Fiona the Hippo
by Richard Cowdrey
Zonderkidz (August 7, 2018)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8
Fiction * Animals * Hippos
GoodReads | WorldCat | IndieBound
Thank you to Zonderkidz for partnering with Kid Lit Frenzy to host the giveaway! For details, please see the rules below.
About the book:
Fiona the Hippo, by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey of Bad Dog, Marley fame, tells the story of Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo who captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.
Born prematurely, at only 29 pounds, Fiona was not expected to live. But her spunk and determination helped her thrive and become a happy, healthy hippopotamus. With every challenge she faced, Fiona let out a snort, wiggled her ears, and said "I've got this." And she did! In this delightful story, inspired by the real adventure of this heroic hippo, join Fiona and her lovable animal friends at the zoo as she is introduced to the world in this whimsical and inspiring tale of perseverance and friendship.
Quick thoughts on the book:
Yep, I am one of those suckers for a baby animal defies the odds to survive story. The story of the grieving Orca mother who carried her dead calf for 17 days had me sobbing. The before and after pictures of rescued dogs choke me up. The tiny kitten that requires constant feeding and an incubator to survive has me cheering for a success story. So, of course a premature baby hippo would certainly catch my attention.
Fiona the tiny hippo caught the attention of many people who cheered on each milestone that she accomplished. Cowdrey's fictionalized tale of Fiona's spunky determination will draw in and entertain young readers. As Fiona is cheered on by the other animals in the zoo, children will join in and celebrate the tiny hippo's journey.
For videos of Fiona from her home at the Cincinnati Zoo, check out the video below.
Cincinnati Zoo: Baby Hippo Fiona's Special Moments: Never-before-seen Video
Pair Fiona the Hippo with Saving Fiona for a fiction & nonfiction pair up. Look for this book at your local indie bookstore or community library.
About the Author: Richard Cowdrey's favorite things to draw and paint are the common things seen everywhere in nature. He especially enjoys capturing the expressions, eyes, and gestures of both humans and animals. Drawing and painting Fiona was challenging as the hippopotamus is a very unique yet beautiful creature! Richard's bestselling children's books include Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley, and A Very Marley Christmas.
Enter the Giveaway:
Fiona’s Pool Party! Throw the best pool party ever for your little zoo animal!
Winner receives:
a copy of Fiona the Hippo,
a Hippo pool toy and all the zoo friends —just be careful not to get your new book wet!
Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Zonderkidz.