Zonderkidz is partnering with me for a giveaway!
My daughter and I read Fiona the Hippo and immediately fell in love with the book as well as the story behind the book. This book is based on the real life story of Fiona being born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo. We really enjoyed the story and how the animals became friends with Fiona. You definitely will enjoy this book too and it will be a great addition to your library as we head back to school.
Although we have never been to the Cincinnati Zoo, my family and I go numerous times each year to the Bronx Zoo. In fact, we are members. We love visiting the animals and have celebrated the birth of new animals at the zoo before. So the idea that the public would fall in love with Fiona and the story of her premature birth completely resonates with us.
Fiona the Hippo
By Richard Cowdrey
In Stores August 7th, 2018
Published by Zonderkidz
About Fiona the Hippo
Fiona the Hippo, by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey of Bad Dog, Marley fame, tells the story of Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo who captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.
Born prematurely, at only 29 pounds, Fiona was not expected to live. But her spunk and determination helped her thrive and become a happy, healthy hippopotamus. With every challenge she faced, Fiona let out a snort, wiggled her ears, and said “I’ve got this.” And she did! In this delightful story, inspired by the real adventure of this heroic hippo, join Fiona and her lovable animal friends at the zoo as she is introduced to the world in this whimsical and inspiring tale of perseverance and friendship.
About the Author
Richard Cowdrey’s favorite things to draw and paint are the common things seen everywhere in nature. He especially enjoys capturing the expressions, eyes, and gestures of both humans and animals. Drawing and painting Fiona was challenging as the hippopotamus is a very unique yet beautiful creature! Richard’s bestselling children’s books include Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley, and A Very Marley Christmas.
We want you to enjoy this book as much as we do so we have this awesome giveaway for you!
Fabulous Fiona!
Take control with fabulous Fiona! Winner receives:
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a copy of Fiona the Hippo,
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plus a $50 Visa gift card to take your family out on the town.
Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Zonderkidz.
Visit FionatheHippoBook.com
I like that it’s about someone who was born prematurely and later was healthy and happy
I like that she grew to be happy and healthy even after she wasn’t expected to live.
I love comeback stories such as Fiona the Hippo.
I like that she beat the odds and the way the community rallied around.
I love how she never gives up. We all could learn from that.
I like that she managed to survive. Plus she’s super cute.
Fiona makes me smile.
I love that they are showing that no matter your circumstance your positive attitude is what gets you ahead.
I like the story of Fiona the Hippo because she was born prematurely to become healthy. This looks like a great childrens book.
This sounds like a great book about a tiny hippo who survives against all odds. Touching.
I like the theme of persistence and overcoming obstacles. It’s an inspiring message.
She will come out strong!
I love a book that teaches friendhsip
The ability and strength to rise above adversity alway makes for a good story.
I like that despite her circumstances, she persevered.
I love that this story is all about teaching that you can overcome any obstacle if you really try. I think this is a perfect type of story for children.
I like the theme about perseverance.
Love Fiona! Love that the story is about overcoming the odds.
I like that this story shows Fiona didn’t give up and shows perseverance!
I like how the entire community is behind her!
Great giveaway. Love Fiona and how it teaches our little ones how to overcome obstacles.
I love that she became a happy and healthy hippo.
She was cared for and was happy and healthy.
I like her determination of making things happen.
I like her perseverance! I’d love to share this with my nephew.
It’s cool how her popularity crosses the board in terms of diversity: age, race, American or international. She has been relatable to everybody.
I like that it’s a story of being determined and not giving up.
I like that it’s based on a true story about an animal that didn’t give up
I like that no matter what Fiona was faced with, she never gave up.
I like the focus on the positive and perseverance.
This looks like such I great book. The artwork is really nice also!
The artwork looks amazing. The story sounds great!
I like the storyline and it is based on a true story
I love that she overcomes every obstacle and thrives.
I like her determination and focus on the positive.
I have been following Fiona’s life since she was born. We all love her and can’t wait to get the book.
I love the message it sends,never give up and keep a positive attitude.A message we should all be teaching our kiddos
I know nothing about hippos.
I love the determination shown and its very inspiring!
Her strength and determination.
Marion
a nice feel good story
I love how Fiona overcomes challenges and does not let it phase her!
I love the happy ending, and how she may have had the odds stacked up against her, she overcame them.
I have not read it… I would love a copy for my kids!
She looks for all the good in life, and keeps going despite her challenges.
This is for Migh, my 2 yr old neighbor.
It looks like a fun book to tell the tale of a hippo that possibly wouldn’t make it cause she was small
I like that she survived after being born prematurely.
Both my boys were born premature so I like that this story is relatable to them with a hippo who was born premature.
It looks like the ultimate preemie story and the artwork is very well done.
I like that she was inspired by a true story.
I love that this story demonstrates love, family and friendship. I also love that Fiona thrived after being held in captivity and reintroducted to her family and hippo friends.
I like that she beat the odds and lived
The story is about perseverance and overcoming obstacle that life throws at you.
What I like most about the story of Fiona the Hippo is how cute and tiny she is. Thanks for the giveaway!
i love stories that teach kids about compassion, they really need to see it modeled on all levels.
I love the determination!! Thank you
What a positive story.
I like that Fiona had courage and did not give up.
I LOVE HAPPY ENDING
I have been following Fiona since she was born! I just love her so much. My cover photo on my facebook is her! She is so beautiful!
I like that she had such determination. Great quality for a character to have in a children’s book.
I like it because hippos are one of my favorite animals.
Really nice art work and a great story line. Wholesome!
I like that Fiona is determined and resilient.
i like how it teaches you self esteem and that every human and animal is beautiful on the inside and out !
I really like the illustration and Fiona’s determination.
I like that despite early setbacks she thrived.
I like that she never gives up
I like that she had spunk and determination to thrive and become a happy, healthy hippopotamus
I like that the story tells how she interacts with her animal friends. It sounds really cute.
I like that it is a true story!
I like how it is relateable and easy for children to understand. Love the illustration as well.
I love the illustrations
I like that she grows up healthy
Your illustrator did a great job with soft eyes, great smile and your writing provided determination and learning with every step. Very encouraging
She beat the odds — feel good story. Cute illustrations too.
Until Fiona was born, I didn’t realize how adorable and cute baby hippos are. I love the story of Fiona, because it shows that with love and dedication, Fiona was able to survive and that she herself was determined to survive.
A cute preemie hippo who survived and grew stronger is why I like this story
I just love how she is determined!
I love the theme of perseverance and thats its based on a true story
I love that this is a true story about a hippo who was so determined.
I love that Fiona is so determined.
This sounds like an amazing story! I would love to introduce my kids to Fiona.
I like how amazing it is that Fiona not just survived but thrived.
I love this story so beautiful I have little nieces and nephews, well they are pre teens now, but both were born premature one was 3 months early! Blessings!
I love that it’s a special animal story that is true! I would have been thrilled by this story as a kid!
I love that it sends the message to children that it’s OK to be different.
I love the story of this book think my little niece would love it
What I like most is the different animals being friends with each other.
I like that the book is based on the real life story of Fiona . The illustrations look beautiful.
my favorite part is how she was born premature but still continues to seem happy all the time 🙂
i like the cute characters and good message it sends to kids!
I love the determination and will to live that Fiona demonstrates – and the pictures are really cute too!
I love that Fiona is a story of grit she hung in and rose to overcome so much in her life great story to read to the kids again and again
i like that it is a happy, feel-good story
I love how she never gives up
It is a cute story ideal I like it.
I like that she was determined to become a happy, healthy hippo.
I love Fiona’s courage and the beautiful art in this picture book.
Such a cute story and happy ending
I like the beautiful pictures and sweet hippo babies
I love how she overcomes all of the bad stuff that comes her way. She is definitely a fighter.
Love the story overcoming the odds
I love that she was a premie who thrived! Not enough premie stories!
I love the art.
The illustrations are charming
The inspiration to keep on keeping on and the absolutely magnificent illustrations!
Awww! We love Fiona!! We’ve beennfollowing her story since day one!
My girls and I love Fiona! We’ve actually been to the Cincinnati Zoo to see her! So amazing!
I like that the story is positive and the hippo doesn’t give up. My 4 yr old grandaughter would love it
I love that one of her traits is having spunk..
I love Fiona! She’s such a fighter and she’s just so cute!
I love how she never gives up!
The can do attitude no matter what.
I like the positive attitude from the book, it makes for a good example for your children.
I love the positive vibes, thank you so much for the great offer!
I love that the book teaches kids about perseverance. It’s a great trait to be teaching them!
I love that Fiona is so strong and always so happy. Her care team was and is extremely supportive of her.
Fiona beat the odds!! I absolutely love her and am planning my honeymoon around meeting her
I think its a good lesson for kids
I love how it teaches friendship
Comeback stories have a special place in my heart.
I would love this book for my grandbabies they would love it.
I like how she is a survivor and doesn’t give up.
I love that they are showing that no matter your circumstance your positive attitude is what gets you ahead.
a wonderful book
I like that it is a happy story.
I love that it tells a story of an animal going through an obstacle and overcoming it. Being born prematurely is something some kids can relate to. I think a lot of kids will be able to resonate with the story. I love learning about new things and this book seems like it could tell me a lot!
I love that it teaches kids social skills and how to make friends.
I love the art work! It makes the story come to life and it’s beautiful.
I like that she grew to be happy and healthy even after she was born prematurely.
I love that the book teaches kids about perseverance
Fiona is our local celebrity. I love how the book shows her true character. The book shows us that no matter how small or a disability you can overcome All Odds
how she never gives up!
She didnt let anything stand in her way!
first that it is so cute and 2nd cause she never gives up
The illustrations are cute, and the story is fun and impactful.
I like the lesson of what determination can do!
Makes you feel good inside. Like a warm hug
I love Fiona and how she overcame so much in her life and how friendship was so important in her life too,
her manage to survive
I LIKE FIONA BECAUSE SHE TEACHES KIDS TO NEVER GIVE UP DESPITE CHALLENGES YOU MAY FACE 🙂
I love the drawings! I think it’s great that it’s showing children never give up and stay positive and strong.
Fiona is so Popular at the preschool I just quit at recently. Just wonderful!
I like that it is about positivity and happiness.
I love her strength and determination to survive. What a positive role model!
Like how she never gives up.
I like that it is a feel good and happy true story.
I like how she didn’t give up
I like Fiona’s determination.
I like it because it has such a cute cover and Fiona sounds awesome and inspirational!
i love that she never gives up
I like that she beat the odds from the beginning
Overcoming adversity makes for an inspiring story and what a cute hippo, to boot.
I love that she is strong willed.
she managed to survive and never gives up
I love that it’s such a positive book!
Its an against the odds story
I LOVE that it is inspired by a real true hippo hero! It sounds like a truly amazing and adorable story.
I like that it all really happened. All things are possible.
based on real story
I like that it shows her determination.
I like that the Fiona is based on a real live Hippo that children can see in real life. It brings the children’s imagination to life.
I live in Cincy and we all love Fiona and her story. Thanks for sharing.
The illustrations are charming and the story of strength and overcoming obstacles is wonderful.
Never give up! I love hippos.
She doesnt give up hope. Keeps moving forward.
I like that it’s about my favorite hippo <3
I love that even though she had lots of health obstacles to overcome by being born early that she still grew to be happy and healthy.
i love her will to survive
I love that Fiona is a fighter.
Determination.
I love the story about perseverance, but I also love that they used a unique animal like the hippo and it it fun to say!
I love that Fiona is a strong, determined fighter and this story has an amazing story line. I love that perseverance led her through!
I love that is up lifting and helps children understand that we all have obstacles to get over in life.
What I like most is that kids are shown what really happens in the zoo!
I love the story . It is very heart warming!
i love that it is teaching young minds that no matter how bad your situation is that you can overcome and grow up to be healthy and happy!!great story
Her positive I’ve got it attitude
I like Fiona because she knows looks aren’t important.
This would be great for my grand daughter right now
I love how Fiona makes so many happy!
I love that it’s true.
I love the pictures! 🙂
Love that she never gives up
Beating the odds and happiness.
Thanks for this amazing giveaway and good luck to everyone else
I love love Fiona!
Love Fiona and her story!
This sounds like such an adorable story of a tough soul who persevered! The illustrations look beautiful too!
I like how she overcomes the challenges she has!
I like that she fought to survive!
My favorite part is that she is a survivor and she is super cute.
So cute , I have to get this for my Uncle . He’s a huge fan of Fiona !
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I live in Cincinnati, OH and still have not met Fiona! 🙁 But I love the concept of this book.
I love that she thrived to live.
Love the hippo!
That it’s real
I love that Fiona is brave!
I love how she was optimistic and proved them wrong:)
I like how things can always change & get better
she was born premature and how she over came some thing love the story
We love that she is determined and doesn’t give up!
She out did the odds and lived to be healthy 🙂 thanks for the chance to win.
This looks like a cute story for my girls to read! I like that it follows Fiona from a baby hippo to an adult and tells the story of how she persevered.
I love her spunk and determination. The pictures are great.
Love her “can do” attitude!
I love the illustrations they are done beautifully
i think the story is very cute!!
love the real adventure of this heroic hippo
I love the determination and not giving up. Great themes for kids!
I love not only did Fiona not give up but her caretakers also never gave up on her.
I live right by Cincinnati, so that it’s a hometown love is something I adore. I also like that it’s a story of overcoming odds!
I love that she is strong and beautiful 🙂 What a great animal book for children!
Thank You!
Fiona makes me smile.
She’s loving
My daughter was born very small so this story resonates
My granddaughter was born early bc she had a stroke inside my daughter. She has had many obstacles to overcome and this year she gets to attend regular school and shes thrilled so I like this because it reminds me of her
This story is a new one for me, but would be a great way to emphasize that starting with things against you (like being born very small) does not mean that things cannot go well in the future.
I like her tenacity!
I LOVE THE STORY!
I admire Fiona’s courage so uplifting.
thank you
I like that it is about overcoming obstacles. Great story.
I love that she survived!
Thank you for the chance to win!
I love Fiona’s perseverance!
I love the illustrations for this story. It looks like one my youngest would enjoy!
I like that Fiona is strong willed and determined. I look forward to reading this book to the residents I work with who have dementia in Memory Care. Fiona is also adorable!
I love the message to always stay positive!
I love the message that you can do it, you can overcome.
Sounds like a beautiful story on perseverance!
Surviving Against All Odds! Now that’s a great positive and uplifting story.
Love that is is about never giving up despite obstacles!
I love the illustrations and the lesson that you can rise above adversity
I followed Fiona’s story when watching the news on television. This story showed me the strength and determination of this cute baby hippo and the love and care of her caretakers that brought her through a tough beginning. Very inspirational!
I love how cute the animals are!
Fiona is adorable!
This book is so precious! This book has beautifully done illustrations, telling the story of baby hippo Fiona born weeks early. It’s also a great story about overcoming obstacles!
I love how she never gives up. We all could learn from that. Plus, her snort and ear wiggling are super cute. 🙂
I really like that it is giving a voice to animals, and hope it makes people feel like they have feelings too
I liked that it was a heartfelt story and touched so many hearts.
Fiona is a great story teaching kids positivity!
I liked the story because it was very inspirational which I think is good for children.
Burp! – kids love body functions!
I’ve never read it before but it sounds like a great book with a great story behind it. I love hippos.
Love how she beats the odds with her determination!
I like that the positivity and shows you can beat the odds
i love that the story is inspirational. it’s awesome.
I love that it’s based on a true story. Those kinds of things always make me happy.
Looks like a really cute book!
must say I have never seen this book before but my little niece would love this
I like that it is a positive story about not giving up and overcoming obstacles
Fiona rocks
I like that she was determined to survive
love that she is determined
I like that it shows how she best the odds and was determined to survive.
I loved watching her grow as a premature baby and the whole family is just in love with Fiona!
I love how she determined she is 🙂
I like that it’s based on a true story.
I love that she beats the odds that are against her!
I always enjoy a goof story about baby animals in the zoo!
that its a story about a hippo i just love those cutie pies!!!!
I have never heard this story. it sounds great!
Great gift
I love the Fiona story because it helped bring people together rooting for her.
I love the positive message and pretty artwork.
I like the upbeat and positive outlook Fiona keeps.
I like the determination to survive.
Granddaughters will absolutely love this, story about animal and teaches never give up, being determined in life is a good thing.
teaches never give up, being determined in life is a good thing.
I like that it’s about a hippo, an animal that there’s not a ton of children’s books about.
As an artist, I love the illustrations! Thanks and God Bless!
I love how she never gives up. We all could learn from that.
I like that she was a fighter
I like that she survived against the odds.
I like the character – she is the comeback kid.
The art is adorable.
I like how she defies the odds against her.
I liked despite everything she never gave up.
I can relate to the book having 22q and raising my child who has 22q a rare genetic disorder. I would love to win the giveaway. It’s a great book about not giving up and over coming challenges.
I love what an inspiring story it is and also that an animal is the main character!
I like how determined she was!
I like the fact that Fiona is a hippo (animal)
That she was born prematurely
I love the illustrations in the book.
That she’s a National superstar, from here in Ohio. Everyone loves Fiona!
I like that it’s a story about friends and her being strong willed.
The illustrations are beautiful. I love that Fiona had the perseverance to survive and make friends along the way.
Fiona’s attitude!
The illustration and great support is always an inspiration
I like that she overcame the odds to become a happy and healthy hippo.
I like that the story emphasizes the power of persistance.
I like that she never gives up.
How she grew up to be a perfectly healthy and beautiful woman..
I haven’t read it yet, but it looks adorable.
I most like that he’s a survivor.
I like her spunk and all the animal friends.
Thanks for the contest.
I love the quality of the illustrations and also that it exposes children to a topic that is not often in children’s books
I love that it is about a hippo. My granddaughter loves all books with animals.
I like that she grep up healthy.
Fiona is from the zoo near me, and saw her everywhere. I think it’s great she has her own story. ?
I think its a story about lifes hardships and how everything works out on the long run
I love how she shows to never give up!!
I love that she’s happy and positive
Fiona was born premature, but she was a fighter and survived. It’s a cute story and I love the drawings. Thanks!
I like that she overcame being so small at birth.
I love how she persevered.
She never gave up, she had a lot of courage.
I love the message of trying and overcoming and also on self-esteem! This seems like an amazing story!
I like stories about animals, so I liked this one
I like that she is a survivor and that she overcame.
A lovely real-life story that our kids would enjoy: could help them appreciate the wonderful (vanishing) wildlife of our planet, and our obligation to protect & preserve it.
I love that Fiona is a fighter.
This is sucha cute story and so relevant
I like that it shows kids to not give up, to keep trying. She was a strong brave one,
I really like that the story shows that she faces every challenge with an “I’ve got this” attitude. It is the attitude I try to instill in my kids.
I like that it is a story about strength and community.
I love the illustrations!