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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Happy Hippotastic Holi! is a children’s picture book written by Geshu Sugandh featuring illustrations by Natasha B. Padhiar. It introduces readers to Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colors, and the playful hippos who enjoy this holiday. The hippos celebrate from morning to night. They collect flowers to make colors, dance, and eat sweets. However, not everyone likes being painted; thus, they must respect people’s choices and feelings. They make sure that even those not willing to participate can enjoy it by leaving some sweet treats for them. Hippos make space for everyone to celebrate Holi and take part in the shows together while sharing love and stories with all.
Happy Hippotastic Holi! is just such a cute book that will brighten your day. This book is about how to celebrate Holi with respect for all people by finding out their preferences. The idea behind this book was new to me, and I loved that it’s bilingual, with both English and Hindi narration. You get a real taste of the culture, a fun introduction to Holi, and these imaginative hippo characters that just leap off the pages. The book shows that Holi isn’t only about colors; it’s a festival rooted in resilience, renewal, and being mindful of others. Geshu Sugandh packed in some extra treats too—a glossary for all the Hindi words, a mouthwatering recipe, and even a little activity to try with family or friends. There’s also the handy Pause, Ask, and Play method that teaches kids how to ask for consent, making the story even more thoughtful. The artwork is loud, bright, and full of happy faces. Every page feels like a party. I really enjoyed this book. If you want a book about celebrating culture with joy, love, and genuine respect, this is a solid pick.
