Mister H

Mister H by Daniel Nesquens, Illustrated by Luciano Lozano, was an interesting story about a Hippo who can speak to humans and helps many people along the way. Throughout the story he is looking for a place of his own. While he is kind and helpful, he doesn't seem to have a very happy ending from him. He does not find a place to call home. This is a cute story for young children. I read it over two days to my second grade class. They all seemed to enjoy it.

This is an early chapter book about a hippopotamus, Mister H, who takes advantage of people wrapped up in their own worlds. He leaves the zoo fairly easily and seeks to return to his home in Africa. While the fact that he speaks is duly noted by several people, no one seems to consider it extraordinary. He has a couple of escapades, in a fountain and in a pizza parlor. Except for a particularly grumpy woman in the pizza parlor (and who is grumpy to everyone), most treat him kindly. Despite ending up the day at the entrance to the zoo, he does not return there but continues searching for his home knowing he will need help along the way.
The illustrations, by Luciano Lozano, add to the story. The observant will see Mister H acquire a show more complete suit and hat along his way. Some children will see the substance to the story. It is, however, a thoroughly enjoyable story for all. show less

Mister H is a cute book about a hippo who leaves the zoo and spend the day in the human world, looking for a way home. I love the idea of the story, which is touching, poetic, and full of commentary on human society. As much as I wanted to like the story (in a Make Way for Ducklings meets Animal Farm sort of way) something just never clicked with the story.

The language is confusing. The content and illustrations seem like they would attract a younger audience, but it is a tad longer than most easy readers and contains larger words. I have not read the original in Spanish, but the English version feels a little lost in translation. Reading Mister H feels like the translator went for literal instead of feeling, which, for a book targeted show more to a specific genre that has a very young audience and particular language requirements, may not be a good thing. show less

Mister H would be best for older children as there too many big words for the preschool set and the ideas and lessons presented are for readers with more knowledge of life.
Mister H is an unusual hippo who has learned to speak by listening to people pass by his cage in the zoo. He persuades a young girl to open his cage so he can go out into the wide world in search of his original African home. He has many adventures but by the end of the book, he is no closer to finding his home than he was when he left the zoo. This is not a bad ending, but certainly not a happy one and the reader is left feeling slightly depressed. Maybe a sequel will someday be published of Mister H’s further adventures?

Mr. H is a book about a talking hippo who convinces a young girl to release him from his cage at the zoo and spends the day wandering the city and looking for his way back to his home in Africa. The writing style and illustrations are quirky and creative, but overall the book feels a bit disjointed. Mr. H wants to return to his natural habitat and way of life, but as the story progresses he seems to acquire a suit and hat and eats in a restaurant while never getting any closer to his goal of "going home." It's a bit hard to follow. The book does do a nice job of pointing out pre-occupied nature of contemporary life, which can prevent people from noticing and helping each other.

I found this book entertaining and a little depressing. The tale of mister h ( a hippopotamus who can speak human language) starts with his release by a little girl. Then, the hippo walks around the city, eats human food, and looks for his home and place to belong. In the end, he touches many lives but still can't find his home which is saddening.

Mister H by Daniel Nesquens, Illustrated by Luciano Lozano, is an early readers chapter book and a little too much to read in one sitting for younger children, like my daughter. For these younger kids, it is best to break it up by chapter for readings so the kids can see the accompanying illustrations, which are delightful, and absorb the story more thoroughly. Mister H is a hippo in search of Africa, his true home, and while he persuades a young girl to free him and leaves the zoo, the conclusion to the story is not a happy ending. Some may find this disappointing, but in many ways, it will help children learn that happy endings are not always available upon first try and that additional chances should be taken.

Full review appears Jan. show more 6, 2015: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2015/01/mister-h-by-daniel-nesquens-illustrated-by-l... show less