About the Book
Book: Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats
Author: Kayla E. Green
Genre: Children’s Illustrated Book
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Hadley the Hippo is hungry, and she won’t rest until she finds something to eat. But as she walks through her jungle home, she finds that the snacks in the jungle have an odd effect on her-they change her color! Still, Hadley munch, munch, munches her way through the greens, blue, purples, oranges, reds, and yellows of the jungle, hoping to finally satisfy the rumbling in her tummy. Along the way, she finds that it really does matter what you consume.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Kayla E. Green is an award-winning author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. When she isn’t writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio and pretending she’s a unicorn. Fittingly, her YA debut fantasy novel is titled The Goodness of Unicorns.
More from Kayla
I wrote Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats to provide a fun story to engage small learners. Through the hippo’s journey through the jungle where her color changes based on what she eats, pre-K and primary students can learn about both fruits and colors. But, what’s more, the back of the book contains a note to parents/teachers with activities to discuss the importance of consumption—what we listen to on the radio, watch on TV and online, and read impacts our minds and hearts. Approaching this lesson in an age-appropriate way is important for providing a foundational framework for discernment later in life.
As a former elementary school librarian and classroom teacher turned full-time mother, I know firsthand how play and learning go hand in hand. This principle applies to foundational skills for understanding biblical teachings, character development, math, literacy, and, well, a lot of things! Playing games with your learners can help reinforce that learning is fun–not only is there a game involved, but your learner will get to spend time with YOU!
As a part of the book tour, I’m so excited to share 3 learning games with you! These games are designed with minimal materials but maximum fun. PLUS, they can be modified for various age groups. Find these 3 learning games to play with littles at home here in this online slideshow:
Interview with the Author
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- Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I’ve gotten some wonderful feedback through direct messages, texts, and social media tags from readers including:
- All the grandchildren say at the end is “again!”
- My preschool and kindergarten students are quite literally obsessed with this book.
- My 5 year old has the [Hadley the Hippo] sticker on her water bottle!
- My 5 year old has been saying “munch much munch” out loud for the past week. It’s happily stuck in her head.
- We’re glad to give it a home on our shelf [so] that we can enjoy over the years!
- How do you overcome writer’s block? Do you have any advice for others in finding their process to overcome it?
Taking a break and reading, talking about characters or scenes out loud, or sprinting with a fellow author are all tools I have in my writing toolbox—and ones I highly recommend for others! For those that are unfamiliar with sprints, it’s when the sprinters write for a set amount of time with no distractions. You can sprint independently, but, for me, it is more motivating to have someone to check in with. 😊
- Do you read the genre you write? Why or why not?
Yes, I read a lot of picture books with my little one. We love anything by Ms. Rachel, Eric Carle, Sandra Boynton, and Karen Ferguson. There are so many wonderful picture books! Some specific titles we love are Goodnight Moon, Barnyard Dance, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Guess How Much God Loves You, I Know The Plans, and You’re My Little Cuddlebug.
- How did you come up with the title for your book?
Much like other popular picture book characters such as Pete the Cat or Clifford the Big Red Dog, the title Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats was inspired by the main character.
- What’s your favorite writing snack, drink, and/or music?
Usually, I write in the evenings and at night so my go-to drink is water. However, I rarely turn down cookies, especially chocolate chip!
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 19
Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, May 21 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 21
Guild Master, May 22 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 23
Fiction Book Lover, May 24 (Author Interview)
History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 25 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, May 26 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 27
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 28 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 29 (Author Interview)
Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, May 29
Blossoms and Blessings, May 30 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, May 31
Artistic Nobody, June 1
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book, the companion coloring book, a special cookie mix from Story Crumbs inspired by Hadley, and a $20 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://gleam.io/efZJQ/hadley-the-hippo-is-what-she-eats-celebration-tour-giveaway