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Fiona, Love at the Zoo
Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, as she visits her zoo friends and celebrates how love makes the world more beautiful. Learn with Fiona as she discovers how different animals show their affection and love. Fiona, Love at the Zoo is another addition to the wildly successful Fiona the Hippo series of books, created by New York Times bestselling illustrator Richard Cowdrey. Love is in the air as Fiona the hippo sees all the zoo animals expressing their affection for each other. Whether it’s the red pandas cuddling up close or the swans dancing across the water, Fiona knows there are many ways to say I Love You. Fiona, Love at the Zoo Love Fiona the Hippo? Don’t miss out on the other titles in the Fiona
32 pages, Hardcover
Published November 15, 2022
2659 people want to read
About the author
Richard Cowdrey
117 books33 followersRichard Cowdrey’s favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and His creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard's bestselling children's books include Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 30, 2022
This is a Cute and Fun Children's Book that I read to my twin boys. This was a fun book, and the pictures were so cute. My boys really enjoyed this book, and they loved the pictures. If your kid loves animals this is a great book for them. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
August 21, 2022
Sweet, charmingly illustrated rhyming book about Fiona the hippo observing lots of different families and pairs of animals showing affection to each other. This book would make for lovely bedtime reading by parents with their children!
Thanks to Netgalley and Zonderkidz for this digital review copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Zonderkidz for this digital review copy.
September 2, 2022
Fiona, beloved hippo of the Cincinnati Zoo has appeared in several books detailing her remarkable survival after being born two months early. This new title follows Fiona as she visits friends around the zoo and finds many different ways to express love. Giraffes entwine their necks. Monkeys groom each other. Swans swim together. Porcupines rub noses. Wherever she looks, Fiona sees signs of affection - but "her favorite love is back at home."
Rhyming text points out that wallabies cuddle babies in their pouches while "chilly penguins peck and nestle." The illustrations show animals from red pandas to warthogs cuddling, cooing, and enjoying group hugs. Several of the images cleverly work in the shape of a heart; readers may see it in the necks of two swans beak to beak, or the trunks of two elephants. Other animals may pose like the peacocks or wrestle like the bears, but they are all showing their closeness in a way typical of their species.
Richard Cowdrey has illustrated many other Fiona books including Fiona Helps a Friend and A Very Fiona Christmas. Fans will be happy to add another book about the world's favorite baby hippo to their shelves. Due for publication November 15th, in time for Christmas or to prepare for Valentine's Day early.
I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Rhyming text points out that wallabies cuddle babies in their pouches while "chilly penguins peck and nestle." The illustrations show animals from red pandas to warthogs cuddling, cooing, and enjoying group hugs. Several of the images cleverly work in the shape of a heart; readers may see it in the necks of two swans beak to beak, or the trunks of two elephants. Other animals may pose like the peacocks or wrestle like the bears, but they are all showing their closeness in a way typical of their species.
Richard Cowdrey has illustrated many other Fiona books including Fiona Helps a Friend and A Very Fiona Christmas. Fans will be happy to add another book about the world's favorite baby hippo to their shelves. Due for publication November 15th, in time for Christmas or to prepare for Valentine's Day early.
I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
May 27, 2022
My kids love the illustrations in this book!
This book has easy rhyming throughout and shows love with many different animals. So many cute baby animals (the red pandas were my kids favorites) and of course who doesn't like Fiona the hippo. The bright colorful illustrationsin this book will definitely draw in the little ones.
We can't wait for what Fiona will do next!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for an honest review.
This book has easy rhyming throughout and shows love with many different animals. So many cute baby animals (the red pandas were my kids favorites) and of course who doesn't like Fiona the hippo. The bright colorful illustrationsin this book will definitely draw in the little ones.
We can't wait for what Fiona will do next!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for an honest review.
June 6, 2022
We first discovered Fiona in a story at our local zoo last year. My son loved it so I hoped this one would be a hit as well.
My son greatly enjoyed it!
The illustrations are beautiful and the story itself kept him entertained. We both agree it is 5/5 stars!
My son greatly enjoyed it!
The illustrations are beautiful and the story itself kept him entertained. We both agree it is 5/5 stars!
August 31, 2022
I am a fan of the real Fiona. I followed her growth and care after she was born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo. I visited the Zoo and Botanical Gardens to see Fiona and hope now to return and see her new brother Fritz. This Fiona adventure focuses on Love at the zoo and features rhyming words. The cheery illustrations of many zoo animals perfectly accompany the story. Children can enjoy the story and animals whether or not they know Fiona is based on a real hippo. This is a book to read to small children of read by K-2 (and up). Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for an ARC in exchange for a review.
September 16, 2022
This is such a delightful picture book. I love all the Fiona books and Love at the Zoo is a perfect addition to the series. The illustrations are simply adorable and the story itself is simple and beautiful. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this immensely. A must for any animal lover's library.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Zonderkidz for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Zonderkidz for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 9, 2022
My daughter advising loves this story. We have a be few from Amazon as ebooks and when I showed her this one she loved it. Was an adorable book to read. 5 star book. Highly recommend it and go check out the other books in the series
July 14, 2022
Great illustrations and a cute story about how different zoo animals show affection
May 28, 2022
Fiona, Love at the Zoo is a children's picture book that showcases the way animals showcase love, but also allowed me to learn about how I absolutely peacocks and their dramatic poses - who knew?
The cover artwork is beautiful, which reflects all of the illustrations throughout the pages.
Meeting not only hippos, but giraffes, monkeys, swans, and more there's an array of animals to learn about. We follow Fiona as she learns about how other animals at the zoo show their love with each other.
The artwork as mentioned about the cover earlier is stunning. The animals depicted are realistic, but also are shown in a way where they look in love and happy. Also, the red pandas and porcupines are adorable and now I want to hug one. New life goal!
What a delightful children's book. Learning about different ways that animals share their love was really interesting! Some of which I didn't know - for instance giraffes entangling themselves in an embrace.
5 Stars. Would recommend for any family with a little one or even a bit older kids as it'd be a great bedtime story that also children can learn about wildlife.
Thanks to the publisher, QEB Publishing, an imprint of The Quarto Group, the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.
The cover artwork is beautiful, which reflects all of the illustrations throughout the pages.
Meeting not only hippos, but giraffes, monkeys, swans, and more there's an array of animals to learn about. We follow Fiona as she learns about how other animals at the zoo show their love with each other.
The artwork as mentioned about the cover earlier is stunning. The animals depicted are realistic, but also are shown in a way where they look in love and happy. Also, the red pandas and porcupines are adorable and now I want to hug one. New life goal!
What a delightful children's book. Learning about different ways that animals share their love was really interesting! Some of which I didn't know - for instance giraffes entangling themselves in an embrace.
5 Stars. Would recommend for any family with a little one or even a bit older kids as it'd be a great bedtime story that also children can learn about wildlife.
Thanks to the publisher, QEB Publishing, an imprint of The Quarto Group, the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.
June 13, 2022
A simply rhyming picture book about how animals show affection, all guided by Cincinnati's most famous resident. NetGalley is loaded with books about Fiona, most of them early readers, so if your child gets attached to Fiona here, look forward to a progression of upcoming books to help your little one to read.
The art style is very...chubby? Bubbly? Which matches the subject of Fiona, to be sure! For the most part, the animals are drawn with a nice level of realism (excepting the peacock's wings, which keep throwing me on looking back), plus rosy cheeks. It's the rosy cheeks that make me thing the animals are kind of bursting at all times. But it's consistent, and I think kids would enjoy it.
Almost every page has a hidden or not-so-hidden heart, mostly made from cuddling animals themselves. My kid liked looking through and finding all the hearts, so I do wish the motif had been repeated on EVERY page, instead of it being absent from just a few.
Advanced review copy provided by the publisher.
The art style is very...chubby? Bubbly? Which matches the subject of Fiona, to be sure! For the most part, the animals are drawn with a nice level of realism (excepting the peacock's wings, which keep throwing me on looking back), plus rosy cheeks. It's the rosy cheeks that make me thing the animals are kind of bursting at all times. But it's consistent, and I think kids would enjoy it.
Almost every page has a hidden or not-so-hidden heart, mostly made from cuddling animals themselves. My kid liked looking through and finding all the hearts, so I do wish the motif had been repeated on EVERY page, instead of it being absent from just a few.
Advanced review copy provided by the publisher.
October 31, 2022
Fiona, Love at the Zoo by Richard Cowdrey is a picturebook scheduled for release on November 15 2022. Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, as she visits her zoo friends and celebrates how love makes the world more beautiful. Learn with Fiona as she discovers how different animals show their affection and love.
Fiona, Love at the Zoo does a great job of making the animal illustrations fun, cute, and welcoming to all age groups, but still looking realistic rather than completely cartoonish. It is a hard balance to reach, but I think Cowdrey does a good job here. The text is very accessible, and the rhymes are sweet and fun without being cloying. I loved getting a glimpses of so many of the Cincinnati Zoo's residents, and so many different behaviors we consider affection in their family units. I think this is well done, and I will admit to going back for a second look at the illustrations- they are just well done and adorable.
Fiona, Love at the Zoo does a great job of making the animal illustrations fun, cute, and welcoming to all age groups, but still looking realistic rather than completely cartoonish. It is a hard balance to reach, but I think Cowdrey does a good job here. The text is very accessible, and the rhymes are sweet and fun without being cloying. I loved getting a glimpses of so many of the Cincinnati Zoo's residents, and so many different behaviors we consider affection in their family units. I think this is well done, and I will admit to going back for a second look at the illustrations- they are just well done and adorable.
July 8, 2022
Fiona is a baby hippopotamus. She lives in a zoo with her mom. In the story she observes the other animals at the zoo and sees how they express love to each other.
The illustrations in this book are top tier. They look accurately drawn but still have that cartoon-like whimsy. There are also a wide range of animals depicted. The more commonly known animals are mixed in with the lesser known animals. This makes the book very informative and educational. And I know the baby animals shown will be a big hit with all ages.
As you flip through the book you forget all about Fiona being the main character. It feels like a surprise in the last pages of the book when you see her again. While the book gives sweet rhymes about the other animals, there is almost no information about hippos. I would have liked to have some information seeing that the main character and title of the book is a hippopotamus.
The illustrations in this book are top tier. They look accurately drawn but still have that cartoon-like whimsy. There are also a wide range of animals depicted. The more commonly known animals are mixed in with the lesser known animals. This makes the book very informative and educational. And I know the baby animals shown will be a big hit with all ages.
As you flip through the book you forget all about Fiona being the main character. It feels like a surprise in the last pages of the book when you see her again. While the book gives sweet rhymes about the other animals, there is almost no information about hippos. I would have liked to have some information seeing that the main character and title of the book is a hippopotamus.
May 31, 2022
This delightful picture book brings us back to the zoo with Fiona and, through rich illustrations and sweet rhymes, explores the different ways that animals show each other love and affection. You can extrapolate the story into a discussion of how you and your family show and express love and affection for one another and for friends. This book would make a lovely gift and is perfect for reading at bedtime or anytime you want to curl up and snuggle with a little one.
One of the fun things about Fiona books is that they are based on a real hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo. You can pair these books with photos and videos from–or even a trip to–the Cincinnati Zoo.
This is another lovely addition to the Fiona collection.
I received a copy of the book from Zonderkidz and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
One of the fun things about Fiona books is that they are based on a real hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo. You can pair these books with photos and videos from–or even a trip to–the Cincinnati Zoo.
This is another lovely addition to the Fiona collection.
I received a copy of the book from Zonderkidz and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 4, 2023
My grandkids and I love the Fiona books. In this book, Fiona is wandering around the zoo visiting all her friends and seeing how they show love to one another. Love between parents and their offspring as well as adults. From the giraffes who entwine their necks, the monkeys grooming each other, swans swimming together and Porcupines rubbing noses, there is affection everywhere at the zoo. The illustrations are absolutely adorable and every time we read one of these books, we end up out on the internet looking at the zoo videos. The text is done in a rhyming way with an easy cadence to enjoy. The older two like taking turns reading to each other and the youngest one. If you have children who love animals, they will enjoy this book. It is also a great way to share your love for your children or grandchildren. I highly recommend the Fiona books. They are kid approved.
July 3, 2022
Fiona, Love at the Zoo is an adorable children’s picture book that will be perfect to help young readers celebrate and appreciate love in all its forms This is another book in the Fiona series and I expect it will be well received by adults and children alike who are following Fiona’s story. The artwork is beautiful and follows Fiona through the zoo as she appreciates all the different ways that animals show love. From the giraffes and elephants to the warthogs and red pandas, each animal group has a unique way they show love to each other. The simple rhymes and classic illustrations are sure to delight all who read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
The beautifully detailed and colorful illustrations and rhyming text tell a sweet story about how animals at the zoo show affection for one another.
The real life Fiona is a well known hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo, but you don’t need to visit the zoo to fall in love with the Fiona books (although it might give you a great reason to take a trip there!)
Fiona, Love at the Zoo would make the perfect baby shower or Valentines Day gift. There is even space at the beginning of the book to write a special message to dedicate the book (This book is for: With Lots of Love From: On this date:)
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The real life Fiona is a well known hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo, but you don’t need to visit the zoo to fall in love with the Fiona books (although it might give you a great reason to take a trip there!)
Fiona, Love at the Zoo would make the perfect baby shower or Valentines Day gift. There is even space at the beginning of the book to write a special message to dedicate the book (This book is for: With Lots of Love From: On this date:)
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2025
"Just like other babies in the zoo."
This quote is a common phrase throughout the entire story. Little Fiona works through the typical milestones of any other baby animal in the zoo. We witness her grow, showing a confidence and lack of fear that could be good for little ones to see in the pages. She experiences meeting friends and her family, and it has a generic sweet sentiment you'd expect from that.
However, this story had potential to be so much more than cute animals, and it fell short of that. There could have been a greater focus on the milestones without the comedic take in parts of it. It was still an okay read, and I am sure some little ones will like it, but it missed the mark to be something exceptionally great.
This quote is a common phrase throughout the entire story. Little Fiona works through the typical milestones of any other baby animal in the zoo. We witness her grow, showing a confidence and lack of fear that could be good for little ones to see in the pages. She experiences meeting friends and her family, and it has a generic sweet sentiment you'd expect from that.
However, this story had potential to be so much more than cute animals, and it fell short of that. There could have been a greater focus on the milestones without the comedic take in parts of it. It was still an okay read, and I am sure some little ones will like it, but it missed the mark to be something exceptionally great.
June 8, 2022
Not for the first time this artist knocks it out the park with his winsome yet incredibly detailed animal portraits. Here we get a verse showing us all the necking and cooing going on at the zoo – the giraffes need a knot expert to un-entwine their necks, swans do the heart-shaped thing with their necks as if they've been watching Gareth Bale, and red pandas (the man has a thing for them, I think) look supremely cute. Visually it has to be five stars, but I think overall four and a half, based on the chances of re-reading happening by choice and for the content, which is great yet lacking the killer, essential touch.
June 9, 2022
Fiona, Love at the zoo
I enjoyed watching Fiona the Hippo growing up in front of the camera and I am excited for this book. In this story, Fiona takes us on a tour of the zoo. We meet several interesting animals and learn how each animal shows their love.The stars of the show, for me, were the adorable and incredibly detailed animal portraits. This picture book is colorful and should hold your child's attention. This is a super sweet book that would be a great choice for any library.
Thank you, NetGalley and Zonderkidz, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
I enjoyed watching Fiona the Hippo growing up in front of the camera and I am excited for this book. In this story, Fiona takes us on a tour of the zoo. We meet several interesting animals and learn how each animal shows their love.The stars of the show, for me, were the adorable and incredibly detailed animal portraits. This picture book is colorful and should hold your child's attention. This is a super sweet book that would be a great choice for any library.
Thank you, NetGalley and Zonderkidz, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
June 19, 2022
Fiona, Love at the Zoo, is a sweet rhyming tale of how animals show their love for one another accompanied by gorgeous pictures. Little (and big) kids will love the pictures of the adorable animals and all readers will appreciate the easy cadence and soft rhythms. The end strayed from the cadence a bit, which was a little jarring, but overall, a sweet tale for all animal lovers.
Thank you to Zonderkidz and NetGalley for the advance electronic copy and the chance to review this adorable tale.
Thank you to Zonderkidz and NetGalley for the advance electronic copy and the chance to review this adorable tale.
July 18, 2022
The Fiona books continue to be adorable and fun to read! They're popular with the kids at my library and it's good to see there will be more for them to read.
My only grievance was with the fact that when some of the animal couples were shown one was given eyelashes (the first example I noticed was with the swan), I assume to show they were feminine, even though everything else about the illustrations was realistic and otherwise enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
My only grievance was with the fact that when some of the animal couples were shown one was given eyelashes (the first example I noticed was with the swan), I assume to show they were feminine, even though everything else about the illustrations was realistic and otherwise enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
December 21, 2022
Aww, okay, this is adorable! Fiona and her family are a big deal on my family's home. The kids no matter the age, and even the adults love seeing their antics and the sweet behavior from them online which makes me eager to get this book in the future for my siblings.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary ebook or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others views or wishes.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary ebook or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others views or wishes.
May 15, 2023
Read Aloud at its finest!
Richard Cowdry’s Fiona books are already a staple in school libraries. Still, Fiona, love at the Zoo is my favourite! With Cowdrys up-close, vibrant images and lyrical rhyme, this picture book will also appeal to preschool children. So how do animals show love and affection for one another? There is nothing to disappoint in this book through hugs and sharing, cuddles, and rubbing noses. Since Fiona is a real hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo, many conversations on wild animals and their care will likely ensue.
Richard Cowdry’s Fiona books are already a staple in school libraries. Still, Fiona, love at the Zoo is my favourite! With Cowdrys up-close, vibrant images and lyrical rhyme, this picture book will also appeal to preschool children. So how do animals show love and affection for one another? There is nothing to disappoint in this book through hugs and sharing, cuddles, and rubbing noses. Since Fiona is a real hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo, many conversations on wild animals and their care will likely ensue.
August 2, 2023
“Fiona the Hippo Audio Collection@ by Zondervan, narrated by Dr. Simona Chitescu-Weil. This is 3 complete Fiona books for kids to listen to - Fiona helps a friend; Fiona, love at the zoo and You’ve got this Fiona. Beautifully narrated and covering friendship, helping others, adapting to change and more.
The first 2 books have already been released with the last released today along with the audio triple.
Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @zonderkidz for the #ALC #ARC
The first 2 books have already been released with the last released today along with the audio triple.
Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @zonderkidz for the #ALC #ARC
May 27, 2022
I am such a huge Fiona, the hippopotamus, fan and I could not let this book slip by.
The story follows Fiona through the Zoo as she observes the various animals loving on their babies. Adorable artwork & super cute rhyming poems to delight readers old & young.
Easily a 5 star book!
Thank you for the opportunity to review the book in exchange for my honest feedback.. I will be snagging the physical copy on release day!
The story follows Fiona through the Zoo as she observes the various animals loving on their babies. Adorable artwork & super cute rhyming poems to delight readers old & young.
Easily a 5 star book!
Thank you for the opportunity to review the book in exchange for my honest feedback.. I will be snagging the physical copy on release day!
June 26, 2022
What a beautifully illustrated picture book. Fiona, Love at the Zoo is a great book for kids to learn about animals and how they care for each other. The author does a great job at giving words a poetic flow Making it easy to read at night when your little ones trying to fall asleep. The illustrator does a great job at giving your little one a lot of different Things to point out when listening is not something they want to do.
July 9, 2022
Fiona’s book about love at the zoo is fantastic. I loved the rhyming prose and think my first graders would love using this book to studying rhyme. I think it’s a wonderful book when rhythms like Boynton to introduce children from a very young age to the animals they can see at the zoo. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz-Books for making this arc available for me to read and fall in love with ❤️
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz-Books for making this arc available for me to read and fall in love with ❤️
July 20, 2022
Advanced (ebook) copy review: This was a super fun read that my 7yr old and I enjoyed together. In this book Cincinnati Zoo's world famous hippopotamus, Fiona, takes a journey around the zoo and sees how her animal friends show affection and love. The reader learns about how different animals at the zoo show love to their families and friends. Some share the food, some snuggle, some boop noses, and at the end Fiona shows us her favorite way to show love to her hippo friends and family
November 18, 2022
Such a lovely, adorable book! Fiona wanders the zoo and learns how other types of animals show their love. Told in verse, this is full of expressive language to build vocabularies and colorful illustrations full of fun detail to hold kids' interest. This would be a good classroom read around Valentine's Day to celebrate love in a sweet, innocent way.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
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