This book is one of the best middle-grade mystery novels I've ever read. There are several reasons why...

First, the educational value. I learned a lot about animals, especially hippos, and their habitats, but even more than that, I enjoyed learning so much about how zoos are run and how elaborately and intentionally they are designed. And it wasn't dry at all -- I felt like I was running with Teddy throughout the zoo and going behind the scenes to see what really goes on in a zoo.

Second, it's a book with clean morals. By this, I mean that the bad guys are punished in the end, instead of their getting a sad backstory and then, "oh well, they did bad stuff but they have a sob story so it's fine, we won't put them in jail." At the end of this book, the culprits are found, and they have to face the consequences of their actions. And it's really important that they do, so that kids can learn that they, too, will have to face the consequences of their actions in life.

Thirdly, it's just a fun book. Teddy and Summer have a budding friendship that I honestly can't see enough of! Although they have moments where they aren't sure if they can trust each other, their friendship holds through. And of course, I loved how the "good" adults were all supportive of Teddy, while the "bad" adults (or, rather, the bad guys) weren't.

Finally, if all that wasn't enough to convince you to read the book, read it for the animals. You'll learn so much about how we can make sure animals aren't smuggled or poached, and you'll also learn about how we can make sure zoos are protecting and caring for their animals properly. Because if change doesn't start with us, with whom will it start?

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I got about half way through this before I realized I was neither nuts nor atypically gifted in foresight...this is not a new book and I had indeed read it before. I didn't like it anymore than I did last time, although I know it has its fans (it must if its being rereleased 15 years later, right?)

What a delightful and engrossing tale! First in the FunJungle Series, BELLY UP commences with the discovery that huge hippo Henry, vaunted mascot of the isolated Texas theme park/zoo FunJungle, has inexplicably passed away. Twelve-year-old Teddy, son of a noted gorilla researcher and a famous Wildlife photographer, born and raised in Africa, becomes suspicious, as Henry was healthy the previous day. As Teddy begins on his own to investigate, the plot unfolds and boy, is it jam-packed with Suspense, connivance, conspiracy, crime, trickery, and yes, danger! Teddy doesn't get a moment's peace, nor does the reader. Fast-paced and fsscinating, this Series will appeal to Middle graders and adults alike.

I used to LOVE this book when I was younger!! I’ve read it twice and I still feel like it is an incredible book. I will be shoving this novel down the throats of my future kids when they are old enough to read this!

Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs was a lighthearted, fun adventure for young readers. I enjoyed this story very much. I did not like the use of cuss words for children however and so I am only giving this book a 3 star. I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.

A murder mystery about a hippopotamus. Set in a zoo. With a cast of funny and colorful characters. Abounding with animal facts. Full of the antics of a 12 year old amateur sleuth. All these elements mixed together make for a delightfully entertaining middle grade novel. I listened to this book 1 one day and stayed up much past my bedtime (even though I had to get up early the next day) just so I could listen to the end. Gibson Frazier's narration is on point and his inflections add so much to the already great story. Of course I will be adding the other 6 Fun Jungle books to the top of my TBR.

My only point of dislike was the body shaming of a larger female security guard. Don't love that.

Content Warning: Animal Cruelty, Animal Death, Body Shaming