Children’s Book Review: Meet Fiona the Hippo by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu

Book Description:
Meet Fiona, the adorable hippo who became a worldwide internet sensation. Learn how Fiona came to live at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and what this fun, fearless hippo hero loves to do!

Created by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, beginning readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona in this Level One I Can Read book. Fiona the hippo was born six weeks before her due date. The whole world watched as this tiny baby hippo learned to eat, walk, and swim. Her courage and spunk helped her become a happy, healthy hippopotamus.

Meet Fiona the Hippo is:

An easy-to-read inspirational story of courage and perseverance

A Level One I Can Read story geared for children learning to sound out words and sentences

Great for kids that love learning about animals

Also available:
Fiona and the Rainy Day

Fiona Saves the Day

Fantastic Fiona

My Thoughts:
Fiona is a real Hippo who lives at the Cincinnati Zoo. I’ve seen her, and she’s been a delight to everyone. Meet Fiona the Hippo, Fiona and the Rainy Day, Fiona Saves the Day, and Fantastic Fiona are delightful books for early readers. I love Cowdrey’s illustrations and enjoy these fun stories about this beloved hippo. They are easy to read and engaging for beginning readers. The colorful, playful illustrations of the many animals in the zoo bring them to life and add an element of fun. Each book shares an encouragement for little ones. These are great to keep kids reading this summer.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just in Time for Christmas! Now in Board Book: A Very Fiona Christmas and A Night of Great Joy

Book Description:
It’s Fiona the hippo’s very first Christmas, and the zoo is sparkling with holiday spirit. When the adorable little hippo asks her friends, “What’s Christmas?” they set out to show her all the wonders and excitement of the season. With each new experience Fiona lets out a snort, wiggles her ears, and asks, “Is THIS Christmas?”

Amidst the snow, twinkling lights, mistletoe, and stockings, Fiona ends up meeting a new friend at the zoo who helps her discover the true meaning of the holiday: Love. Snuggle up with your little ones and join Fiona and her adorable animal friends for a heartwarming holiday romp through the zoo.

My Review:
A Very Fiona Christmas is a delightful story of a baby hippo discovering Christmas for the first time. Living near Cincinnati, I am familiar with Fiona. She was born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo. She survived and thrived and has become a favorite of young and old. Richard Cowdrey's illustrations are fantastic. The color and movement of the beautiful characters will delight children. If you are looking for a gift for an animal lover, and what child isn't, pick up a copy of A Very Fiona Christmas. I won't spoil the ending, but I'll say it is perfect. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

Book Description:
Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.

A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

Mary Engelbreit, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the blockbuster Christmas classic The Night Before Christmas, brings readers a new holiday picture book that’s sure to become a family favorite.

My Review:
Who doesn't love a Christmas pageant?

I've long been a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and of Christmas pageants. A Night of Great Joy embraces the colorful whimsy of her art with the sweet, often amusing joy of a children's play. Mary's simple telling of Jesus birth pairs beautifully with her wonderful illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of the diverse cast of children as they participate in the most important holiday story. And the shepherds and angels are a hoot. Parents and children will have a lot of fun reading this version of the Christmas story. I see this becoming a classic in years to come. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Picture Book Review: Fiona, It's Bedtime by Zondervan (Author), Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)

Book Description:

It’s time to go to bed and Fiona can’t fall asleep until she’s said “GOODNIGHT” to all her animal friends at the zoo.

Fiona, It’s Bedtime, a follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Fiona the Hippo and A Very Fiona Christmas, is the latest book to showcase the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo. Fiona is beloved by fans all over the world, and her newest book is the perfect bedtime read-aloud for cuddling with your little one. Fiona, It’s Bedtime, illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, features everyone’s favorite hippo who wanders through the zoo saying “GOOD NIGHT” to all her animals friend before she heads to bed and settles into slumber.  

My Review:
Richard Cowdrey's charming and colorful illustrations will delight little ones as they're encouraged to go to sleep. The rhyming text of Fiona, It's Bedtime is fun to read aloud, as Fiona visits all her friends at the zoo. The text also captures the sleeping habits of the various animals. Living near Cincinnati, I have a soft spot for this lovable hippo. Cowdrey has captured her sweet persona on each page. This is perfect for children ages 2 to 8. Or an adult like me who loves children's books. Fiona, It's Bedtime will become a good-night favorite. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Christmas Book Review: A Very Fiona Christmas illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

Book Description:

It’s Fiona the hippo’s very first Christmas, and the zoo is sparkling with holiday spirit. When the adorable little hippo asks her friends, “What’s Christmas?” they set out to show her all the wonders and excitement of the season. With each new experience Fiona lets out a snort, wiggles her ears, and asks, “Is THIS Christmas?”

Amidst the snow, twinkling lights, mistletoe, and stockings, Fiona ends up meeting a new friend at the zoo who helps her discover the true meaning of the holiday: Love. Snuggle up with your little ones and join Fiona and her adorable animal friends for a heartwarming holiday romp through the zoo. 

My Review:
A Very Fiona Christmas is a delightful story of a baby hippo discovering Christmas for the first time. Living near Cincinnati, I am familiar with Fiona. She was born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo. She survived and thrived and has become a favorite of young and old. Richard Cowdrey's illustrations are fantastic. The color and movement of the beautiful characters will delight children. If you are looking for a gift for an animal lover, and what child isn't, pick up a copy of A Very Fiona Christmas. I won't spoil the ending, but I'll say it is perfect. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.