An Exclusive Interview with Hippo, the star of Hippopotamister

Dear Reader, 

It has been quite difficult not to share this interview before today. It is the most unique interview I've ever conducted. Hippo, the star of the forthcoming graphic novel Hippopotamister, gave me an exclusive tour of his habitat, answered three questions, and finished one of my sentences. 

Author-illustrator John Patrick Green illustrated my experience. Thank you, Hippo and John! I cannot wait to celebrate Hippopotamister's book birthday in 2016! 

Best,

John 

Hippopotamister by John Patrick Green | First Second Books | In stores Spring 2016 

Tired of living in the rundown city zoo, Hippo and his friend Red Panda leave and get jobs in the human world, where Hippo must become Hippopotamister to get by. Hippo excels at each job, but Red Panda keeps getting them fired. Longing for his home, Hippo goes back to the zoo and discovers he can return the place to its former glory using his newfound skills. But can he do it without his friend Red Panda?   

John Patrick Green grew up on Long Island and on comic books, and has been making his own since middle school. He is the illustrator and co-creator of the graphic novel TEEN BOAT!, with writer Dave Roman. John lives in Brooklyn with zero cats and way too many LEGOs.