Hugo and the Impossible Thing

by Renée Felice Smith, Chris Gabriel, Sydney Hanson (Illustrations)

Hugo has one goal - to conquer the Impossible Thing.

At the edge of the forest stood the Impossible Thing. All animals in the forest often wondered what was beyond the Impossible Thing, but no one had ever tried because getting through it would be ...impossible. So why even bother?

That's when a brave little bulldog named Hugo decides he just might be up for the challenge. With determination and some unexpected help from his friends, Hugo learns that what may seem impossible might just be possible after all.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Dogs, Adventure, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 30, 2021

Reviews

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

We are blessed with an elderly aunt who loves, loves, loves Pug dogs. They are superior to all, and so when this book hit our shelves, we knew we had to read it.

Hugo (the main character - a Pug with Big Ideas) discusses his desire to go where no Pug has gone before (in fact no other known animal had ever gone before). All were very certain he couldn't do it, shouldn't do, mostly based on the reason that they couldn't, shouldn't do it and therefore it couldn't, shouldn't be done.

He was having none of it, and proceeded to venture forth. A great tale about trying hard things, trying new things, and not listening to those in your life who you respect, but understand they might not have you in mind when they Opine. My group particularly liked the ending.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

6/18/2025 - Great story about friendship and overcoming goals deemed impossible.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually read three picture books a day to Alena, but it's been a while since I've included a children's book here on my Goodreads. I read this one to her this morning. One of my other children who has been dealing with "impossible things" overheard me reading. The words helped a lot. This book shows important lessons about trying hard and about friendship. It's uplifting. I'd like to read it more than once.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unequivocally prosaic, outdone in mundanity by the cloyingly cutesy illustrations.

[Westminster Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo, the little dog, asks an important and curious question with bravery and perseverance that takes him on a difficult but rewarding journey. He asks, " How do we know the impossible thing is impossible if no one's ever tried to get through it?" Brilliant and a great teaching moment for children! With beautiful illustrations, Hugo and his supportive and encouraging friends take the challenge- A great read-a-loud for the whole family.

Find Hugo and the Impossible Thing at the Westminster Public Library today!

And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!

[Sierra Siminuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many children’s picture books include personification, such as talking animals. In this book, in particular, talking animals are present throughout, which is what makes it so charming. The story follows Hugo, a dog who desires to climb the “Impossible Thing,” a large boulder in the middle of a forest. Each of the forest animals he encounters does not believe that Hugo has the ability to climb the Impossible Thing, as they all believe that they are the ones that have the ability to climb the Impossible Thing. Although each animal has a good reason why they are better suited for the task, Hugo decides to climb the Impossible Thing anyways, with the forest animals deciding to help him. Dialogue is an important aspect of this picture book. Throughout the book, the animals conversate with one another. Each character is quirky and adorable, and this is shown in their dialogue. However, because the dialogue is in the forefront of the story, the non-dialogue writing essentially falls flat. This is not necessarily the worst criticism for a children’s book, however, since dialogue is a common facet of picture books, as dialogue can allow children (or the adults reading to them) to play around with voices and personas for the different characters. In turn, this encourages them to utilize their imagination. This imagination is further exemplified through the usage of a “secret garden” type of setting. European and American children’s literature, starting around the mid-nineteenth century, became a “golden site for fantasy” and “treated childhood less as a period of preparation for adult life than as a time wonderfully separate from it,” (Sánchez-Eppler, 40). This is similar to this book, as the forest Hugo and the forest animals inhabit seem to be in a different world than the human world.

[Lauren Baudo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renée Felice Smith has been my idol since I was 6 years old. When I found out she and Chris were going to becoming out with a book I was SO SO excited and couldn't wait to read it! I run the fan account @ncislaislife on Instagram so I have been aware that she and Chris were writing a book since the beginning! When my copy came in I read it right away. All I can say is...it...was...incredible!!! The whole story about Hugo and the Impossible Thing is astonishing! As first time authors this book is amazingly AMAZING!! If I had to give 1 point of constructive criticism is, for sure with books, make the main character of the book express more emotions! Let the reader know when the character is having doubt, is happy, etc but not overdoing since it is a Children's book! Other than that, I could not recommend this book enough to EVERYBODY!! The book is classified as a Children's book but anybody can relate to the topic which is anything is possible! I can hardly wait for Renée and Chris to write more books!

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! I love the message of teamwork, perseverance, and mindset!

I will say that it bothered me a lot that Hugo was a dog because it made sense for all the other animals to be in the forest but not Hugo. AND that he had a collar (I just looked back in the book because I vaguely remembered the scene where he was getting ready to sleep taking place inside a house and it does so I guess he is a pet and that makes the collar okay but also why would his owner just let him out all day to hang with forest animals).

It also felt a little repetitive/long when Hugo was going around asking each animal about the Impossible Thing.

But overall, I still really enjoyed that book.

[Katie - Mud Pies with Sprinkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pessimistic Speculation ➡️ Uplifting Fellowship

"And there, just beyond the peak of the Impossible Thing, was the most perfect place in all the forest. The sun was warmer and the shade was cooler. The berries were sweeter and the grass was greener."

Hugo, a little French bulldog, curiously seeks answers about the Impossible Thing from the woodland creatures. Their response is pessimistic and assuming. Hugo doesn't become discouraged. Their negativity doesn't affect his attitude or goal. Hugo heads to the Impossible thing the next day and finds all the woodland creatures ready for the feat. Everyone has different skills which greatly help them accomplish the Impossible thing.

[Teri Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply fell in love with this book!

I love the many themes covered in this book! 1. Just because nobody else hasn’t tried doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. 2. Everyone has their own unique abilities and it’s ok to use them. 3. True friends can and will support you when something is important to you. 4. With teamwork, the impossible becomes possible.

This is a GREAT story to empower young children! I highly recommend it to parents...to sit with their child, read it, and discuss the themes to empower them in their own lives at a young age to help them be successful in everything they do.

[Liz Moberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo and the Impossible Thing is a wonderful combination of dreams and determination, with a little help from you friends. Imagine seeing and dreaming about that one thing all your friends say is impossible. That's what happens to this little dog. He shares his goal of reaching the impossible thing with his close friends, only to be told it impossible. But through the not give up attitude and kind friendships, even the impossible can be possible. I would add this book to my friendship unit, as well as SEL, collections of books for ages 4-8.

[Kelly Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this beautiful book myself and will read to my niece as soon as I can because I know she’s going to love it! This book is a great way of teaching children (and some adults too) that nothing is impossible.. just somethings are a little more difficult than we first thought. Renée and Chris have written an amazing book about an incredible dog and the illustrations are so cute and beautifully drawn! This is definitely going to be read several times over! 😊❤️

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book so filled of beautiful illustrations along with a great story line! I read it to my dogs, my cousins, & kids that I babysit. Everyone adores this book and wants to know more about Hugo. I think my dogs love it the most by licking every single page, but the kids are so interested in the imagery it portrays. A beautiful book written by beautiful people! Cannot wait for the authors to release their next one!

[Marie Shelto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a special book about a very special little Bulldog Hugo who didn't let anything get in his way. Knowing Hugo's journey in his actual life makes this book even more special. Nothing is impossible. Having a few very special friends along the way doesn't hurt either. The book is beautifully written and the illustrations are just magnificent and tell the story. A must-read. Heartwarming and so enjoyable.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renee Felice Smith and Chris Gabriel have written another book to share with, well, everyone. It only takes one person to say "I think I will try this 'impossible thing' to light a light inside others who have consistently thought, "No, that's impossible." When read, readers will see that working together makes a difference, a LOT of difference. Sydney Hanson's illustrations show the animals and the outdoors, including that impossible thing, in all its wonder, beautifully colored.

[Sterling Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have all faced things we thought were impossible only to find that with determination we were able to achieve our goal. Hugo sees the impossible thing as something he wants to try. The main theme in this book teamwork can get it done. Renee and Chris have written a great debut book. Hopefully there will be more.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The land beyond the Impossible Thing looks very inviting, but the animals, for as long as anyone can remember, accept that it is impossible to get there. Hugo, a brave and determined little bulldog, questions that premise and is determined to try. A beautiful picture book with an affirming message that together we can reach our goals.

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your friends and go out and do the impossible. But before you go, read this book and gather up your courage. Such a beautiful book to encourage others to go after those dreams that feel so impossible and to recognize that you won’t do it all, but with the help of others. Hugo also focuses on the skills of others being necessary to accomplish the impossible… a place for everyone.

[Lacy | literary_lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a great message. None of the animals want to try to do the impossible thing because everyone has told them it’s impossible, but at the end they all decide to give it a try, and they are able to do it with teamwork. It teaches kids to try things even if someone tells you it’s impossible. Also, sometimes it takes some help to do tough things!

This is great for kids!

[Jennifer Truman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with lessons on curiosity, questioning advice, asking and offering help, and trying hard things. Gorgeous pictures and plenty of interest from both my toddler and preschooler.

Also good for school kids learning to read slightly longer words (like impossible and through), question words and dialogue.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aww! Adorable illustrations tell the story of a little dog who conquers an Impossible Thing--a seemingly unpassable mountain, with the help of his woodland animal friends. The not-too-subtle messaging about teamwork and confidence is a little heavy-handed, but it's doubtful the intended audience will mind.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kind of cheesy, but it was all right. A dog named Hugo wants to pass through a geographically challenging area that everyone believes is impossible just because no one has ever done it. He asks all his friends if they think he can do it, but they all say no. Kind of a nice resolution about teamwork and trying new things.

[Hailey Corman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book about trying to do things that people think are challenging!! All his friends thought it was impossible, but when they worked together they made it happen! Great story to tell in a classroom about growth mindset, when all the other animals changed their mindset about working together they were able to tackle the impossible thing!!

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of The Little Engine That Could for Hugo’s confidence to try and that old adage “teamwork makes the dream work”. Cute, puffy animals using their strengths to overcome obstacles and reach a goal.

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving boulders? Making your way through thorny mazes? Swimming raging rivers? Climbing towering cliffs? All of them impossible. But not if you’re Hugo, a determined bulldog. Hugo, with the help of his friends, tries to make it though “The Impossible Thing” to see what is on the other side.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo decides not to take everyone's word for it and decides to tackle the impossible thing.
Because he decides to do it, others go with him.
Each contributes their skills, and together they conquer the impossible thing.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My elementary schooler describes this picture book as "predictable, but fun". The lead character was adorable and the repetition makes this a good read aloud for young children. While predictable, the message of team work is a good one.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo decides to attempt the impossible thing at the edge of his forest. Bear, fox, otter and goat all tell him that it is impossible. When Hugo arrives to attempt it, his friends are there waiting to help him . Together they discover the impossible thing is the difficult but possible thing.

[Jordan Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It helped explain to my kids that just because everyone has agreed on something doesn’t mean you have to be compliant with it. You can disagree and try anyway. And the artwork was lovely.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My K-2 students thoroughly enjoyed this book as a read aloud in an elementary library. Recommended for elementary library collections. A great book to read to accompany any student work about goal setting, determination, resilience, and related themes.