Tired of their run-down city zoo, Hippo and Red Panda decide to try their luck living among humans instead. The pair score job after job, but Red Panda's workplace deficiencies get them fired before each day is through. A narrowly avoided accident makes Hippo realize life in the city might not be for him after all, but he returns home with a fresh perspective and the necessary skills to fix the ailing zoo. This charming graphic novel offers an entertaining package of silly humor and clever illustrations while reminding readers that everyone has their strengths and friends can accomplish far more together than they can on their own. Using large-scale panels and a crisp drawing style, Green captures the absurdities of each situation with a good-natured cheer in each panel. A cheerfully bright palette and highly expressive characters bring vibrant energy to the pages, echoing the upbeat tone of the story. Entertaining and engaging, this will appeal to a wide range of young readers.

A hippo discovers that the possibilities are limitless. Hippopotamus' zoo home is in complete disrepair. Since no kids come to visit, the grounds are overgrown, and the animals look unkempt, neglected, and lonely. Bored and frustrated with his life, Hippo leaves the zoo in order to find a job among humans, refashioning himself as a Hippopotamister. But for what profession is a hippo suited? Green's warm illustrations and graphic-novel presentation create an appealing protagonist for his debut children's book as both author and illustrator (with finishing touches by colorist Caro). While the story's tone is more lighthearted than the early Babar books, Hippo's struggle to find his place in the world is reminiscent of that famous elephant's, and it is one with which readers will undoubtedly identify. Red Panda, Hippo's madcap sidekick, is his guide to the human world, and with each occupation they attempt, from hairstylists and construction workers to sous-chefs, Hippo learns more about himself and his hitherto-undiscovered talents. This story contains all of the elements that make the quintessential self-discovery tale so rewarding, as Hippo learns that birthplace need not dictate one's future and that identity and true happiness might lie in merging the new world he discovers with the home he initially leaves. A charming book with a solid message about changing one's life through hard work, imagination, and openness to new experiences. (Graphic fantasy. 5-8)

Gr 1-4 In this colorful step into the graphic novel format for younger middle grade readers, pages with panels are interspersed with full-page illustrations in a humorous tale of friendship and adventure. Red Panda and Hippopotamus live in a run-down zoo until Red Panda decides to leave and get a job among humans, eventually convincing Hippo to join him. Red Panda gives Hippo the moniker "Hippopotamister," claiming this will help him fit in with humans. Silliness ensues as the two try a variety of jobs, almost all of which Hippopotamister miraculously excels at while Red Panda fails spectacularly. So many failures have to add up to success eventually, don't they? Indeed, Hippopotamister brainstorms a way to use skills developed in the human world to help his animal friends back at the zoo. Readers will root for modest Hippopotamister as he loyally tolerates his bossy friend. Drawn in graphite and digitally colored, the artwork is bright, clear, and enticing. In one charming spread, Hippo mopes on a rock in the urban zoo; his worried expression turns to enlightenment as the sun sets, the sky darkens, and city lights come on in the background. While the text includes a smattering of sophisticated words, the characters and situations will appeal to younger readers, making this an attractive option for children who read at or above grade level but still prefer books with colorful pictures, funny characters, and innocent story lines. VERDICT A fun and engaging selection for readers just venturing into graphic novels. Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA