The Hippopandamouse is the debut picture book from Jools Bentley, winner of the Macmillan Prize for Illustration 2013.

Bentley’s gentle narrative imparts a lovely, fun message whilst maintaining a charming pace.

Princess Flo is very excited to be visiting Fluffley’s Fine Toys – she has pocket money to spend. Fluffley’s Fine Toys are very excited about the imminent royal visit – but there’s lots to do. Mrs Fluffley wants everything to be perfect. That wonkey donkey won’t do, the owl with a scowl is just not right …  anything less than perfect is sent to the unstitcher.

But.

All this preparation is very tiring, and with plenty of tired toy makers … a big mix-up occurs. Ooops! And. The result even ends up on the shop floor before Mrs Fluffley can spot it. Double oops!

Princess Flo is incredibly polite during her visit but she can’t seem to find that something special. Until … but oh no! That one is whisked away, it’s a mistake – surely she can’t want that one?!

Princess Flo knows that because it’s a bit different, the Hippopandamouse is actually rather special and very important.

Bentley’s illustrations are full of wonderful details, especially that fabulous unstitcher! Her characters are brilliantly rendered, particularly Mrs Fluffley.

The Hippopandamouse is a fun picture book about embracing difference.

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