This story was as magical as the cover, nay the title suggests! You've got messages delivered by bees, invitations to curious museums with even curiouser sites on display, mysterious curators that feel oddly familiar, and a scheme to bring it all to the ground for the sake of a few dollars made. It was wonderful to get to know Ben and all the unexpected characters between these pages, including an actual witch (to be scared or not be scared...that's a HARD question!), and the hippo that the title hints at. A definite recommend for readers who like a little adventure, who aren't afraid to let loose their imaginations, and can't stand to let go of the last strands of hope.


**ARC received for review; opinions are my own ( )

An incredibly disjointed and strange book that had some potential. Felt more like a slight drug trip and why things did or did not happen, or rather, what happened, and why the adults reacted the way they did, was not clear or well motivated. ( )

A strange invitation to the Gee Museum arrives at Ben's house. His mom is always busy with her shop, so he decides to go by himself. Turns out, the museum is a very magical place and some bad people are trying to destroy it. Ben knows that he has to do everything he can to save the museum and its magical exhibits.

This is such a magical story for middle grade kids! The Gee Museum seems like such a fantastical place! I wish it was real....I would definitely be first in line to have a tour!

The story is pure magic. The illustrations are awesome! This book would be great to read out loud at home or in a classroom/homeschool setting. It would be so easy to incorporate all sorts of lessons along with the story...writing prompts, a trip to a local museum, art projects....lots of possibilities!

Well-written. Colorful, vibrant front cover. Engaging illustrations. Very enjoyable book!!

This is the first book by Helen Cooper that I've read. I love to read children's books, so I'm sure I will be reading more of her work! She's written quite a few middle grade books. As I looked through her list, I definitely saw more than just a couple that I want to read!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Candlewick Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

I was hoping this book would make a good read aloud for my third grade class. Unfortunately, I don’t think it would. I found it a little boring. The characters were likable enough. It just didn’t really do it for me. ( )

At approximately 334 pages, this story is a delightful and easy read. Ben, receives a mysterious invitation to an old museum. He lives with his mother and knows almost nothing about a father who went missing long ago.
When Ben arrives at the museum he befriends a group of talking animals who are convinced he can save the museum. This book has a few evil characters, but with some help from his new friends, the owner of the museum and his mom, Ben discovers a little bit of hope and luck may save them all.
I loved that almost every page had a beautiful black and white illustration. This book was a pleasure to read and 4th grade and up will enjoy the story, as well as adults who still believe in magic. I received a complimentary copy from Librarything Early Reviewers. ( )