Green Hippo

PreS–Horácek’s mixed-media illustrations steal the show in this tale about difference and acceptance. Green Hippo feels sad when someone tells him green hippos don’t exist, prompting his friends to brush off his concerns as “nonsense.” When their reassurances fail to comfort him, Hippo wanders to the river, where he observes the vibrant diversity of fish, birds, and butterflies and realizes that differences make the world beautiful, not boring. Horácek’s artwork is genuinely spectacular, featuring layered textures and a rich palette that brings emotional depth to each spread. The river scenes, filled with yellow, orange, and red fish alongside multicolored birds, are especially striking in their celebration of natural variety. The story’s emotional arc, however, feels uneven at times. When Hippo expresses genuine distress, his friends respond with kindness and quick reassurance (“We like you just the way you are!”), but miss the heart of his concern. Hippo isn’t questioning friendship; he’s questioning identity. The resolution, while uplifting, arrives quickly after Hippo’s solitary reflection, leaving that deeper question and existential wobble only lightly explored. Still, their joyful return to eagerly share news of a pink hippo shows care and connection and affirms Hippo’s place in their group.