Listen, Hippo!
Title: Listen, Hippo!
Author: Gabriel Evans
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia
Shortlist: Children's Literature
When Billy is feeling sad, he wishes he had someone to talk to. He thinks what he needs is someone to listen... but his best friend, Hippo, believes he knows exactly what Billy needs!
Playing dress-ups will cheer Billy up, and dancing in the cherry blossoms, or maybe a pirate adventure?
No? Then how about a magic carpet race?
What fun!
Ready, set, GO!
Hippo just wants to make Billy happy, but it’s only when he finally listens to what Billy wants that he can help his friend.
Judges’ report
Listen, Hippo! envelopes the reader in classic visual poetics that soothe and carefully knit a message that swaddles the reader with courage and encouragement to talk about feelings. Protagonist Billy is 'having a sad day' and says to his best friend, 'Listen, Hippo'. An adventure ensues as Hippo tries to help Billy feel better. The beauty of this book is its awareness that a picture book is not just an experience for children but is also for adults experiencing the story with young people. Listen, Hippo! speaks to the power of pausing and listening carefully to others, as this can hold their heart, and while this may not get rid of the feelings of sadness, being heard holds and hugs our hearts so we can find a way forward.
About the Author
Gabriel Evans
VPLA book photography by Sarah Walker
The 2025 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards are proudly supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria.
