Green Hippo

When a green hippo struggles with being different, his friends help him accept his individuality in this boldly illustrated story from Petr Horácek.

Green Hippo is feeling sad because someone told him green hippos don’t exist. His friends Frog, Elephant, and Giraffe try to cheer him up, but Green Hippo is too dejected to listen—it’s easy for them to say such things, as Frog is the color he’s supposed to be, Elephant is gray, and Giraffe yellow! Walking off on his own, Green Hippo suddenly notices the kaleidoscope of colors all around him in the meadow, and his sadness turns to happiness. He can’t wait to share his discovery with his friends, who have their own surprise for him. In a touching story about friendship that doubles as a concept book about colors, Petr Horácek brings his own brilliant palette to celebrating the differences among us—and the gift of being yourself.The story’s sweet and encouraging message of self-acceptance ultimately comes through clearly thanks to Horácek’s illustrations. . . .A colorful statement on the power of difference and friendship.
—Kirkus Reviews

Horácek’s artwork is genuinely spectacular. . . . A visually striking and well-intentioned story about acceptance and diversity, with a quiet affirmation of friendship at its heart. A solid addition to collections exploring identity, emotions, and belonging.
—School Library JournalPetr Horácek grew up in Prague and trained as a graphic designer, illustrator, and painter. He has written and illustrated many books for children, including Tiny Owl’s Scary Day, A Best Friend for Bear, Animal Opposites, Grumpy Duck, The Greedy Goat, Puffin Peter, The Best Place in the World, and Who Is the Biggest? He lives in England.