They live in a zoo that is in disrepair. The red panda leaves and is working all these great jobs. I like the relationship between Hippo and Red Panda. They are quite opposite and it works out well.
Panda is more surface and Hippo is more substance. Hippo is a great employee while Panda thinks he's a good employee.
The book is a cute little story and it was actually fun. I enjoyed the ending. It's makes up for the last First Second graphic novel I read. Much better.
Panda is more surface and Hippo is more substance. Hippo is a great employee while Panda thinks he's a good employee.
The book is a cute little story and it was actually fun. I enjoyed the ending. It's makes up for the last First Second graphic novel I read. Much better.
November 23, 2016
This book is perfection...everything I look for in a read-alone book for my children. It has the added benefit of being a graphic novel, which is right up their alley these days, though it can be argued that it has all the appeal of a picture book in graphic novel format. Great artwork and a fun story. The overall message here is one that parents will embrace and adore. We should all aspire to be a little more like Hippopotamister. We can all have a positive impact on our community by sharing our skills and embodying kindness. 5 stars for the message alone.
May 28, 2021
Who knew that a hippopotamus could be so handy? In this delightful graphic novel, Hippopotamus is getting some employment help from his friend Red Panda (one of my favorite zoo animals, BTW). They try a number of occupations. None of these jobs work out for some reason. Hippopotamus seems to be thriving, but then you see what Red Panda is up to. . . Then they try doing day care, and the kids flip for Red Panda. Hippopotamus is done with being in the outside world after all that. Could there be a way for him to enjoy all of his skills and help the zoo? Is there a job for Red Panda at the zoo? Colorful illustrations reminiscent of H.A. Rey's 'Curious George' and a satisfying ending will make this a favorite for 5 and up.
first-second-publications
June 14, 2016We're so delighted to publish this wonderful book about Hippo and Red Panda, as they navigate the job market for the first time and try to figure out where they fit into the world.
(I feel like this is a classic Joseph Campbell quest novel structure -- where the characters go out into the world to gain experience and then come home and use it for good on their own communities! How's that for a kids graphic novel?)
The art and the message in this book are both charming -- we hope you enjoy the book!
(I feel like this is a classic Joseph Campbell quest novel structure -- where the characters go out into the world to gain experience and then come home and use it for good on their own communities! How's that for a kids graphic novel?)
The art and the message in this book are both charming -- we hope you enjoy the book!
April 4, 2016
A funny graphic novel, perfect for younger elementary beginning graphic novel readers. Predictable, repeating structure that has a message that will resonate with older readers as well. Kids will laugh at Red Panda's unsuccessful attempts at jobs outside the zoo, while cheering for Hippo's wearing of many hats.
Pair with Ellie by Mike Wu or Extraordinary Warren by Sarah Dillard
Pair with Ellie by Mike Wu or Extraordinary Warren by Sarah Dillard
December 16, 2015
I found this story simply charming! Hippo and Red Panda live in an abandoned and run-down zoo. Red Panda heads off to work in the world of humans, and convinces Hippo to join him. They try all sorts of jobs from chef to dentist to hair stylist but get fired from every one (not for lack of Hippo's skills, though!) In the end, Hippo returns to the zoo and puts all of his new skills to work.
I really loved all of the morals that this story has - from friendship, to never giving up, to showing how every little thing you learn can come in handy some time!
I also loved the colorful and detailed illustrations - and especially the drawing lesson in the back of the book so that readers can draw Hippo and Red Panda in their own adventures!
I really loved all of the morals that this story has - from friendship, to never giving up, to showing how every little thing you learn can come in handy some time!
I also loved the colorful and detailed illustrations - and especially the drawing lesson in the back of the book so that readers can draw Hippo and Red Panda in their own adventures!
March 8, 2017
After leaving their zoo home (which is going to heck in a handbasket) , Hippopotamus and Red Panda must find new jobs as they can no longer simply be a 'hippo' or 'red panda'. They work a variety of jobs. Hippopotamus is a natural at them. Red Panda is not which leads the pairs hopping from one job to the next.
Will Red Panda ever find a job he excels at? And will the pair ever return to their former home, the zoo?
Bottom line: A funny story about discovering your talents.
Will Red Panda ever find a job he excels at? And will the pair ever return to their former home, the zoo?
Bottom line: A funny story about discovering your talents.
May 7, 2016
Review to come!
September 6, 2020
I interviewed John Patrick Green at Baltimore Comic-Con 3 years ago.
You can watch it here!
Although I liked the concept behind Hippopotamister, my oldest (the right age for it at the time) didn't care for it. But now, one of my twins is really into his other series - InvestiGators. Since the second book still isn't out (I think it comes out at the end of this month), I got them Hippopotamister. It was a huge hit tonight.
What I loved is how Green takes what seems like a silly premise (and some good repetition to get the kids laughing) and actually creates a compelling story that builds up in a way that most kids' books neglect to do. There are lots of jokes in the pictures for the kids to laugh at as they get older.
You can watch it here!
Although I liked the concept behind Hippopotamister, my oldest (the right age for it at the time) didn't care for it. But now, one of my twins is really into his other series - InvestiGators. Since the second book still isn't out (I think it comes out at the end of this month), I got them Hippopotamister. It was a huge hit tonight.
What I loved is how Green takes what seems like a silly premise (and some good repetition to get the kids laughing) and actually creates a compelling story that builds up in a way that most kids' books neglect to do. There are lots of jokes in the pictures for the kids to laugh at as they get older.
May 14, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/hi...
Hippopotamister
By John Patrick Green
http://www.johngreenart.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
Hippopotamister is a delightful romp for the young children out there. Simple in form, precise in execution, with outstanding storytelling, John Patrick Green provides a graphic novel that will delight and amuse the young reader. Strong in principles and moral values, Hippopotamister is the type of book that will stimulate young minds, as the protagonists work their way through ordeals, and come out triumphant at the end.
The storytelling is spectacular. John Patrick Green weaves a rather interesting plot around a red panda and hippo that decide the dilapidated zoo is no longer for them and venture out into the world of man. An entertaining series of job searching escapades follow. The story is tight, weaving the anthropomorphic characters quite skillfully into their setting (a generic, any big town, anywhere). The pacing, for a children’s book is quite on the ball, giving a one sitting read out of this. To encourage interactivity, First Second Books and John Patrick Green give drawing lessons any child can follow in order to draw the main characters on new, imaginative adventures. It’s this type of tight writing, with the options that more conundrums await, that will stimulate the child not only to read, but encourage them to pick up a pencil or pen and engage in the oldest form of communication: art.
As for the art in the book, it is also well done. Deceptively simple in style, but magnificent in scope, the art is what any great graphic novel calls for: simplicity. Given the aforementioned “how to draw” section of the book, the characters and their environs, must be simple enough for the child to recreate but complex enough to stimulate the imagination. Hippopotamister treads this line delicately, providing a venue that is both accessible for the young child, yet draws their imagination towards the art and the lure of creating their own adventures in and about the zoo, and the human world. Dazzling with bright colors, the art is reproducible, with naught but a pencil, eraser and any form of coloring tool. John Patrick Green shines here, giving the child grounds for amazing action above and beyond the book, but grounded in the books style. Stylistically speaking, this graphic novel propels the action and titulates the senses.
Plot wise, this is rather linear – an apt choice for the children’s market. Once free of the zoo, the job hunt red panda and what will become the Hippopotamister, a hippo, keeps the reader amused. The jaunts they have are sparklingly funny and what comes next always provides a new guffaw. The antics of the pair delight and amuse, catapulting the reader to more antics of their own devise. Hippopotamister, has an excellent blend of art and word that brings the story to life. Not much is done in the way of characterization, however, and that is largely left to the readers imagination. The moral value is kept high and the right things are done at the end.
All and all, Hippopotamister is a graphic novel that will excite any child, young or old. Equipped to teach the children to continue the adventures of red panda and the hippopotamister, through organized drawing lessons in the back, John Patrick Green proffers a delightful addition to First Second’s line of children’s graphic novels. Fitting hand in glove with Dragon’s Beware, but with its own style, Hippopotamister is a sure pick up for any young reader.
Hippopotamister
By John Patrick Green
http://www.johngreenart.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
Hippopotamister is a delightful romp for the young children out there. Simple in form, precise in execution, with outstanding storytelling, John Patrick Green provides a graphic novel that will delight and amuse the young reader. Strong in principles and moral values, Hippopotamister is the type of book that will stimulate young minds, as the protagonists work their way through ordeals, and come out triumphant at the end.
The storytelling is spectacular. John Patrick Green weaves a rather interesting plot around a red panda and hippo that decide the dilapidated zoo is no longer for them and venture out into the world of man. An entertaining series of job searching escapades follow. The story is tight, weaving the anthropomorphic characters quite skillfully into their setting (a generic, any big town, anywhere). The pacing, for a children’s book is quite on the ball, giving a one sitting read out of this. To encourage interactivity, First Second Books and John Patrick Green give drawing lessons any child can follow in order to draw the main characters on new, imaginative adventures. It’s this type of tight writing, with the options that more conundrums await, that will stimulate the child not only to read, but encourage them to pick up a pencil or pen and engage in the oldest form of communication: art.
As for the art in the book, it is also well done. Deceptively simple in style, but magnificent in scope, the art is what any great graphic novel calls for: simplicity. Given the aforementioned “how to draw” section of the book, the characters and their environs, must be simple enough for the child to recreate but complex enough to stimulate the imagination. Hippopotamister treads this line delicately, providing a venue that is both accessible for the young child, yet draws their imagination towards the art and the lure of creating their own adventures in and about the zoo, and the human world. Dazzling with bright colors, the art is reproducible, with naught but a pencil, eraser and any form of coloring tool. John Patrick Green shines here, giving the child grounds for amazing action above and beyond the book, but grounded in the books style. Stylistically speaking, this graphic novel propels the action and titulates the senses.
Plot wise, this is rather linear – an apt choice for the children’s market. Once free of the zoo, the job hunt red panda and what will become the Hippopotamister, a hippo, keeps the reader amused. The jaunts they have are sparklingly funny and what comes next always provides a new guffaw. The antics of the pair delight and amuse, catapulting the reader to more antics of their own devise. Hippopotamister, has an excellent blend of art and word that brings the story to life. Not much is done in the way of characterization, however, and that is largely left to the readers imagination. The moral value is kept high and the right things are done at the end.
All and all, Hippopotamister is a graphic novel that will excite any child, young or old. Equipped to teach the children to continue the adventures of red panda and the hippopotamister, through organized drawing lessons in the back, John Patrick Green proffers a delightful addition to First Second’s line of children’s graphic novels. Fitting hand in glove with Dragon’s Beware, but with its own style, Hippopotamister is a sure pick up for any young reader.
September 18, 2016
Okay so to preface this as I will be reviewing quite a large number of young adult literature now by nature of my new job as a school librarian and hey the books are colorful, engaging and written to entertain so I am ecstatic about reviewing kids books and going back to their world of humor, lessons, drama and a problem that are introduced and solved in 100 pages or less..their books teach me how to be a carefree kid again and I am having so much fun reading them...and meeting authors..So yea another piece of amazing news I actually met this author he came in to present this hilarious sweet lil graphic novel to my 2nd graders (they loved him) and left a copy for our library AKA my reading pleasure before it is shelved LOL and I had such a great time with this book :) It is reminiscent of Madagascar as the characters are zoo animals looking for more and two unlikely friends of a Hippopotamus and a red panda decide to leave the zoo and get real jobs as the zoo is in a state of decline and none of the animals are happy there.. So Hippo and Red Panda set out to take on the world with new jobs as construction workers, bankers, hair stylists, chefs and while Hippo does amazing at his jobs Red Panda keeps getting them fired and honestly each scenario is so cute and engaging you just want to keep reading and reading..you really love these charming characters and the drawings really pull you in...The tenets of never giving up, looking out for your friends, doing what makes you happy and being your best are all through this enjoyable read and I can truly see children and adults of all ages loving this book..it was a true joy to read and talking to him I can see he loved it too...recommended for second graders on up, basically for everyone just too cute!!
July 16, 2016
Hippopotamister is a graphic novel tale featuring best friends Hippo and Red Panda, who reside in an old City Zoo. The zoo has become rundown and no one visits anymore. In desperation Red Panda leaves to find a better life. Since Hippo is his longtime friend, he returns often to convince Hippo to leave his tired life at the zoo behind too. Finally he's convinced and dressed as a Hippopotamister, since only humans can get jobs, the two set off to find jobs at a construction site. Hippo's lack of experience plagues his self confidence, but with Red Panda's encouragement he tries his best. As each job ends in disaster, Hippo finally returns to his zoo, and secretly makes some much needed improvements. In this feel good wondrously illustrated graphic novel, a powerful yet lightly delivered message is imparted to joyful readers. Looking closely viewers will find clever touches, the lion resembles Disney's Lion King, some of the visitors resemble the author's nephews, and the humorous watercolor cartoons in this graphic novel will keep young readers engaged. A refreshing and much longer graphic novel choice for the early chapter book crowd.
June 8, 2016
Not since the early days of Candlewick have I ever felt that a publisher so consistently published wonderful things, every book something I like. Of course this book was great-it's published by First Second! I found out about this book in a slideshow of books nominated for "The Undies" ( http://www.designofthepicturebook.com... )-books with cool/interesting/clever/story expanding covers underneath the book jacket.
I really liked this clever story, which as soon as I saw where it was going was eager to see come to fruition. Hippo and Red Panda are charming characters. Panda's unbridled optimism and enthusiasm is very funny, and Hippo's skills are awesome.
A very satisfying read (or read-aloud.)
I really liked this clever story, which as soon as I saw where it was going was eager to see come to fruition. Hippo and Red Panda are charming characters. Panda's unbridled optimism and enthusiasm is very funny, and Hippo's skills are awesome.
A very satisfying read (or read-aloud.)
July 31, 2016
Adorable graphic novel about a hippopotamus and a red panda who live in a broken down zoo. Red Panda decides to leave and every week he visits Hippo to talk about how his latest career is going. Eventually Hippo decides to join him out in the real world and become a "HippopotaMister". Hippopotamister turns out to be very good at every career he tries, but Red Panda always seems to get them fired, until they try working at a day care center when Red Panda becomes a success, but Hippopotamister almost sits on someone... They go back to the zoo and things are worse than ever, but Hippo might be able to use his newly gained skills to fix some things around the zoo.
June 3, 2016
This is a cute picture book done in a comic book style. The book is mostly narrated with narration blocks in the frames with some added dialogue balloons. Hippo and Red Panda discover a variety of jobs out in the "real" world but Hippo is never really satisfied. When he comes back to the zoo he sees he's learned a lot of new skills and puts them to work refurbishing the zoo and other animals. No big morals just mostly a look at career options and putting your skills to use to make a better world. Cute illustration!.
December 17, 2015
A story of friendship and finding oneself. Adorable Red Panda convinces the hard-working hippo to leave the failing Zoo and find a job among the humans, It turns out the the Hippopotamister is good at a lot of things, and after he learns all that he can from the outside world, he goes back to save the Zoo! Delightfully drawn and sure to be devoured by young readers.
Full disclosure: I received this ARC through Netgalley.
Full disclosure: I received this ARC through Netgalley.
June 5, 2017
I love, love, LOVE this book! The incredible design of the dust jacket, the case and the endpapers will draw you in before you even read the first words. Once inside, readers will chuckle over the illustrations, feel a bit of sympathy for Red Panda and cheer on Hippo. This graphic novel belongs in EVERY primary classroom and library. Hippopotamister will be one that kids read again and again.
May 17, 2016
This one has all the checkmarks for a fantastic graphic novel for very early readers - simple yet engaging story, two delightful main characters, repetition, appealing artwork and big open panels, a powerful yet sweet message and a ton of heart. Super.
July 27, 2016
Picked this up from a library display because my daughter loves hippos. The book is a bit young for both of my kids at this point but it was a fun read. There were jokes that made me laugh out loud. Got to discuss with my younger child about what it means to "wear many hats".
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May 2, 2016Blog Tour May 20th!
December 14, 2016
Adorable. I'll be recommending this (and Little Robot) to kiddos who are transitioning into slightly longer stories, but aren't quite ready for early chapter books.
February 7, 2017
This was a cute graphic novel for younger readers
February 19, 2017
Adorable and clever! A perfect entry into graphic novels for young readers.
March 14, 2017
What's not to love about a graphic novel featuring an adorable Hippo?! Thanks to Chelsey for pointing me to it, especially knowing my love of Hippos! Read it, you won't regret it!
March 19, 2017
Very short graphic novel.
February 9, 2018
It was good, I'm just bitter that two animals got more jobs straight out of the zoo than I ever got out of college XD
September 22, 2019
Resident at a run-down dilapidated old zoo, Hippo longs to join his friend Red Panda out in the wider world in this hilarious graphic novel for the younger chapter-book set. When Panda invites him along on his next attempt to disguise himself as a human and find work, Hippo jumps at the chance. But although Hippo triumphs in almost everything they attempt, from hair-cutting to cooking, Panda himself is less than successful. As his friend grows ever more resentful, Hippo himself realizes that becoming a Hippopotamister - a hat-wearing, human-mimicking jack-of-a-trades - isn't making him very happy. Is there anything he can do that will give him a purpose, while also providing him with a sense of satisfaction? What about Red Panda? Can these friends be themselves, and still stay employed...?
I'm very happy indeed that I had the chance to read Hippopotamister, due out this coming May, a little early, as it is an entertaining little tale, one both humorous and heart-warming. I guessed the eventual resolution to Hippo's quest for the perfect job midway through - it makes sense, and allows him to utilize all the experience he has gained in his various occupations - but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment, as the story unfolded. The text here is quite amusing - the description of each job is humorously apt - and the colorful artwork engaging. Recommended to younger children, particularly those just getting going with chapter-books, who enjoy animal stories and/or graphic novels.
I'm very happy indeed that I had the chance to read Hippopotamister, due out this coming May, a little early, as it is an entertaining little tale, one both humorous and heart-warming. I guessed the eventual resolution to Hippo's quest for the perfect job midway through - it makes sense, and allows him to utilize all the experience he has gained in his various occupations - but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment, as the story unfolded. The text here is quite amusing - the description of each job is humorously apt - and the colorful artwork engaging. Recommended to younger children, particularly those just getting going with chapter-books, who enjoy animal stories and/or graphic novels.
May 4, 2021
A cute graphic novel following the adventures of Red Panda and Hippo as they leave their crumbling zoo and try different human jobs. Red Panda is a mischievous one though and the two always wind up fired (though Hippo's skills are always on point with the work). Job to job they go, looking for something to fit them both. Soon Hippo realizes all the skills he has for human jobs can be used to fix up the zoo and him and Red Panda (after a small argument) work together to create the best one ever!
This was a great story about friendship and applying yourself to whatever you want to do.
And yes, I did pick this up because it has a Red Panda in it.
This was a great story about friendship and applying yourself to whatever you want to do.
And yes, I did pick this up because it has a Red Panda in it.
April 30, 2025
Cute. Hippo and friend Red Panda live at the zoo. Red Panda goes out into the world and reports back to Hippo about all the awesome jobs it has. One day, Hippo decides he wants to try this out too. Red Panda gets them a job at a construction site, but Red Panda may have exaggerated its awesomeness at jobs, because he gets them fired. They keep trying out new jobs (hairstylist, dentist) and Hippo is great at them, but Red Panda... not so much. Until the reverse happens and they return to the zoo, where Hippo finds a way to put his skills to work. Quick and fun.
August 21, 2020
This is the first true graphic novel I’ve read to my kids, so I have nothing to compare this to. My kids LOVED this. It’s was a quick read and a super fun, cute story. The overall message is great too: using your gifts/talents to make your community a better place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews