Hippo's Invitation to Joy!

What if joy has been waiting just outside your comfort zone? Hippo is perfectly content spending every day in her muddy mudhole. But when her cheerful friends, June and Milena, invite her to play with bubbles, Hippo insists she'd rather stay where she is. As the friends laugh, sing, count, splash, and create together, Hippo begins to wonder what she's been missing. With one brave step out of the mud, she discovers that joy often begins with saying "yes" to friendship, adventure, and new experiences. Filled with playful illustrations and a heartwarming message, Hippo's Invitation to Joy! gently encourages children to recognize when fear, worry, or comfort zones keep them from experiencing life's simple delights. Perfect for: Children ages 3–8 Family read-alouds Preschool and elementary classrooms Social-emotional learning Conversations about friendship, courage, and choosing joy Inspired by the author's own journey, this delightful picture book reminds readers of every age that sometimes the greatest adventures begin when we leave the mud behind—and discover the joy waiting just beyond it.