The Unhappy Hippopotamus
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1957

The Unhappy Hippopotamus

Written by Nancy Moore · Illustrated by Edward Leight

A hippo seeks happiness, leaving her river for a new home.

4.5 Goodreads · 12 ratings
~520L

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Harriet the hippo has lost her smile. In search of joy, she leaves her river behind to start anew in a proper house. Will this change bring back her happiness, or is there more to discover about what truly makes her smile? Join Harriet on her journey to find out if a new environment can rekindle her lost glee.

From the publisher

Miss Harriet Hippopotamus isn’t happy and in the midst of this melancholy, she’s “completely and entirely and altogether” forgotten how to smile. In an effort to find her glee again, she leaves her river home and moves into a proper house.

Awards

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1957)
At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Reading age
5–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
~520L
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.4
F&P level
~N
Publication
Published
June 1, 1957
First published
January 1, 1957
Publisher
Vanguard Press
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780814903681

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