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
What does success as an author look like to you?
For me, success is having someone read and connect to my story. I love hearing from parents and grandparents that their littles love Hadley the Hippo!
What inspired this book?
God has called me to create and share stories as a means of both worship and testimony, and, sometimes, inspiration strikes me seemingly out of nowhere. However, Hadley the Hippo’s story was first planted as a seed within my heart through the lessons on consumption found in 1 John 2:16. After my first appearance on the 5-Minute Parenting Podcast, the seed was watered as I talked more about the concept of “we are what we eat.” Then, when my little girl was born, I lovingly called her my “hungry hippo.” I wanted to write books that she could enjoy sooner rather than later and the first draft of Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats was soon after written!
Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?
After I first wrote Hadley the Hippo, I told myself I couldn’t illustrate it. Despite taking art lessons as a child and years of drawing, I felt out of practice and lacking the necessary ability. I told this to both my husband and my mother. And both had the exact same response: There was no reason I shouldn’t illustrate the book myself! Their encouragement helped me take the scary leap to illustrate Hadley’s journey through the jungle. It was challenging, and the most difficult part of the process, but I’m so grateful to have been able to illustrate my first picture book and for the loved ones who countered my own self-doubt.
What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
I have had different favorite Bible verses for different seasons of life. Right now, 1 Peter 3:15 is close to my heart. It reads: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV)
If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?
If it counts as one, then I would take K-LOVE radio that way I can listen to uplifting Christian music from all of my favorite artists. 😊
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