I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young Hippo braves the world to embrace who he truly is in author Milt Lowe’s “The Hippo Who Hated to Fight”.

The Synopsis

Hippos are famous for fighting and biting. But Kuno the hippo is unique. He refuses to fight even though he always gets teased.

“The Hippo Who Hated To Fight” is the sweet, fun, inspiring story of a hippo brave enough to be himself. Kuno leaves his family and friends to search for the love, kindness, and acceptance he is missing.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches them fun facts about hippos and elephants and that it’s cool to be different-you just need to find your herd.

The Review

What an emotional and heartwarming read! The warmth of the illustrations and the rich dynamics between Kuno and the elephant, especially its leader, will stay with both parents and their children as the story progresses. The balance the author found between the heartening story and the attention to detail the author pays to the animal facts about elephants and hippos and the lives they lead was incredible to see come to life on the page.

The heart of this story was in the themes the author brought to life, from the value of friendship and the true meaning of a family to the question of identity and the battle to be your most true and authentic self. Kuno’s struggle and the family he finds for himself will resonate with so many young people who are looking for a sense of self and with parents who want to show their children the power of self-acceptance and friendship and how they can endure.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and compelling author Milt Lowe’s “The Hippo Who Hated to Fight” is a must-read children’s book. The engaging and thoughtful themes will allow the dynamic characters and story to elevate and bring parents and children alike together perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards. Including both Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival.

In a Writer’s Digest competition, Milt won an award in their Personal Essay category. He’s also written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age.

Famed cartoon artist Charles Schulz read a hockey article Milt had written and wrote him a letter—complete with a Snoopy doodle—that Milt framed and hung over his desk.

When Judge Judy Sheindlin – whose show draws an average audience of about 10 million viewers a day – wrote her first children’s book, she called Milt and asked him to write the title: WIN OR LOSE BY HOW YOU CHOOSE! Her point was to teach children that the choices they make as kids will determine the adults they become.

Milt has written four children’s books, available internationally: The Hippo Who Hated To Fight, My ANT Mary, Fartasaurus, and Milo and the Big Yawn.

His middle-grade book, Wow Bow, the Dog Who Barked Backwards, and a new children’s book, Dogg, the Cat are currently in production. They are scheduled to be released in Fall 2024.