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Hilo #2
Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World
The second book in a brilliant new series perfect for fans of laugh-out-loud school adventures like Jedi Academy and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This ebook has been optimised for viewing on colour devices.
D.J. and Gina are TOTALLY ordinary kids. But Hilo...isn't. He's an alien robot from another world!
Hilo is just settling into life on Earth (Bowling? Knock-knock jokes? OUTSTANDING!) when strange portals begin opening up all over town and even STRANGER creatures are coming through them!
But it will take more than a GIANT MUTANT CHICKEN, A VIKING HIPPO, A MAGICAL WARRIOR CAT, or even a few million KILLER VEGETABLES to stop Team Hilo. Er, won't it...?
Can Hilo, D.J. and Gina figure out how to send these creatures back to their own worlds before they DESTROY the Earth?
Find out in SAVING THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. Hazzah!
D.J. and Gina are TOTALLY ordinary kids. But Hilo...isn't. He's an alien robot from another world!
Hilo is just settling into life on Earth (Bowling? Knock-knock jokes? OUTSTANDING!) when strange portals begin opening up all over town and even STRANGER creatures are coming through them!
But it will take more than a GIANT MUTANT CHICKEN, A VIKING HIPPO, A MAGICAL WARRIOR CAT, or even a few million KILLER VEGETABLES to stop Team Hilo. Er, won't it...?
Can Hilo, D.J. and Gina figure out how to send these creatures back to their own worlds before they DESTROY the Earth?
Find out in SAVING THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. Hazzah!
ebook
First published May 17, 2016
292 people are currently reading
1073 people want to read
About the author
Judd Winick
787 books392 followersJudd Winick is an American cartoonist, comic book writer, screenwriter, and former reality television personality known for his diverse contributions to storytelling across multiple media. He first entered the public eye in 1994 as a cast member on The Real World: San Francisco, where he formed a close friendship with AIDS educator Pedro Zamora, an experience that deeply influenced his later work. Winick memorialized their bond in Pedro and Me, a critically acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel that earned several literary awards and became a staple in school curricula.
Winick's career in comics took off with The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius and continued with major runs at DC Comics, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Batman. His stories often explored socially relevant themes, such as HIV, homophobia, and identity. He was recognized for introducing gay characters and tackling difficult subjects with empathy and clarity. His work on Batman notably included resurrecting the character Jason Todd as the Red Hood, a storyline later adapted into the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, for which Winick wrote the screenplay.
Beyond comics, he created The Life and Times of Juniper Lee for Cartoon Network and served as head writer for Hulu's The Awesomes. In 2015, he launched the Hilo series, an all-ages sci-fi adventure inspired by his own children. The bestselling series has been widely praised and is expected to reach its eleventh volume in 2025.
Winick lives in San Francisco with his wife, Pam Ling, also a Real World alum, and their two children. He continues to create heartfelt and imaginative stories for audiences of all ages.
Winick's career in comics took off with The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius and continued with major runs at DC Comics, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Batman. His stories often explored socially relevant themes, such as HIV, homophobia, and identity. He was recognized for introducing gay characters and tackling difficult subjects with empathy and clarity. His work on Batman notably included resurrecting the character Jason Todd as the Red Hood, a storyline later adapted into the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, for which Winick wrote the screenplay.
Beyond comics, he created The Life and Times of Juniper Lee for Cartoon Network and served as head writer for Hulu's The Awesomes. In 2015, he launched the Hilo series, an all-ages sci-fi adventure inspired by his own children. The bestselling series has been widely praised and is expected to reach its eleventh volume in 2025.
Winick lives in San Francisco with his wife, Pam Ling, also a Real World alum, and their two children. He continues to create heartfelt and imaginative stories for audiences of all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
October 23, 2018
I asked my older boy (Codname Oot - age 9) what he'd say about this book if he was going to explain it to other people.
He thought about it for a minute. "That's hard," he said.
"What would you tell one of your friends?" I asked. "If you wanted to explain it to them."
He said, "There's a boy who is an android, and he's from another dimension, and he can fly and shoot lasers from his hands and he fights monsters with his friends."
(This is to the best of my recollection, by the way. There's some slight paraphrasing, as it happened about five minutes ago, and I didn't write it down immediately.)
"And he has super strength!" interjected my younger son (Codename Cutie - Age 4) "And he can create an Electromagnetic Pulse!"
(No paraphrasing there. I remember that really clearly, as I was super impressed by him remembering the term "Electromagnetic Pulse.")
So there you have it folks. Straight from the horse's mouth. If that doesn't sell you on this series, I don't know what will...
He thought about it for a minute. "That's hard," he said.
"What would you tell one of your friends?" I asked. "If you wanted to explain it to them."
He said, "There's a boy who is an android, and he's from another dimension, and he can fly and shoot lasers from his hands and he fights monsters with his friends."
(This is to the best of my recollection, by the way. There's some slight paraphrasing, as it happened about five minutes ago, and I didn't write it down immediately.)
"And he has super strength!" interjected my younger son (Codename Cutie - Age 4) "And he can create an Electromagnetic Pulse!"
(No paraphrasing there. I remember that really clearly, as I was super impressed by him remembering the term "Electromagnetic Pulse.")
So there you have it folks. Straight from the horse's mouth. If that doesn't sell you on this series, I don't know what will...
February 27, 2019
I know that I´m probably a bit too old for this series, the recommended age is 8-12years. However its so entertaining and funny in a really innocent way that I can´t help but love it. As does my 8year old sister.
January 21, 2022
My kid loves this series. Good art, some funny humor. A bit action packed and lasery but still solid.
May 30, 2016
AHHHHHH!!! (that's a text connection...you'll understand when you read the book) How can I wait until 2017 to find out how they save Gina????
October 7, 2017
This is my favorite book of the year. Children will love this tale, which is about a robot who comes to Earth.
June 17, 2016
This second book in the Hilo series is just as fresh and exciting as the first. In this book, Hilo and his friends DJ and Gina have to figure out how to save the earth from creatures who are appearing from other planets through strange portals. Luckily, Hilo quickly figures out how to zap the creatures back to their worlds, but soon even he can’t keep up with number of portals opening. Then there is also the question of Razorwark, the villain from the first book and whether he will be arriving through one of the portals himself bringing with him a potential answer about Hilo’s origins. I don’t want to spoil a single thing in this smart and funny series, so pick it up!
Winick sets just the right tone in this second book, managing to handily escape the sophomore slump and keep the series action-filled and funny. Though this book does serve as a bridge to the rest of the story, it also fills in many gaps for readers about Hilo and his friends. We are also introduced to a marvelous new character in Polly, a sorceress martial-arts cat. She is entirely kick-butt and ferocious, leaning into every battle that comes her way.
Winick does a great job with the art as well. His action sequences are dynamic and colorful. The portals themselves add a wonderful tension to the page, where one isn’t sure what is going to arrive next. Each character is unique and delightful to spend time with and once again I applaud Winick’s decision to have strong girls and diverse characters center stage.
A second book that continues to build on a great graphic novel series for children. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Winick sets just the right tone in this second book, managing to handily escape the sophomore slump and keep the series action-filled and funny. Though this book does serve as a bridge to the rest of the story, it also fills in many gaps for readers about Hilo and his friends. We are also introduced to a marvelous new character in Polly, a sorceress martial-arts cat. She is entirely kick-butt and ferocious, leaning into every battle that comes her way.
Winick does a great job with the art as well. His action sequences are dynamic and colorful. The portals themselves add a wonderful tension to the page, where one isn’t sure what is going to arrive next. Each character is unique and delightful to spend time with and once again I applaud Winick’s decision to have strong girls and diverse characters center stage.
A second book that continues to build on a great graphic novel series for children. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
May 11, 2018
This is a good sequel and im excited to see what will happen in the third one!!
October 10, 2023
I was surprised at myself for getting so emotional involved in this one.
My daughter just turned 4 and is GLUED to these when we read it to her. She just loves the way it's shown, and really loves the funny bits (The AHHHHHHHHH) part always makes her giggle. I also really enjoy the stories myself, Hilo and DJ and Gina are a great trio of characters as main leads, and there's plenty of fun to be had here.
The ending does get darker, alot more than I expected, and it made both Sailor (My daughter) and myself glued to the last 20-30 pages. When it was done all she could say was "Wow" and I agreed! We had to least read the first two chapters of the next book after that. We then ordered books 4-7 haha.
Great stuff for the family of any age really!
My daughter just turned 4 and is GLUED to these when we read it to her. She just loves the way it's shown, and really loves the funny bits (The AHHHHHHHHH) part always makes her giggle. I also really enjoy the stories myself, Hilo and DJ and Gina are a great trio of characters as main leads, and there's plenty of fun to be had here.
The ending does get darker, alot more than I expected, and it made both Sailor (My daughter) and myself glued to the last 20-30 pages. When it was done all she could say was "Wow" and I agreed! We had to least read the first two chapters of the next book after that. We then ordered books 4-7 haha.
Great stuff for the family of any age really!
July 20, 2016
This second volume of Hilo has rocketed to the top of the New York Times bestseller lists, and with good reason: Winick has created a masterful new series that appeals to a wide range of readers. Enough background is given so that readers can start fresh with volume 2 without even realizing there is a volume 1.
See my full review over at No Flying No Tights
http://noflyingnotights.com/2016/07/1...
See my full review over at No Flying No Tights
http://noflyingnotights.com/2016/07/1...
February 3, 2019
Not as fun as the first book. But still a lot of spunk.
June 19, 2019
This is the second instalment of Hilo, a robot boy from another dimension who landed on Earth with very little memory of who (and what) he is, and is befriended by Earth kids DJ and Gina. Book 2 more or less takes up where Book 1 left off, as Hilo continues to find ways to pass himself off as a normal human kid and sets up a secret lab so he can track mysterious portals that are dumping weird robots and other beings around town. Hilo also learns more about his secret past. There’s also a giant chicken and a heroic talking cat named Polly.
It’s essentially a continuation of the first book in terms of narrative, tone and pace, and my opinion of it is pretty much the same – not quite my demo, but it’s good wacky fun, although there are indications this series could take a slightly darker tone as it goes on. Which is an observation, not a complaint. And the cliffhanger guarantees I’ll be tracking down Book 3. Well played, Winnick. Well played.
It’s essentially a continuation of the first book in terms of narrative, tone and pace, and my opinion of it is pretty much the same – not quite my demo, but it’s good wacky fun, although there are indications this series could take a slightly darker tone as it goes on. Which is an observation, not a complaint. And the cliffhanger guarantees I’ll be tracking down Book 3. Well played, Winnick. Well played.
September 26, 2017
A wonderful sequel—and what cliffhanger!
Hilo wrestles with the meaning of his slowly-returning, piecemeal memories. At the same time, he’s torn between wanting to do no harm to other robotic creatures with whom he sees kinship, while still protecting the people of earth AND avoiding the notice of the authorities. The dialogue is very funny; family relationships are warm and perfectly preteen-awkward.
The Hilo series is a perfect example of why graphic novels are so wonderful: the comic-strip style makes the story fast-paced; the reliance on artwork to convey emotion and action gives support to young readers; and superb stories such as this one convey an astonishing amount of emotional range, slyly concealed in a story with burping, silver underwear, and robotic mayhem.
Can’t wait for book three!
Hilo wrestles with the meaning of his slowly-returning, piecemeal memories. At the same time, he’s torn between wanting to do no harm to other robotic creatures with whom he sees kinship, while still protecting the people of earth AND avoiding the notice of the authorities. The dialogue is very funny; family relationships are warm and perfectly preteen-awkward.
The Hilo series is a perfect example of why graphic novels are so wonderful: the comic-strip style makes the story fast-paced; the reliance on artwork to convey emotion and action gives support to young readers; and superb stories such as this one convey an astonishing amount of emotional range, slyly concealed in a story with burping, silver underwear, and robotic mayhem.
Can’t wait for book three!
February 19, 2021
Hilo returns to Earth once more in an attempt to save it from Razorwork's impending invasion. This time, portals from the Void open up to deposit a range of alien monsters (not far from the creatures that pop out of the Trap Door TV series) that gradually attempt to conquer the land. However, one creature, a female, monk-like cat with a penchant for hating all the food she eats, pops in looking to defeat a pair of viking hippos. She joins the team and bring some great energy and humour with her.
As Hilo's memories return and more of the world around him begins to see events unfolding, the story becomes richer and more complex with themes of loss and redemption beginning to sink in. Central to the narrative though is friendship and the importance of supporting one another no matter how challenging things are. Another solid part of the series.
As Hilo's memories return and more of the world around him begins to see events unfolding, the story becomes richer and more complex with themes of loss and redemption beginning to sink in. Central to the narrative though is friendship and the importance of supporting one another no matter how challenging things are. Another solid part of the series.
July 2, 2021
3.5 stars - I liked the cat.
September 5, 2021
Hilo is a robot who crashed to earth and is now is living in a large house that he bought
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 26, 2024My little brother had me read this book in exchange for him reading one of mine 👀 book 2 is better than book 1 in my very limited opinion
December 15, 2024
It's funny
March 17, 2017
Outstanding! My wife would call it a "cookie stealer". There will be a long line for book three as the relationships got stronger and the action is ongoing. I loved the cat in this book too. I think it was even better than the first.
June 28, 2018
fgjhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 26, 2016
Hazzah!! A new Hilo book!
I liked the first one a lot, and this one's even better. It's exciting, poignant, surprising, and even funnier than the first. I HATE cats. Seriously...blech. But this book made me like a cat! Polly is an amazing character. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to call someone a bloated, zit-caked boil from a troll's butt. Maybe over Christmas dinner...
The worst thing is that I have to wait until 2017 to find out what happens with that cliffhanger. I just may ralph.
I liked the first one a lot, and this one's even better. It's exciting, poignant, surprising, and even funnier than the first. I HATE cats. Seriously...blech. But this book made me like a cat! Polly is an amazing character. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to call someone a bloated, zit-caked boil from a troll's butt. Maybe over Christmas dinner...
The worst thing is that I have to wait until 2017 to find out what happens with that cliffhanger. I just may ralph.
May 19, 2016
I love Hilo!!!!! This book isn't just for kids! I'm 44 and I think it's fantastic!!! I laughed out loud through the whole thing. If you haven't read the Hilo books, you need too!!! OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!
July 6, 2016
So happy to see Hilo, DJ and Gina again! But oh, cannot wait for the next one!
July 27, 2016
It's killing me that I'm going to have to wait until 2017!
September 11, 2016
Hilo is fabulous!
September 19, 2016
4.5 stars. HiLo is a fun graphic novel series with major kid-appeal. It has action, suspense, humor, and heart. I liked this story even more than the first!
April 12, 2025
Pretty good.
September 11, 2024
It's actually more like 4.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't allow that, so rounding up. The half-star is mostly for the CLIFFHANGER, WHAT!!*
Otherwise, another fantastic adventure with the high-energy (somehow always HI, never LO) Hilo! This is also, to my surprise, Polly's first appearance; I say surprise, since somehow book 10 was the first one I read in the series before coming back around to the books in order.
It's also probably the fastest reveal of the Masquerade I've seen, only two books in! Granted, Polly drops a hint about how to put the façade back up, but still! And such a positive response from Mrs. Lim (and even more positive response from Polly, awww)!
Mostly, though, Gina coming in with the strong feels, about how Hilo doesn't need someone LITERALLY fighting for him, but he DOES need a friend always in his corner, especially when he doesn't know his own strength.
Recommended for everyone! Or, well, I suppose everyone who's read book 1, anyway—unlike Rise of the Cat, this one really isn't as readable by itself, uninitiated.
*Also, I'm a little disappointed that Polly's "That's disgusting! Gimme some" recurring joke from book 10 wasn't a Shokugeki no Soma-style fascination with horrible tastes but a form of self-torment. I guess it's still an interesting character quirk, though.
Otherwise, another fantastic adventure with the high-energy (somehow always HI, never LO) Hilo! This is also, to my surprise, Polly's first appearance; I say surprise, since somehow book 10 was the first one I read in the series before coming back around to the books in order.
It's also probably the fastest reveal of the Masquerade I've seen, only two books in! Granted, Polly drops a hint about how to put the façade back up, but still! And such a positive response from Mrs. Lim (and even more positive response from Polly, awww)!
Mostly, though, Gina coming in with the strong feels, about how Hilo doesn't need someone LITERALLY fighting for him, but he DOES need a friend always in his corner, especially when he doesn't know his own strength.
Recommended for everyone! Or, well, I suppose everyone who's read book 1, anyway—unlike Rise of the Cat, this one really isn't as readable by itself, uninitiated.
*Also, I'm a little disappointed that Polly's "That's disgusting! Gimme some" recurring joke from book 10 wasn't a Shokugeki no Soma-style fascination with horrible tastes but a form of self-torment. I guess it's still an interesting character quirk, though.
January 4, 2025
Cute story. Very interesting. I like how they sneak in a few big words -- some with definition and some without it.
These are the parts that stood out to me:
toe talking
decapitated head
p.7
AAAAAH!
Hilo: AAAH! I love that greeting!
p 10 lured definition
p38
Hilo: I don't know! But I'm going to find out. Trying to find stuff out is the best part of not knowing something.
p. 40
Lisa: What's the mystery, Hilo?
Hilo: You don't want me to tell. You always like figuring stuff out.
p43
ralph = throw up
p45
Hilo: I love mangoes! And vegetables! These veggies are outstanding, Mrs. Lim.
Mrs. Lim: Lisa made them.
Hilo (to Lisa): They are outstanding.
p46
Hilo: I know. "Like like." You guys have said that before. I just don't understand why it's bad to like somebody twice.
p52
cobbled definition
p56
yeah. Trying to find stuff out is still the best part of not knowing something.
p60
(cute cat warrior - Polly)
p66
Polly: Battling by your side will be an adventure!
DJ: You can say that again.
Polly: Why would I say that again?
p. 67
Polly: You find mystery in the very ground! I like you, Gina! Spit with me!
p69
Polly: May I have more of this drink?
DJ: It's milk. do you like it?
Polly: It's disgusting! But I am furback clan! And comfort is for the weak!
p73
Polly: The wee one has spunk.
p88 fink us out
p91-93
DJ: I wish... I wish I could help you more.
Hilo: You do help me.
DJ: Not really.
Hilo: Sure you do. Things aren't as scary when you're around.
DJ: What are you scared of?
Hilo: Everything. Razorwark is trying to take over my world. Maybe earth too. I've forgotten most of my life. I'm scared of what I might remember.
DJ: Why?
Hilo: The more I remember, the more I feel like I've forgotten something terrible. But I know if anything bad ever happens, you'll come running to help.
DJ: I will.
Hilo: I know. That's why I'm not scared.
p136
rapscallions
These are the parts that stood out to me:
toe talking
decapitated head
p.7
AAAAAH!
Hilo: AAAH! I love that greeting!
p 10 lured definition
p38
Hilo: I don't know! But I'm going to find out. Trying to find stuff out is the best part of not knowing something.
p. 40
Lisa: What's the mystery, Hilo?
Hilo: You don't want me to tell. You always like figuring stuff out.
p43
ralph = throw up
p45
Hilo: I love mangoes! And vegetables! These veggies are outstanding, Mrs. Lim.
Mrs. Lim: Lisa made them.
Hilo (to Lisa): They are outstanding.
p46
Hilo: I know. "Like like." You guys have said that before. I just don't understand why it's bad to like somebody twice.
p52
cobbled definition
p56
yeah. Trying to find stuff out is still the best part of not knowing something.
p60
(cute cat warrior - Polly)
p66
Polly: Battling by your side will be an adventure!
DJ: You can say that again.
Polly: Why would I say that again?
p. 67
Polly: You find mystery in the very ground! I like you, Gina! Spit with me!
p69
Polly: May I have more of this drink?
DJ: It's milk. do you like it?
Polly: It's disgusting! But I am furback clan! And comfort is for the weak!
p73
Polly: The wee one has spunk.
p88 fink us out
p91-93
DJ: I wish... I wish I could help you more.
Hilo: You do help me.
DJ: Not really.
Hilo: Sure you do. Things aren't as scary when you're around.
DJ: What are you scared of?
Hilo: Everything. Razorwark is trying to take over my world. Maybe earth too. I've forgotten most of my life. I'm scared of what I might remember.
DJ: Why?
Hilo: The more I remember, the more I feel like I've forgotten something terrible. But I know if anything bad ever happens, you'll come running to help.
DJ: I will.
Hilo: I know. That's why I'm not scared.
p136
rapscallions
May 10, 2018
This is the 2nd book in the HiLo series. This series remains highly entertaining and is very well done. It’s a humorous middle grade graphic novel about friendship, evil aliens, and family.
HiLo returns just in time to find out that many portals are opening up on Earth. Monsters are pouring out through these portals and HiLo and crew work desperately to send all the monsters back to where they belong. In the process of all this craziness HiLo learns more about his past and doesn’t like what he finds out.
I loved the addition of the magical warrior cat; she was absolutely hilarious and added a lot of fun to the story.
I continue to enjoy the characters, the story, and the colorful illustration. The story has a lot of action and fun but also touches on more serious topics of family, friends, fitting in...and of course saving the world!!!
Overall me and my 11 year old son really continue to enjoy this series. I would definitely recommend for middle grade and older kids (and adults) who enjoy humorous sci-fi graphic novels.
HiLo returns just in time to find out that many portals are opening up on Earth. Monsters are pouring out through these portals and HiLo and crew work desperately to send all the monsters back to where they belong. In the process of all this craziness HiLo learns more about his past and doesn’t like what he finds out.
I loved the addition of the magical warrior cat; she was absolutely hilarious and added a lot of fun to the story.
I continue to enjoy the characters, the story, and the colorful illustration. The story has a lot of action and fun but also touches on more serious topics of family, friends, fitting in...and of course saving the world!!!
Overall me and my 11 year old son really continue to enjoy this series. I would definitely recommend for middle grade and older kids (and adults) who enjoy humorous sci-fi graphic novels.
June 11, 2018
The characters are well established in the first book, so the second focuses more on action while developing the characters further in the context of the action. It's very well done. Three notable things happen in this installment. (1) HiLo's new ethical stance against hurting robots shows a sort of "class consciousness" and leads to some interesting internal conflicts. (2) The introduction of Polly (who is wonked home by the end, but we can always hope she reappears) shows how deft Winick is at making the reader fall in love with a character who is dropped in the middle of non-stop action. (3) The revelations and twists in Razorwark's schemes by the end of the book (no spoilers here) really sustain interest in a plot that could have easily stalled in less capable hands. Great series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews