Saving Fiona

Based on Thane Maynard’s titular 2018 children’s picture book, which uses real photos to explore the story of a young baby hippo born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden where Maynard is director, Saving Fiona tells an excellent nature story. After the construction of a highly-requested new hippo enclosure with a 100%-rainwater-filtered environment, adult hippos Bibi and Henry were added and "everyone hoped that Bibi and Henry would get along" (wink-wink). In January 2017 their squirming baby was born prematurely (graphically shown here), and at only 29 pounds was much too weak. Outlining the trial-and-error steps taken by staff to save baby Fiona—named after the Shrek character for her wiggly ears—the story chronicles the eventual victory of the specialized caregiving team and Fiona’s emergence as a social media star. Also including "Hurray for Hippos" bonus facts, and first birthday party pix of "symbol of hope" Fiona, this informative and heart-tugging adaptation is highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. Aud: E, I, P. (J. Williams-Wood)