- based on a true story about a hippo in the Budapest zoo
- set during WWII, fighting and soldiers mentioned
- with food scarce, the people of Budapest creatively find a way to feed the hippos
- artwork matches the tone of the text beautifully
- language: x1 darn (in Author’s Note)
Type: picture book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Trish Marx
Illustrator: Barbara Knutson
This book was so, so lovely! Narrated by a young boy, we see his experience uniquely through his juvenile eyes–his adoration of his father, his adventures around town with his siblings, and, most importantly, the times they could visit their favorite hippo, Hanna.
Apparently Budapest, Hungary was a hot spot for happy and healthy hippopotamuses as they bred there and were sent to various zoos around the world. The zoo built an amazing house for the hippos, which the illustrations show.
This would be great to read before a visit to a zoo or even when studying Hungary or the second world war.