The Hippo at the End of the Hall by Helen Cooper
Published by Candlewick Press on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 153620448X
Pages: 352
Goodreads

The invitation comes without an address, but Ben is convinced that it’s meant for him. When he asks his mom what she knows about the mysterious museum, she pointedly doesn’t answer, but she does reluctantly allow him go to see it for himself. When he arrives at the deserted, dilapidated museum, Ben finds a menagerie of specimens, which, though stuffed and preserved, nonetheless move and talk. The animals soon reveal that they have been awaiting his arrival and that they are relying on him to save the museum. The adventure that follows is fast-pasted with mysteries and magic scattered throughout the story. Ben must save the museum from being sold to developers and a greedy competitor. In the process, he learns a great deal about himself and about the father he never knew.

Helen Cooper , best known for her picture books (Pumpkin Soup), offers up a delightful, illustrated chapter book for grades 2 to 4. The frequent and charming pencil illustrations make this a pleasurable read for those who are on their way to discovering a love of fantasy. Perfect for kids who have enjoyed and graduated from Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Treehouse books.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland