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!
Author Interview
Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I would say I am a hybrid of a plotter and pantser. The more I write, the more I rely on
outlining before drafting. However, I have found my characters often like to make things difficult
by changing the outline without consulting with me first!
Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
This is a great question! I love the Google Keep app on my phone. I keep various notes
to keep track of current projects I’m drafting with personal timeline goals, editing deadlines, and
new story ideas.
What is your writing space like?
I do not have a designated writing space. As a full-time parent, a lot of my writing is done
on my phone as I’m able to get words down here and there. I also have a rolling table and a
lapboard to be able to work on my laptop after bedtime in my house. I would love to have a
designated office/library complete with a bookshelf and rolling ladder one day!
Where do you get your ideas for your books?
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!
I think it’s easy to unintentionally leave “crumbs” of oneself and one’s experiences with others
while crafting the “recipe” for characters so it’s easy as an author for me to relate. Speaking of, I
partnered with StoryCrumbs to create an exclusive cookie mix inspired by Hadley the Hippo. It
was Cheesecake Funfetti. The bright colors fit with Hadley 's changing colors and the sweet
cheesecake fit her curiosity. Like Hadley, I would describe myself as curious. And bubbly and
bright!
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:
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
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