*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Hippo at the End of the Hall is a highly entertaining middle grade book about a boy who discovers an enchanted museum and who is called upon to save it. I loved the fantasy and adventure elements woven throughout; it's the kind of thing where you're not sure if it's imagination or magic at the beginning, but it certainly becomes clear by the end that there is something truly magical going on.

There's a heavy focus on family, which I really enjoyed. Ben feels like he needs to take care of his mother and make sure she's happy and feels conflicted going against her wishes when he initially visits the museum. In the end, they come to understand more about each other, and I loved that there was a happy resolution with trust and communication.

The villains are incredible. They almost reminded me of Dahl villains for how utterly terrifying yet slightly cartoonish they were. Perfect villains for a middle grade book.

Overall, it's an engaging story full of lots of discoveries and some twists and turns. I really enjoyed it and think that children will absolutely love it. There are so many different great elements that they can latch onto: fantasy, adventure, family, danger, etc. I highly recommend it.

I received an advance release copy via NetGalley.

This charming middle grade book is whimsical and wonderful, loaded with fantastic illustrations and warm messages about family and friendship. Young Ben receives an invitation to visit an obscure museum in his town and falls upon a plot to close the place--which is masterminded by the same fellow who is threatening his own home. Upon entering the museum, Ben is even more committed to saving it, as every room brims with magical talking creatures. Adults refuse to believe what Ben says about the threat, so it's up to him and his new friends to save the day.

Ben's relationship with his mom is one of the best parts of the book. They grow much closer, and a sense of mutual respect develops between them. Too many kid books (and TV shows) make the adults out to be the enemy. Here, it's handled with nuance. A good message, without being messagey.

Oh, this book left me desperate to find this museum for myself so that I can befriend a pygmy hippopotamus, owl, and elephant shrew, and maybe meet a witch or two! The illustrations add a lot to the joy of this book. You can't help but smile when you see a hippo smile. The whole ending left me smiling, too.

I expect this book will become a much beloved read for many future oddity collectors. Wonderful introduction to small museum culture and taxidermy in a non-creepy way.

I also really enjoyed the alternative family dynamics and relationships presented in this book.
Excited to recommend this to kids in the future.

The Hippo at the End of the Hall is a great story for young readers. It has a little bit of everything: fun characters, mystery, magical shenanigans, heroic actions, and surprising twists and turns. The story moves at a good pace which should keep young readers engaged and the pictures add to that by bringing the story of life. I loved all the members of the Gee Museum, but I have to say the witch was my favorite. Ben is a great main character and his commitment to seeing the Gee Museum stay out of the hands of the bad guys even before he understood his connection to it was admirable. The bad guys are sneaky and underhanded without being too ridiculous. This seems to be written as a standalone, but the door is open for additional stories. I would love to re-enter this world to see what other hijinks the exhibits of the Gee Museum get up to.

The illustrations were the best part of this book. The animals were lovely, and their emotion and expressions were great fun. The story was a bit more of a mess. The whole water cow mystery was not mysterious in the least and any child mildly interested in animals, which I assume most children who read this book will be, will have guessed it when the first story is introduced and it makes the boy seem a little oblivious. The ending was also a little too neat and while the adventure leading up to it was great, the last scene just seemed a little too easy and perfect, undermining much of the effort that went up to that part but that may be less of an issue for the younger readers.

Absolutely fabulous book about taking chances and following your heart. It is so reminiscent of many great books that Cooper's book will become an instant classic like their picture books.

4.5 stars out of 5.

A delightful story of a young boy discovering more about his family history, spun together with whimsy and adventure.

Highly recommend for fans of stories such as  Night At The Museum, Peter Pan or Jumanji.

(Note - on page 294, Chapter 39, in the first sentence, the e is missing from surprise. I'm sure this will have been picked up before publication but just incase I thought I would mention it.)

I appreciate having had an opportunity to read and review this book. The appeal of this particular book was not evident to me, and if I cannot file a generally positive review I prefer simply to advise the publisher to that effect and file no review at all.

An amazing storyline with beautiful pencil illustrations. This is how I remember truly good books being growing up and I am elated to find another like that to treasure. This is an absolute must read.

Suitable for children close to the age of ten and above, this magical tale will keep you guessing. I love that the author got the idea for this story and the objects which play major roles while visiting museums. After reading it I would encourage families to visit museums, small to world renowned, and create conversations about the objects they discover.

Ben, the main character, is ten years old. His mother is the family's sole support and times are tough. It is difficult for her to talk about his father, who disappeared when Ben was quite a bit younger. There is a memory that Ben wishes would return to him more clearly. Against his mother's wishes, Ben goes off on an adventure because he feels he must.

This is a story about family, about dreams and believing and overcoming obstacles. It has an evil versus good element, but overall it is a fun fantasy. What could happen, how should one make smart choices, etc. There are stories with the main story to enjoy.

I think this is a book that parents will enjoy reading along with their children.

ARC Copy...I had to admit the way the PDF is format did make things difficult to read especially in regards to illustrations. The Illustrations look gorgeous and does bring to life the magic of "Cabinet of the Curious" museum to life!

I read "The Hippo at the End of the Hall" by Helen Cooper as an ARC on Netgallery. I requested this book because the the cover piqued my interest. The chameleon above the keyhole made me wonder what is this book about?? This was a lovely story for elementary students. A touch of magic, a mystery and a pair of villains draw the reader in. The main character, Ben, receives a mysterious invitation to the Gee museum. His visit triggers memories and mysteries. Ben wonders why he is drawn to the museum. Each room in the museum has interesting artifacts to investigate. The delightful illustrations help to move the story forward. I highly recommend this book.

The Hippo at the End of the Hall by Helen Cooper is a delightful middle grade book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This book is rich in fantasy and fun! It held my interest with it's great plot, good and evil characters, talking stuffed animals, magic, a witch, and so much more! A great steady pace that never let up! A magical museum is in danger, an unlikely hero, magical creatures, evil humans want to get the museum by any means, fantastic illustrations, and a happy ending! What more could you ask for! Loved it!!!