Fiona Love at the Zoo releases November 15 and highlights the affections of Zoo animal families
Exclusive pre-order print features Fiona and her new sibling, Fritz
Grand Rapids, MI—September 13— Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, will release a new illustrated picture book in November in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the top zoos in the nation. Fiona Love at the Zoo features artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator, and Cincinnati native, Richard Cowdrey.
This is the sixth picture book from Zonderkidz featuring the world’s most famous hippo. The New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo picture book was a hit with Fiona fans around the globe. Fiona is a worldwide internet sensation and the star of the Cincinnati Zoo, thanks to her spunk and the fighting spirit that helped her overcome all odds when she was born six weeks premature. She is now over 5 years old and much heavier than her 29-pound birthweight!
To celebrate the book, a free, exclusive pre-order print from Zonderkidz is available to the first 500 fans who order the book from their favorite retailer prior to November, 15, 2022 and fill out the form on this site: www.fionathehippobook.com. The 5×7 colored print, drawn by Fiona book illustrator Richard Cowdrey, shows Fiona lovingly snuggling with new baby brother Fritz. Suitable for framing, the print highlights Fiona with the new baby hippo who was born this August to much fanfare worldwide.
In the latest book, Fiona is illustrated discovering how her animal friends at the Zoo have lots of little ways of showing affection to each other – like wrapping necks as giraffes do, swans water-dancing, seals booping noses, and peacocks striking dramatic poses.
“This book is a celebration of love, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect as the Cincinnati Zoo recently welcomed Fritz into their hippo “bloat” family,” says Megan Dobson, VP and publisher of Zonderkidz. “We appreciate working alongside the Zoo and helping them support their mission. And yes, Fiona the Hippo fans should be delighted to know that Fritz will be in an upcoming book in 2023…so stay tuned!”
About the book:
www.fionathehippobook.com
Fiona Love at the Zoo
Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
On sale November 15, 2022
$18.99 Ages 4 – 8
9780310770855
From Zonderkidz, a division of Zondervan, a HarperCollins company
About the Illustrator:
Richard Cowdrey is well known for illustrating many beautiful children’s picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Fiona the Hippo and Bad Dog, Marley! Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Cowdrey graduated from The Columbus College of Art and Design. Richard’s love for family and nature overflows into his illustrations which are enjoyed by children around the world. The artist lives in Ohio with his wife and has four grown children and five grandchildren. When not painting in his studio, Richard enjoys visiting schools to share with children his love of illustration. Richard is available for interviews, school visits and store and library story time events about Fiona.
About the Hippo:
Fiona was born January 24, 2017, six weeks before her due date. At 29 pounds she was very small for a Nile hippo. The whole world watched as Fiona learned to walk, eat and swim. Her challenges were big, but her spunk and incredible will helped her prevail time and again. Since her birth, millions of people from around the world have been pulling for Fiona to keep fighting. As she grew older, so did her social media following.
#FionatheHippo #TeamFiona #FionatheHippobook #Zonderkidz
About the Zoo:
The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places. It has been rated the #1 attraction locally and one of the top zoos in the nation by Zagat Survey. It has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today and TripAdvisor. Over 1.6 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning habitats, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually.
Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative, and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.
Zondervan is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com
Media Contact:
Jessica Westra, Publicity Director, Zonderkidz, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com, 616-698-3208
