The trim size of this small picture book can barely contain the joy of its protagonist, a playful purple hippopotamus named Herbert who loves the playground slide. Herbert cannot decide what part of the slide he enjoys the most—climbing all the way up, the fluttery feel of anticipation at the top, or zooming down. As Herbert repeats each step of this exhilarating routine, his imagination takes off and the slide becomes a vehicle for deep sea diving, mountain climbing, and more. The colorful and cozy digital pencil illustrations are a perfect match for this energetic toddler story. Highly Commended, 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center     (Ages 2-4)

Herbert loves the slide, and in this first of four irresistible miniature full-length picture books, the littlest readers are introduced to new friends and the charming world of the Hippo Park playground.

Herbert loves the slide! Climbing up the ladder, sitting himself down, sending Teddy down first—it's all the best part. Herbert imagines sliding down into a magical underwater world and being chased up a mountain by a bear—preschoolers will love Herbert's adventures playing on the slide, and thrill to this first visit to Hippo Park. 

All four Hippo Park Pals mini picture books are set in the playground, where the animals play, imagine, and have lots of feelings—just like preschoolers do.