Mom and author Helen Hipp writes vivid books about whimsical characters that encounter real-life issues. Her own encounter with a pink hippopotamus while on safari birthed the idea of her character Rosie the Hippo, and led to a series of children’s books about differences starring the rosy mammal. Hipp’s experience raising a child with special needs led her to complete a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. She committed to never letting anyone but her son define his ability or potential. Because of this, her life’s work as a mom evolved into her professional practice.
Hipp’s book concept created an effective way to motivate kids (of all ages and abilities) to meet their challenges with self-acceptance, confidence, and understanding. The tomes are a creative and fun teaching tool for parents, caregivers, and teachers to use with children who may feel different than their peers. They encourage children to have a positive outlook and use their personal challenges to help them grow. Hipp’s books are designed to help children see that being different can be an asset.
The first, “A Different Kind of Safari” (released in 2013), introduced Rosie, and encouraged the reader to transform personal challenges into opportunities. Her latest book, “Rosie and Friends Positively Different,” addresses issues such as anxiety, fear, physical differences, and poor self-esteem. Hipp presents the issue of being different in a way that children can relate to and understand. She encourages happiness in spite of the challenges. Her message “uniqueness is not a weakness” truly puts into perspective that others’ perception of you depends mostly on how you see yourself.
Shnieka Johnson: What led you to write children’s books?
Hellen Hipp: My father had a dream to share an African safari experience with his family. Little did I know then that this trip would encourage me to write children’s adventure books.
The storyline made its appearance when my family spotted a pod of hippos and one stood out because of her lack of color. She was pink! All of the other hippos were dark gray. My son Ray, 14 at the time, immediately named her “Rosie.”
Curious and wanting to learn more about this hippo, we asked the guide many questions about hippos and hippo behavior. Specifically, I wanted to know why the pink hippo stood so far outside of her pod. The familiarity of the guide’s answer took me by surprise. He explained that “Rosie” was tolerated, but not necessarily accepted by the herd because of her skin color. This made her different to the other members of the pod.
As the parent of a child with special needs, I immediately felt a strong [affinity] with Rosie’s situation, as did my son Ray, who has experienced his own challenges with acceptance. Inspired, I decided to share the story of Rosie with the world by weaving it into children’s adventure books that celebrate differences.
SJ: What appeals to you most about children’s books?
HH: I find the presence of innocence, imagination, and creativity that is woven into many children’s books to be very captivating. I guess you can say I am a child at heart.
SJ: Why this particular topic?
HH: Perceptions shape your reality. Rosie and Friends help children to understand that their uniqueness is not a weakness.
SJ: Which children’s books have inspired you as a writer?
HH: Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” is a book that I often think about when developing an ageless storyline that I want my books to be — fun and pertinent to readers young and old.
“Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey and “Angels on Horseback” written by Norman Thelwell were also instrumental, influencing me with simple, yet compelling, creative expression styles that brought the characters to life for me. As a child and now as an adult, I continue to enjoy all of these books immensely.
SJ: What vision do you have for your book series?
HH: My adventure books have already taken me on a journey that has given me the opportunity to meet a large number of wonderful people, all of which I refer to as my “Safari Family.”
I cannot imagine anything more rewarding than bringing more of Rosie’s adventures and their powerful message onto the stage and into schools to create an atmosphere of happiness, understanding, and acceptance.
SJ: Is there a need for more books like this?
HH: Yes, there is a need for books of all types. Particularly books that expand upon and challenge thoughts and foster imagination.
SJ: Where can your books be found?
HH: My books are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.
SJ: What else do you want parents to know about Rosie the Hippo?
HH: Rosie puts things into perspective!
Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shnie
