Hugo and the Impossible Thing
Hugo and the Impossible Thing
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Publisher's Hardcover ©2021--
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Penguin
Annotation: All the forest animals know it is impossible to make it through the Impossible Thing, but a small dog named Hugo is determined to try, inspiring hope in his friends.
Genre: [Animal fiction]
 
Reviews: 2
Catalog Number: #254936
Format: Publisher's Hardcover
Publisher: Penguin
Copyright Date: 2021
Edition Date: 2021 Release Date: 03/30/21
Illustrator: Hanson, Sydney,
Pages: 1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN: 0-593-20463-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-593-20463-4
Dewey: E
LCCN: 2020029362
Dimensions: 27 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)

Seemingly impossible tasks can be completed-with a bit of motivation.The titular Impossible Thing-a dizzying labyrinth of thorns, boulders, rapids, and heights-stands near the edge of the forest and is so named by the woodland creatures because everyone assumes that traversing it is out of the question. This can't-do attitude prevails until Hugo, a French bulldog, appears and asks the question: "How do we know the Impossible Thing is impossible if no one's ever tried to get through it?" In his quest for answers, Hugo seeks out the experts: Mr. Bear is strong, Little Fox is clever, Miss Otter is an excellent swimmer, and Old Mr. Goat is a mountain climber. Although their answers express pessimism, Hugo's determination inspires them to try, and together the animals work to beat the Impossible. The story's flow is smooth and begs to be read aloud; children and caregivers will enjoy Hugo's can-do attitude and his unjudgmental reception of the initial skepticism shown by the forest crowd. The lush, soft-edged illustrations will display equally well in a lap or at the front of a room. Hanson dials the cuteness level down a bit from her illustrations in Close Your Eyes (2021) and other collaborations with Lori Haskins Houran, but the animals' expressive features, especially cheerful Hugo's, are winning. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)The perfect story for goal-oriented readers (as well as those who need the occasional nudge). (Picture book. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Seemingly impossible tasks can be completed-with a bit of motivation.The titular Impossible Thing-a dizzying labyrinth of thorns, boulders, rapids, and heights-stands near the edge of the forest and is so named by the woodland creatures because everyone assumes that traversing it is out of the question. This can't-do attitude prevails until Hugo, a French bulldog, appears and asks the question: "How do we know the Impossible Thing is impossible if no one's ever tried to get through it?" In his quest for answers, Hugo seeks out the experts: Mr. Bear is strong, Little Fox is clever, Miss Otter is an excellent swimmer, and Old Mr. Goat is a mountain climber. Although their answers express pessimism, Hugo's determination inspires them to try, and together the animals work to beat the Impossible. The story's flow is smooth and begs to be read aloud; children and caregivers will enjoy Hugo's can-do attitude and his unjudgmental reception of the initial skepticism shown by the forest crowd. The lush, soft-edged illustrations will display equally well in a lap or at the front of a room. Hanson dials the cuteness level down a bit from her illustrations in Close Your Eyes (2021) and other collaborations with Lori Haskins Houran, but the animals' expressive features, especially cheerful Hugo's, are winning. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)The perfect story for goal-oriented readers (as well as those who need the occasional nudge). (Picture book. 6-10)

Reviewing Agencies: - Find Other Reviewed Titles
Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)
Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)
Word Count: 893
Reading Level: 3.8
Interest Level: P-2
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 3.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 523310 / grade: Lower Grades
Guided Reading Level: K
Fountas & Pinnell: K

Hugo has one goal - to conquer the Impossible Thing.

At the edge of the forest stood the Impossible Thing. All the animals in the forest often wondered what was beyond the Impossible Thing, but since everyone said getting through it would be impossible, no animal ever tried.
 
Until a brave little dog named Hugo decides he just might be up to the challenge. With determination and some unexpected help from his friends, Hugo learns that what may seem impossible might just be possible after all.


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