| 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. Genre: Children’s Illustrated Book Release Date: February 10, 2026 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Kayla
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
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!
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!
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Once I started to write down Hadley the Hippo’s story, it only took a couple of hours for me to have a draft I was happy with. But, with querying, professional editing, and illustrating, it took well over a year for the book to be “finished.”
Once I started to write down Hadley the Hippo’s story, it only took a couple of hours for me to have a draft I was happy with. But, with querying, professional editing, and illustrating, it took well over a year for the book to be “finished.”
#3. How did you name your characters?
I wanted the hippo to have an “H” name.” I played around with a few and then gave my husband three options. He voted for Hadley, and the name stuck. 😊
I wanted the hippo to have an “H” name.” I played around with a few and then gave my husband three options. He voted for Hadley, and the name stuck. 😊
#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
When I’m not writing or reading, I can be found with my family either singing loudly and off-key to K-LOVE Radio or Ms. Rachel with my little. I can easily get lost in the library and any bookstore if not carefully supervised, and one of my favorite dates I have been on with my husband included browsing bookshelves. I love pink and sparkles and daydreaming about being a unicorn. Fittingly, my Young Adult debut fantasy novel is titled The Goodness of Unicorns. I have more books for teens, tweens, and children planned for the future.
When I’m not writing or reading, I can be found with my family either singing loudly and off-key to K-LOVE Radio or Ms. Rachel with my little. I can easily get lost in the library and any bookstore if not carefully supervised, and one of my favorite dates I have been on with my husband included browsing bookshelves. I love pink and sparkles and daydreaming about being a unicorn. Fittingly, my Young Adult debut fantasy novel is titled The Goodness of Unicorns. I have more books for teens, tweens, and children planned for the future.
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Then you be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” –Romans 12:2
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:
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:
 Kayla E. Green | 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. |
It's Time For A 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!!
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!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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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
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