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Где-то там гиппопотам
Такого диковинного письма Бен раньше не получал: оно выглядит так, будто прилетело прямиком из эпохи Шерлока Холмса, да ещё и доставили его… пчёлы! В конверте, запечатанном сургучом, - небольшая открытка-приглашение с подписью: "Заходи на часок". Заходить? В Музей Гарнер-Ги? Но Бен даже о нём не слышал! И в интернете нет ни строчки - будто музей давно закрыт. А он и на самом деле может скоро перестать существовать. Спасти его может только Бен - с помощью волшебных экспонатов самого музея, которые совсем не хотят оказаться на помойке или пылиться в запасниках у какого-нибудь суперсовременного научного комплекса. 10-летнего героя ожидает череда открытий, одно другого изумительнее. В том числе - разгадка семейной тайны отца.
Детективная история, придуманная и проиллюстрированная Хелен Купер (родилась в 1963 году), выдержана в духе готических романов. Юному герою предстоит разобраться, почему загадочное приглашение принесли именно ему, какие тайны скрывают залы музея, а главное - почему он видел во сне какого-то гиппопотама.
Детективная история, придуманная и проиллюстрированная Хелен Купер (родилась в 1963 году), выдержана в духе готических романов. Юному герою предстоит разобраться, почему загадочное приглашение принесли именно ему, какие тайны скрывают залы музея, а главное - почему он видел во сне какого-то гиппопотама.
456 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2017
33 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cooper
62 books106 followersHelen Sonia Cooper is a British illustrator and an author of children's literature. She grew up in Cumbria, where she practiced literature and piano playing. She currently lives in Oxford.
Cooper has twice been awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. She won for The Baby Who Wouldn't Go To Bed in 1996, which she wrote and illustrated. In 1998 she won for Pumpkin Soup, which she also wrote and illustrated. They were consecutive projects for her.
Beside winning the two Greenaway Medals (no one has won three), Cooper made the shortlist for The Bear Under the Stairs (Doubleday, 1993) and Tatty Ratty (Doubleday, 2001).
As well as her solo picture books, Cooper writes picture book texts for other illustrators, and also illustrates her own middle grade fiction - most recently, The Taming of the Cat' published by Faber and Faber in the UK.
WorldCat reports that Pumpkin Soup is her work most widely held in participating libraries.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See here for more details
Cooper has twice been awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. She won for The Baby Who Wouldn't Go To Bed in 1996, which she wrote and illustrated. In 1998 she won for Pumpkin Soup, which she also wrote and illustrated. They were consecutive projects for her.
Beside winning the two Greenaway Medals (no one has won three), Cooper made the shortlist for The Bear Under the Stairs (Doubleday, 1993) and Tatty Ratty (Doubleday, 2001).
As well as her solo picture books, Cooper writes picture book texts for other illustrators, and also illustrates her own middle grade fiction - most recently, The Taming of the Cat' published by Faber and Faber in the UK.
WorldCat reports that Pumpkin Soup is her work most widely held in participating libraries.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See here for more details
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 8, 2019
The Hippo at the End of the Hall by Helen Cooper is a delightful middle grade book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This book is rich in fantasy and fun! It held my interest with it's great plot, good and evil characters, talking stuffed animals, magic, a witch, and so much more! A great steady pace that never let up! A magical museum is in danger, an unlikely hero, magical creatures, evil humans want to get the museum by any means, fantastic illustrations, and a happy ending! What more could you ask for! Loved it!!!
October 13, 2019
A strange invitation to the Gee Museum arrives at Ben's house. His mom is always busy with her shop, so he decides to go by himself. Turns out, the museum is a very magical place and some bad people are trying to destroy it. Ben knows that he has to do everything he can to save the museum and its magical exhibits.
This is such a magical story for middle grade kids! The Gee Museum seems like such a fantastical place! I wish it was real....I would definitely be first in line to have a tour!
The story is pure magic. The illustrations are awesome! This book would be great to read out loud at home or in a classroom/homeschool setting. It would be so easy to incorporate all sorts of lessons along with the story...writing prompts, a trip to a local museum, art projects....lots of possibilities!
Well-written. Colorful, vibrant front cover. Engaging illustrations. Very enjoyable book!!
This is the first book by Helen Cooper that I've read. I love to read children's books, so I'm sure I will be reading more of her work! She's written quite a few middle grade books. As I looked through her list, I definitely saw more than just a couple that I want to read!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Candlewick Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This is such a magical story for middle grade kids! The Gee Museum seems like such a fantastical place! I wish it was real....I would definitely be first in line to have a tour!
The story is pure magic. The illustrations are awesome! This book would be great to read out loud at home or in a classroom/homeschool setting. It would be so easy to incorporate all sorts of lessons along with the story...writing prompts, a trip to a local museum, art projects....lots of possibilities!
Well-written. Colorful, vibrant front cover. Engaging illustrations. Very enjoyable book!!
This is the first book by Helen Cooper that I've read. I love to read children's books, so I'm sure I will be reading more of her work! She's written quite a few middle grade books. As I looked through her list, I definitely saw more than just a couple that I want to read!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Candlewick Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
November 30, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I wondered why this book didn't do well back in 2018, or at least as well as I thought it should. It's a great little book about bees that deliver mail, magic, strange museums, and a missing father, not to mention all the fantastic illustrations done by the author that fill the pages. They're really quite beautiful. The cover of my ARC is also fantastic and I hope they used the same one for the final publication.
From cover to cover, this book proves to be a middle-grade accomplishment with fantastical magic and a search into a family's history. The characters are sweet and endearing and very clever. Lots of mystery and adventure to be had and plenty of wild magic to make it so.
The author's voice is mesmerizing and distinctive; the pacing rich and fast. Lots to imagine, plenty of illustrations to see. Filled with hope and friendship; a perfect blend of coming to life amazing and battle of wits expose.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I wondered why this book didn't do well back in 2018, or at least as well as I thought it should. It's a great little book about bees that deliver mail, magic, strange museums, and a missing father, not to mention all the fantastic illustrations done by the author that fill the pages. They're really quite beautiful. The cover of my ARC is also fantastic and I hope they used the same one for the final publication.
From cover to cover, this book proves to be a middle-grade accomplishment with fantastical magic and a search into a family's history. The characters are sweet and endearing and very clever. Lots of mystery and adventure to be had and plenty of wild magic to make it so.
The author's voice is mesmerizing and distinctive; the pacing rich and fast. Lots to imagine, plenty of illustrations to see. Filled with hope and friendship; a perfect blend of coming to life amazing and battle of wits expose.
November 13, 2019
This book by Helen Cooper is one you don't want to miss! Thanks to Candlewick for the copy!
If you like a fantasy for middle readers and if you love just a few illustrations in chapter books, and if you like those tense, scary moments that make you stand up to take a wee break and pace around a bit before going back to the page, this is the book. The first time in the US, published in the UK a couple of years ago, I am so glad to have read The Hippo at the End of the Hall. It all revolves around a young boy, Ben, with a single mom, trying hard to make ends meet via a little shop above their basement apartment. An invitation arrives with the milk, delivered by bees. It's one from the Gee Museum, "Come Now or Come Never", and Ben, never before deceiving his mother, takes off to discover answers to questions he has held to, but never thought would be answered. His father was lost at sea. His mother won't talk about him. And somehow Ben keeps secret a dream (or was it?) from years ago where his father had taken him to meet someone, to visit, and at the end of the hall, was a hippopotamus! Ben certainly now wants to know more. After all, he has that invitation!
The book takes place over only a few days, but it fills one up with museum delights, often called "curiosities". There is danger lurking from greedy landgrabbers and a terrible rainstorm, plus a witch who may or may not be good. Animals can talk, yet only a few people hear them or listen. A few, like the hippo and an owl, stand with Ben no matter the danger! I adored every bit of this tale, would think it would please many young fantasy lovers and make a great read-aloud! Both text and pictures are by Helen Cooper.
One added personal note! Helen Cooper has won the Kate Greenaway medal twice, for Pumpkin Soup and The Boy Who Wouldn't Go To Bed. In the author's note, Helen writes of the genesis of the story, her fascination with museums. Among others, she highlights The Harvard Museum of Natural History. I was so excited because I have been there and I have seen the hippo! It is a fascinating museum, has a fabulous exhibit of glass flowers and sad-to-see, the last dodo.
If you like a fantasy for middle readers and if you love just a few illustrations in chapter books, and if you like those tense, scary moments that make you stand up to take a wee break and pace around a bit before going back to the page, this is the book. The first time in the US, published in the UK a couple of years ago, I am so glad to have read The Hippo at the End of the Hall. It all revolves around a young boy, Ben, with a single mom, trying hard to make ends meet via a little shop above their basement apartment. An invitation arrives with the milk, delivered by bees. It's one from the Gee Museum, "Come Now or Come Never", and Ben, never before deceiving his mother, takes off to discover answers to questions he has held to, but never thought would be answered. His father was lost at sea. His mother won't talk about him. And somehow Ben keeps secret a dream (or was it?) from years ago where his father had taken him to meet someone, to visit, and at the end of the hall, was a hippopotamus! Ben certainly now wants to know more. After all, he has that invitation!
The book takes place over only a few days, but it fills one up with museum delights, often called "curiosities". There is danger lurking from greedy landgrabbers and a terrible rainstorm, plus a witch who may or may not be good. Animals can talk, yet only a few people hear them or listen. A few, like the hippo and an owl, stand with Ben no matter the danger! I adored every bit of this tale, would think it would please many young fantasy lovers and make a great read-aloud! Both text and pictures are by Helen Cooper.
One added personal note! Helen Cooper has won the Kate Greenaway medal twice, for Pumpkin Soup and The Boy Who Wouldn't Go To Bed. In the author's note, Helen writes of the genesis of the story, her fascination with museums. Among others, she highlights The Harvard Museum of Natural History. I was so excited because I have been there and I have seen the hippo! It is a fascinating museum, has a fabulous exhibit of glass flowers and sad-to-see, the last dodo.
April 5, 2020
Dnf around 25%
The Hippo at the End of the Hall started off so strong - the writing was lyrical and beautiful, the hook was interesting, and the whole story seemed infused with magic.
Unfortunately, the magic leaks out pretty quickly, and the story wanders off into a place I didn't quite get. It involves taxidermied animals whose - what, spirit? Consciousness? Lingers on and can talk to children (but not to adults, who only hear what they expect to hear).
Morbid, but pretty standard. What I found harder to get behind was that these were all African animals "collected" by Victorian British colonizers. There's no real critique of any of this as far as I can tell, and I just can't wade through the muddle the story dissolved into anymore.
The Hippo at the End of the Hall started off so strong - the writing was lyrical and beautiful, the hook was interesting, and the whole story seemed infused with magic.
Unfortunately, the magic leaks out pretty quickly, and the story wanders off into a place I didn't quite get. It involves taxidermied animals whose - what, spirit? Consciousness? Lingers on and can talk to children (but not to adults, who only hear what they expect to hear).
Morbid, but pretty standard. What I found harder to get behind was that these were all African animals "collected" by Victorian British colonizers. There's no real critique of any of this as far as I can tell, and I just can't wade through the muddle the story dissolved into anymore.
July 26, 2020
This story was as magical as the cover, nay the title suggests! You've got messages delivered by bees, invitations to curious museums with even curiouser sites on display, mysterious curators that feel oddly familiar, and a scheme to bring it all to the ground for the sake of a few dollars made. It was wonderful to get to know Ben and all the unexpected characters between these pages, including an actual witch (to be scared or not be scared...that's a HARD question!), and the hippo that the title hints at. A definite recommend for readers who like a little adventure, who aren't afraid to let loose their imaginations, and can't stand to let go of the last strands of hope.
**ARC received for review; opinions are my own
**ARC received for review; opinions are my own
August 21, 2019
Ben receives an invitation to the Gee Museum delivered by bees.
He goes.
There he finds a dilapidated museum, and he meets talking animals and he learns that developers have concocted a scheme to ruin the Gee Museum.
It's a wild ride of a story, complete with mystery and magic and and bad guys and danger, with illustrations on almost every page of the book.
I loved this book. I can't wait to see what children make of it.
He goes.
There he finds a dilapidated museum, and he meets talking animals and he learns that developers have concocted a scheme to ruin the Gee Museum.
It's a wild ride of a story, complete with mystery and magic and and bad guys and danger, with illustrations on almost every page of the book.
I loved this book. I can't wait to see what children make of it.
July 4, 2019
I was sent an eARC of this through NetGalley for my honest feedback.
4.5 stars out of 5.
A delightful story of a young boy discovering more about his family history, spun together with whimsy and adventure.
Highly recommend for fans of stories such as Night At The Museum, Peter Pan or Jumanji.
4.5 stars out of 5.
A delightful story of a young boy discovering more about his family history, spun together with whimsy and adventure.
Highly recommend for fans of stories such as Night At The Museum, Peter Pan or Jumanji.
August 22, 2023
3.5. Read this aloud with my husband. Fun, lively story. We both enjoyed it
September 10, 2023
3.5
Jus and I read this aloud together. Fun story...engaging!
Jus and I read this aloud together. Fun story...engaging!
September 10, 2023
A fun story! Read aloud with Di. 😊
May 21, 2020
Because this delightful book had been read to my granddaughters, I was 'forced' to read it, too, so that we could talk about it together.
While this tale, about a young boy on a magical adventure to find out about his life, is clearly intended for the younger crowd, yet often dealts with very much adult themes (loss of a husband/father, fighting the bad-establishment and family loyalties). His journey allows him to confront the adult world through a magical imagination, with the help of a shrewd shrew, a clever chameleon and a pygmy hippo. But the real strength of this book, other than a 'feel-good', moral tale, is that it might encourage young people to be hungry for the next book. That's the real magic hidden at the end of the hall!
Hopefully, I'll be 'forced' to read many more books like this in the future!
While this tale, about a young boy on a magical adventure to find out about his life, is clearly intended for the younger crowd, yet often dealts with very much adult themes (loss of a husband/father, fighting the bad-establishment and family loyalties). His journey allows him to confront the adult world through a magical imagination, with the help of a shrewd shrew, a clever chameleon and a pygmy hippo. But the real strength of this book, other than a 'feel-good', moral tale, is that it might encourage young people to be hungry for the next book. That's the real magic hidden at the end of the hall!
Hopefully, I'll be 'forced' to read many more books like this in the future!
November 9, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Hippo at the End of the Hall is a chapter fantasy book for middle readers by Helen Cooper. Released 8th Oct 2019 by Candlewick Press, it's 352 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This book charmed me from the very first page. The elements of a classic fantasy are skillfully interwoven: a museum full of magic which is threatened by evil property development and skullduggery, a likeable 'everykid' protagonist, some fairly clueless but well meaning adults, and magical bees plus a hippo. The story and illustrations remind me in a very good way of Roald Dahl. There's something special about books for younger readers whose authors are NOT afraid to shy away from crises in their stories. This book isn't all gentleness and sugary sweetness. The antagonists are creepy, sleazy, and straight up mean.
The illustrations are wonderful. The early eARC which I received had intentionally lowered resolution in order to maintain a reasonable transfer file size, but even slightly fuzzy, they were magical. I -loved- the illustrations and to me, they were probably the highlight. I really really enjoyed the afterword by the artist/author and I imagine the encouraging words, read by young artists, would be particularly timely and welcome.
It's a standalone, but the setup and denouement certainly wouldn't rule out more stories, and I hope there are more in store. This is a very special book, and I encourage anyone who likes fantasy, magic, art, or museums to read this one.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Hippo at the End of the Hall is a chapter fantasy book for middle readers by Helen Cooper. Released 8th Oct 2019 by Candlewick Press, it's 352 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This book charmed me from the very first page. The elements of a classic fantasy are skillfully interwoven: a museum full of magic which is threatened by evil property development and skullduggery, a likeable 'everykid' protagonist, some fairly clueless but well meaning adults, and magical bees plus a hippo. The story and illustrations remind me in a very good way of Roald Dahl. There's something special about books for younger readers whose authors are NOT afraid to shy away from crises in their stories. This book isn't all gentleness and sugary sweetness. The antagonists are creepy, sleazy, and straight up mean.
The illustrations are wonderful. The early eARC which I received had intentionally lowered resolution in order to maintain a reasonable transfer file size, but even slightly fuzzy, they were magical. I -loved- the illustrations and to me, they were probably the highlight. I really really enjoyed the afterword by the artist/author and I imagine the encouraging words, read by young artists, would be particularly timely and welcome.
It's a standalone, but the setup and denouement certainly wouldn't rule out more stories, and I hope there are more in store. This is a very special book, and I encourage anyone who likes fantasy, magic, art, or museums to read this one.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 30, 2019
I received an advance release copy via NetGalley.
This charming middle grade book is whimsical and wonderful, loaded with fantastic illustrations and warm messages about family and friendship. Young Ben receives an invitation to visit an obscure museum in his town and falls upon a plot to close the place--which is masterminded by the same fellow who is threatening his own home. Upon entering the museum, Ben is even more committed to saving it, as every room brims with magical talking creatures. Adults refuse to believe what Ben says about the threat, so it's up to him and his new friends to save the day.
Ben's relationship with his mom is one of the best parts of the book. They grow much closer, and a sense of mutual respect develops between them. Too many kid books (and TV shows) make the adults out to be the enemy. Here, it's handled with nuance. A good message, without being messagey.
Oh, this book left me desperate to find this museum for myself so that I can befriend a pygmy hippopotamus, owl, and elephant shrew, and maybe meet a witch or two! The illustrations add a lot to the joy of this book. You can't help but smile when you see a hippo smile. The whole ending left me smiling, too.
This charming middle grade book is whimsical and wonderful, loaded with fantastic illustrations and warm messages about family and friendship. Young Ben receives an invitation to visit an obscure museum in his town and falls upon a plot to close the place--which is masterminded by the same fellow who is threatening his own home. Upon entering the museum, Ben is even more committed to saving it, as every room brims with magical talking creatures. Adults refuse to believe what Ben says about the threat, so it's up to him and his new friends to save the day.
Ben's relationship with his mom is one of the best parts of the book. They grow much closer, and a sense of mutual respect develops between them. Too many kid books (and TV shows) make the adults out to be the enemy. Here, it's handled with nuance. A good message, without being messagey.
Oh, this book left me desperate to find this museum for myself so that I can befriend a pygmy hippopotamus, owl, and elephant shrew, and maybe meet a witch or two! The illustrations add a lot to the joy of this book. You can't help but smile when you see a hippo smile. The whole ending left me smiling, too.
May 23, 2019
Suitable for children close to the age of ten and above, this magical tale will keep you guessing. I love that the author got the idea for this story and the objects which play major roles while visiting museums. After reading it I would encourage families to visit museums, small to world renowned, and create conversations about the objects they discover.
Ben, the main character, is ten years old. His mother is the family's sole support and times are tough. It is difficult for her to talk about his father, who disappeared when Ben was quite a bit younger. There is a memory that Ben wishes would return to him more clearly. Against his mother's wishes, Ben goes off on an adventure because he feels he must.
This is a story about family, about dreams and believing and overcoming obstacles. It has an evil versus good element, but overall it is a fun fantasy. What could happen, how should one make smart choices, etc. There are stories with the main story to enjoy.
I think this is a book that parents will enjoy reading along with their children.
Ben, the main character, is ten years old. His mother is the family's sole support and times are tough. It is difficult for her to talk about his father, who disappeared when Ben was quite a bit younger. There is a memory that Ben wishes would return to him more clearly. Against his mother's wishes, Ben goes off on an adventure because he feels he must.
This is a story about family, about dreams and believing and overcoming obstacles. It has an evil versus good element, but overall it is a fun fantasy. What could happen, how should one make smart choices, etc. There are stories with the main story to enjoy.
I think this is a book that parents will enjoy reading along with their children.
January 18, 2020
I absolutely adored this book!
I really love the writing of this book, the story and also, the beautiful designs that are within this book that bring it too life. It really brought it all together and I just loved turning each page to see what I would find and to see where the story was going.
It was such a joy to read and I think this book is great for everyone and families who want to read it with their children.
It all starts with an invitation to a small museum by bees.
You will just want to jump into this book as it's very fun, interesting, has a great story line and is filled with so many different characters that everyone will enjoy. The villains are horrible, scary, evil and just everything a villain should be and the other characters are all fun, enjoyable and definitely going to be some favourites for people who read this.
Helen has done such a brilliant job with this book and the illustrations. She has brought these characters to life with her drawings and story. I am excited to see what she does next and I can't recommend this book enough.
I really love the writing of this book, the story and also, the beautiful designs that are within this book that bring it too life. It really brought it all together and I just loved turning each page to see what I would find and to see where the story was going.
It was such a joy to read and I think this book is great for everyone and families who want to read it with their children.
It all starts with an invitation to a small museum by bees.
You will just want to jump into this book as it's very fun, interesting, has a great story line and is filled with so many different characters that everyone will enjoy. The villains are horrible, scary, evil and just everything a villain should be and the other characters are all fun, enjoyable and definitely going to be some favourites for people who read this.
Helen has done such a brilliant job with this book and the illustrations. She has brought these characters to life with her drawings and story. I am excited to see what she does next and I can't recommend this book enough.
January 23, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In a school setting, this would better suit KS2 children, however, upper KS1 may also be able to read this with ease, potentially needing some aid. In order to aid the text, there are plenty of images throughout the book. All of which help accompany the imagery the reader is building. As it is a child's novel, the book is fairly long in length meaning it may be suitable to divide the reading time within the classroom.
The suspension can lead to strong dicussion points which may allow children to explore their creative side as well as discussing what they would do if they were placed in similar situations. There are strong cross - curricular links between English, Drama and PHSE. However, this book could also be developed in art and music.
The suspension can lead to strong dicussion points which may allow children to explore their creative side as well as discussing what they would do if they were placed in similar situations. There are strong cross - curricular links between English, Drama and PHSE. However, this book could also be developed in art and music.
March 1, 2022
A whimsical trek with themes of belief, courage, and discovering what binds family together and to their heritage.
Ten-year-old Ben lives with his single mother, feeling the pinch of her overprotectiveness that followed the death of his father when he was young. One day, he receives an unsigned invitation on his doorstep, encouraging him to visit a little-known museum nearby. Because it is only open for a few hours a week, Ben makes his way to visit it, despite warnings from his mother to not travel near the river and weir. There, he begins to discover both magic (talking taxidermied animals, dancing bees, and more) and a dangerous plot staged by local developers who want to ruin the museum and take the land.
We shared this as a family read-aloud and all three of my boys (12, 11, and 8) were engrossed in the story, often wanting me to read more. While light on tension and mad-dash adventure, it's a great choice for children who like fantasy, magic, and mystery.
Ten-year-old Ben lives with his single mother, feeling the pinch of her overprotectiveness that followed the death of his father when he was young. One day, he receives an unsigned invitation on his doorstep, encouraging him to visit a little-known museum nearby. Because it is only open for a few hours a week, Ben makes his way to visit it, despite warnings from his mother to not travel near the river and weir. There, he begins to discover both magic (talking taxidermied animals, dancing bees, and more) and a dangerous plot staged by local developers who want to ruin the museum and take the land.
We shared this as a family read-aloud and all three of my boys (12, 11, and 8) were engrossed in the story, often wanting me to read more. While light on tension and mad-dash adventure, it's a great choice for children who like fantasy, magic, and mystery.
December 1, 2021
The final one I got at a book sale the other day. So cute and so sweet. I love a good story about family legacies and saving something precious. Very "Bedtime Stories" esque.
March 3, 2023
My favorite part was when the hippo got reunited with the diamond. My favorite character was the hippo. The book was set in the museum. I also like guessing who was related to who. Ben was related to Constance!
May 11, 2020
I read this out loud to my 6 and 4 year old. They were hesitant at first but midway through the book they were begging for “just ONE more chapter!” They were probably a little bit young for this book- but with some extra explaining and some extra education videos about pigmy hippos, weirs, sengis (aka elephant shrew- CUTE) etc- it was a fun book to read together!
June 14, 2020
I loved this book and all it’s imaginative writing. The idea that animals who were seen as taxidermy came to life when the person ‘believed’ there was magic around. It was full of different scenarios that Ben had to navigate through which made the book all the more exciting for children as they read on. Definitely something I would want to read with children.
January 29, 2018
They say never judge a book by its cover. Yet here is a book that grabbed me from the moment I set eyes upon it. Just looking at the imagine filled me with questions. There’s a chameleon sat upon a keyhole. Through the keyhole is an image of a hippo. Then a simple, yet compelling tagline – Come now or come never.
The book is Kate Greenaway Medal winner Helen Cooper’s first novel and is published by David Fickling – another indicator that this will be something to behold. I cannot think of another publisher who publishes such beautifully crafted books. A hardback book always has a different feel. It gives the message of something to cherish and to immerse yourself in. This is no exception. Helen Cooper has not only written the story, but filled each page with wonderful pencil sketches that add depth to the story. It changes the fell from that of a simple read to an experience.
On to the story. Ben receives a strange invitation to the Gee Museum. It is a place which is rarely open and one that his mother does not want him visiting. Like all good characters, Ben doesn’t listen to his mum and sets off tor the museum. Here he meets the animal exhibits as they magically come to life. Before long, Ben discovers the museum is threatened with closure as the animals place their trust in him. He is the only chance the museum can be saved.
Now I love a good museum, as do most children in my experience, so it is refreshing to see one feature heavily in this story. It provides an interesting setting, yet also a vehicle by which mystery, myth and folklore can be introduced into the narrative. Cooper blends these elements to create an innocent, yet magical feel. One message stood out for me. Anything can be magical as a child, but as we grow older we lose that sense to reality. So strong was this message that I wove it into a story I was writing for my class last week.
The Hippo At The End Of The Hall has the feel of a classic children’s book to it. It doesn’t try to be anything different. You are sucked into a vividly described world full of the innocence of childhood and the power of believing. There’s moments of sadness and of loneliness, countered with a satisfying ending that will bring a smile to your face. Huge credit goes to Helen Cooper and the team at David Fickling for creating this book; one that stands out for many reasons.
www.mrdaviesreads.co.uk
The book is Kate Greenaway Medal winner Helen Cooper’s first novel and is published by David Fickling – another indicator that this will be something to behold. I cannot think of another publisher who publishes such beautifully crafted books. A hardback book always has a different feel. It gives the message of something to cherish and to immerse yourself in. This is no exception. Helen Cooper has not only written the story, but filled each page with wonderful pencil sketches that add depth to the story. It changes the fell from that of a simple read to an experience.
On to the story. Ben receives a strange invitation to the Gee Museum. It is a place which is rarely open and one that his mother does not want him visiting. Like all good characters, Ben doesn’t listen to his mum and sets off tor the museum. Here he meets the animal exhibits as they magically come to life. Before long, Ben discovers the museum is threatened with closure as the animals place their trust in him. He is the only chance the museum can be saved.
Now I love a good museum, as do most children in my experience, so it is refreshing to see one feature heavily in this story. It provides an interesting setting, yet also a vehicle by which mystery, myth and folklore can be introduced into the narrative. Cooper blends these elements to create an innocent, yet magical feel. One message stood out for me. Anything can be magical as a child, but as we grow older we lose that sense to reality. So strong was this message that I wove it into a story I was writing for my class last week.
The Hippo At The End Of The Hall has the feel of a classic children’s book to it. It doesn’t try to be anything different. You are sucked into a vividly described world full of the innocence of childhood and the power of believing. There’s moments of sadness and of loneliness, countered with a satisfying ending that will bring a smile to your face. Huge credit goes to Helen Cooper and the team at David Fickling for creating this book; one that stands out for many reasons.
www.mrdaviesreads.co.uk
December 10, 2017
The Gee Museum was almost always closed, but Ben receives an unusual invitation. It was delivered by the bees, and many other strange and wondrous creatures have put their faith in Ben.
After venturing into the museum, he is caught up in a story of odd tales, witches, magical animals and family secrets.
This charming story is also illustrated by Helen Cooper, and the pencil drawings are so enticing. They give a light and bewitching glimpse into the world of the Gee Museum and bring the story vividly to life.
'The Hippo at the End of the Hall' has the feel of a classic children's book, but with its mix of folk tales, myth and travel it has a fresh, worldly and curious quality to it that makes it wonderfully original.
I have to also mention this books design. David Fickling publications are always splendid to behold and read, and this one is no exception. The bright red cover, tantalising cover illustration and lovely endpapers are sumptuous.
I would highly recommend this book to all 9-12 readers. But it's classic, magical feel would make it a lovely book to share with the whole family.
After venturing into the museum, he is caught up in a story of odd tales, witches, magical animals and family secrets.
This charming story is also illustrated by Helen Cooper, and the pencil drawings are so enticing. They give a light and bewitching glimpse into the world of the Gee Museum and bring the story vividly to life.
'The Hippo at the End of the Hall' has the feel of a classic children's book, but with its mix of folk tales, myth and travel it has a fresh, worldly and curious quality to it that makes it wonderfully original.
I have to also mention this books design. David Fickling publications are always splendid to behold and read, and this one is no exception. The bright red cover, tantalising cover illustration and lovely endpapers are sumptuous.
I would highly recommend this book to all 9-12 readers. But it's classic, magical feel would make it a lovely book to share with the whole family.
August 12, 2019
The illustrations were the best part of this book. The animals were lovely, and their emotion and expressions were great fun. The story was a bit more of a mess. The whole water cow mystery was not mysterious in the least and any child mildly interested in animals, which I assume most children who read this book will be, will have guessed it when the first story is introduced and it makes the boy seem a little oblivious. The ending was also a little too neat and while the adventure leading up to it was great, the last scene just seemed a little too easy and perfect, undermining much of the effort that went up to that part but that may be less of an issue for the younger readers. (I got this as an ARC).
November 29, 2021
Magie și putere de copil.
Cum prinde viață un muzeu și binele învinge răul? Simplu. Cu ajutorul unui copil și a magiei de care nu trebuie să ne îndoim.
Dacă vrei, poți, așa te învață Helen Cooper în cartea ei fantastică pentru copiii care știu că sunt puternici.
Deși o carte pentru copii, cred că ar plăcea mult și adulților, citită doar pentru ei, romanul deține câteva descrieri superbe, un limbaj descriptiv și autoarea te transpune în lumea magică pe care o imaginează.
Cum prinde viață un muzeu și binele învinge răul? Simplu. Cu ajutorul unui copil și a magiei de care nu trebuie să ne îndoim.
Dacă vrei, poți, așa te învață Helen Cooper în cartea ei fantastică pentru copiii care știu că sunt puternici.
Deși o carte pentru copii, cred că ar plăcea mult și adulților, citită doar pentru ei, romanul deține câteva descrieri superbe, un limbaj descriptiv și autoarea te transpune în lumea magică pe care o imaginează.
November 21, 2018
Let's face it any novel with the title that this one has has got some interest to you and some intrigue at least. I'm not sure if it lived up to the intrigue but it was a reasonable story and for a debut novel it was decent. I'm not sure how memorable it will be, aside from said title but it won't go down from me anyway as being hated.
March 22, 2021
An enjoyable fantasy adventure for tweens with an admirable young hero. A schoolboy - like any in your family or neighborhood - but he'd probably be one of your favorites. A regular kid, good-hearted and well-meaning who, despite the best of intentions, sometimes gets in a bit of mischief which leaves you ruefully shaking your head but secretly grinning inside.
He's a bit of an underdog in that his father has been missing at sea since a voyage years ago and his mother struggles alone to keep food on the table. But despite sorely missing Dad, they make do... and hope.
Set in England, our young man deals with the standard joys and woes of childhood and then some... An all-but-forgotten old Victorian museum full of mysterious awe-inspiring magic, its ancient museum owner, dastardly villains in the form of a greedy land developer and the grasping owner of a new industrial style, soulless museum. One wants the venerable old Gee Museum's land while the other wants to gut its collections for herself while throwing out the rest like so much rubbish.
Young Ben visits the forgotten Gee Museum and discovers the Victorian collection of taxidermy not only speaks to him but moves as if alive - animated by the animals' spirits. They each have their own individual personalities but one and all look to Ben to save them and their museum. Their owner is so old she can no longer hear them. He protests. Hey, he's just a kid. Surely they've made a mistake! He's no hero!
If you're a fan of mysterious old museums full of hidden treasures and amazing secrets, you'll love the setting. The kind of place you can visit time and again and always discover something incredible you somehow missed before. (The Walters Museum's Chamber of Wonders comes to mind. A favorite of Baltimore kids forever! Filled with displays of animals, insects, paintings & amazingly intricate treasures from around the world! https://art.thewalters.org/browse/?ty...)
Poor Ben inadvertently overhears the dastardly duo's evil plans and takes it upon himself to save the Gee Museum and his new friends (that no one else can hear but him). It's an uphill road. No adults takes him seriously (at least, initially). Despite his best efforts to convince the elderly owner and his mom, it looks like he's on his own. His can only rely on himself and his friends in the taxidermy collection. He takes the challenge not because he wants to (after all shouldn't adults be dealing with this awful situation) but because he simply can't NOT act. He's it. And he does all within his kid power to save the little corner of the world that is the Gee Museum. Magic misadventures and mayhem, narrow escapes - a thrill ride for the target audience. A charming afternoon's read for adults who enjoy the happy endings JF provides.
He's a bit of an underdog in that his father has been missing at sea since a voyage years ago and his mother struggles alone to keep food on the table. But despite sorely missing Dad, they make do... and hope.
Set in England, our young man deals with the standard joys and woes of childhood and then some... An all-but-forgotten old Victorian museum full of mysterious awe-inspiring magic, its ancient museum owner, dastardly villains in the form of a greedy land developer and the grasping owner of a new industrial style, soulless museum. One wants the venerable old Gee Museum's land while the other wants to gut its collections for herself while throwing out the rest like so much rubbish.
Young Ben visits the forgotten Gee Museum and discovers the Victorian collection of taxidermy not only speaks to him but moves as if alive - animated by the animals' spirits. They each have their own individual personalities but one and all look to Ben to save them and their museum. Their owner is so old she can no longer hear them. He protests. Hey, he's just a kid. Surely they've made a mistake! He's no hero!
If you're a fan of mysterious old museums full of hidden treasures and amazing secrets, you'll love the setting. The kind of place you can visit time and again and always discover something incredible you somehow missed before. (The Walters Museum's Chamber of Wonders comes to mind. A favorite of Baltimore kids forever! Filled with displays of animals, insects, paintings & amazingly intricate treasures from around the world! https://art.thewalters.org/browse/?ty...)
Poor Ben inadvertently overhears the dastardly duo's evil plans and takes it upon himself to save the Gee Museum and his new friends (that no one else can hear but him). It's an uphill road. No adults takes him seriously (at least, initially). Despite his best efforts to convince the elderly owner and his mom, it looks like he's on his own. His can only rely on himself and his friends in the taxidermy collection. He takes the challenge not because he wants to (after all shouldn't adults be dealing with this awful situation) but because he simply can't NOT act. He's it. And he does all within his kid power to save the little corner of the world that is the Gee Museum. Magic misadventures and mayhem, narrow escapes - a thrill ride for the target audience. A charming afternoon's read for adults who enjoy the happy endings JF provides.
October 31, 2019
Ben has lived alone with his mom ever since his father died when he was little. When an invitation to a mysterious, odd museum called The Gee Museum arrives addressed to him, it stirs up a vague memory of time spent with his father - and sets his mother on edge, although she won't say why. Ben goes to the old museum and meets a group of talking animals, all waiting for him. They tell him that the museum is in danger, and he's the only one who can save it - the proprietress is old and tired of keeping it going, and the people she's considering selling it to - a greedy landlord who's also trying to force Ben's mom out of business and their home, and a rival museum's director who plans to scavenge the most valuable pieces and junk the rest - don't have the Gee's best interests at heart. As Ben unravels the secrets of the Gee, and the mysterious hippo and his place among all the animals, he finds answers about his father and his family that will fill a missing piece he's lived with for too long.
The Hippo at the End of the Hall is an steadily building tale that blends the fantastic with a story of family and of memory. Ben and his mom are likable characters that stick together, even when one's annoyed at the other: kind of like real moms and kids, right? The animals have individual personalities that set them apart from one another and bring them right into the story, and the human characters have history that's never completely given away, yet feel fully formed and built up - Helen Cooper leaves us to wonder and imagine the wonderful adventures that took place before we joined the group. The black-and-white illustrations throughout add a vintage feel to the atmosphere, bringing the Gee Museum to life under your fingertips. Magical museums and magical creatures, two terrible baddies, and a family putting itself back together make this a book to booktalk to your Jumanji fans, your Night at the Museum fans (schedule a showing of the movies!), and your magical realism fans.
The Hippo at the End of the Hall is an steadily building tale that blends the fantastic with a story of family and of memory. Ben and his mom are likable characters that stick together, even when one's annoyed at the other: kind of like real moms and kids, right? The animals have individual personalities that set them apart from one another and bring them right into the story, and the human characters have history that's never completely given away, yet feel fully formed and built up - Helen Cooper leaves us to wonder and imagine the wonderful adventures that took place before we joined the group. The black-and-white illustrations throughout add a vintage feel to the atmosphere, bringing the Gee Museum to life under your fingertips. Magical museums and magical creatures, two terrible baddies, and a family putting itself back together make this a book to booktalk to your Jumanji fans, your Night at the Museum fans (schedule a showing of the movies!), and your magical realism fans.
August 28, 2019
I received the Hippo at the End of the Hall free for an honest review. The start of this book is delightful! It has an air of mystery, magic, and whimsical adventure that I would have loved as a child. All my favourite books had a similar atmosphere. The main character is a young boy named Ben who lives with his mom in a small apartment, struggling to make ends meet, and dealing with a greedy and mean landlord who is threatening to raise their rent. Ben's father, an explorer, died at sea on his last adventure, but there's some kind of mystery about hm that his mother refuses to talk much about, and it seems to be tied up in some way with a mysterious old museum that Ben receives an invitation to go visit. I loved the idea of a strange and decrepit old museum filled with interesting oddities, strange bees, and talking creatures that need help in the fight to stay open and to save their museum home. When Ben visits the museum, and learns of their plight, he realizes he must overcome his fear to try to help them, as well as the old woman who lives at, and cares for the museum, and all who reside there. Along the way, Ben discovers answers to the questions about his father, his mother, and learns a lot about himself and what's worth fighting for.
I think this is a wonderful book for a child, especially a child who is a bit fearful and shy. Ben faces his fears again and again, and learns that sometimes the scariest looking things aren't really as scary as they seem. The illustrations are well done, and I especially enjoyed he tale Ben's mother tells him about the witch and the egg shell, and how that later is woven into Ben's story in a different and magical way. I could see this becoming a favourite bedtime story. Highly recommended.
I think this is a wonderful book for a child, especially a child who is a bit fearful and shy. Ben faces his fears again and again, and learns that sometimes the scariest looking things aren't really as scary as they seem. The illustrations are well done, and I especially enjoyed he tale Ben's mother tells him about the witch and the egg shell, and how that later is woven into Ben's story in a different and magical way. I could see this becoming a favourite bedtime story. Highly recommended.
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