Hugo Sprouts and the Strange Case of the Beans

by John Loren

Hugo Sprouts is a fantastic tale about a boy frustrated with being small. Luckily, Hugo P. Sprouts is a mad scientist and determined to find a solution...

In his lab, Hugo develops a potion and finally becomes the biggest kid in town—but also the biggest jerk around. Hugo has great power, but will he learn responsibility before it’s too late? 

John Loren's latest action-packed, madcap picture book will make kids and adults laugh out loud. It’s an original idea with plenty of mistakes, bad behavior, and growing up to do on Hugo’s part.

John Loren pitches readers a zany premise, similar to Judi Barrett’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Chris Van Dusen’s If I Built A Car, and runs with it. The illustrations are bold and energetic, a perfect match for the story.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Science

48 pages, Hardcover

Published July 6, 2021

Reviews

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really tough being the smallest in your family (or in your whole town). The importance of empathy is a final lesson in this picture book. This one might also be a great ready around Halloween!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW is this book NOT sitting at 5/5 stars?! I absolutely loved this book. It was a very cute story about Hugo and Ulysses (his dog); Hugo is tired of being so small and, being the kid genius that he is, he invented a drink that would help him grow! He gets carried away and realizes the error of his ways and goes about making it right. I loved this story and the illustrations! I believe it’s a must read!

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little science genius is tired of being little so he creates a concoction that makes him big, bigger, biggest. He gets violent and bullies those who used to bully him. His wise dog gets through to Hugo, and he fixes everything that he destroyed. Lesson learned. Similar vibe to Plantzilla and other stories where science experiments go awry.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A silly, madcap invention-gone-wrong tale.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and thoughtful read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale I think elementary school kids would get into.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugo learns he's got some growing up to do after his potion causes a great hullabaloo.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Super cute about a boy who is done being small and creates a magic potion to become bigger!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely strange like the title says. Hugo gets beans, but when they don't work how he wants them to, he uses them in a science experiment. I enjoyed how this book resolved.

[Erin *BookDragon_Library* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
Cute illustrations, rhyming text. Good mad scientist vibe. I love the look of the cover. Message of being too small and not getting to do things. Potion to grow. Gets mean and destroys things. Dog reminds him what it felt like to be small and how he isn’t being kind. Hugo changes his tune and puts back things he destroyed.