**Thank you to OwlKids Books in connection with Picture Book Palooza for the eARC. This in no way changed my rating**

I liked the text of this book, but the file was difficult to read as a whole because one page was split up over multiple slides. This made rating the pictures difficult, but from the text I read, it was a cute picture book. Will revisit once I can find a physical copy.

Katrina Hyena, Stan-up Comedian is a short, early chapter book story by Sophie Kohn with illustrations by Aparna Varma. Katrina is a hyena that loves to laugh. This is a problem because hyenas are only supposed to make their trademark laughing sound when danger is close by. They aren't supposed to laugh because something is funny. But Katrina finds things to laugh about everywhere and wants to be a stand up comedian. Can she teach the other hyenas to enjoy comedy as much as she does or will she always be in trouble for sounding false alarms? Illustrator Aparna Varma uses a limited color pallette and a sketchy, free flowing style that brings the characters to life.

Fun story about a hyena that wants to do standup. The pictures and story were both really cute. Plus it had toe ultimate dad jokes. My kids would have loved this and wanted it read every night.

5 stars

This is a fun early chapter book with a twist on the classic “The Boy who cried Wolf theme.” Hyena’s laugh to warn of danger. Katrina laughs because she thinks the world is funny. She tries her hardest not to laugh so she doesn’t confuse the others but she can’t help herself. And so she gathers the other hyenas around her and puts on a stand-up comedy performance. With cute illustrations and silly jokes throughout, kids of all ages will enjoy this fun romp with Katrina Hyena. Recommended.

Katrina Hyena just wants to make people laugh. Which, is counterproductive and a little odd because Hyenas only laugh when there is DANGER.

My 5 year old and I really really enjoyed this book! The jokes were adorable and silly, and the message was great. The only thing was having chapters was a little odd and jarring when you're used to regular picture books. But, I completely understand this is marketed as an "early chapter book". I love the message of "following your dreams", and the "villian" was not scary but made to be a little silly (which I appreciated).

The illustrations are great too!

Cute message, silly jokes, lots of fun. Would definitely pick this up in stores!!

A fun(ny) book about Katrina, a Hyena that laughs at things differently than the rest of their pack, and their dream of being a stand up comedian. With cameos from the lion who really likes hot sauce. A great book to read to kids about being different and embracing your dreams even when others might dismiss them.

This story was so cute! I love reading funny picture books with my son. We got to preview read this story, and I honestly love stories that make hyenas out to be a positive character. Katrina does make some great jokes, and we love a silly hyena!

Katrina Hyena, Stand-up Comedian is a funny book about a hyena who’s a little different from the others. While most hyenas only laugh when there’s danger, Katrina wants to make them laugh out of fun and dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. It’s a great concept, and the pencil-colored illustrations are really wonderful! Children will love this humorous picture book!

This is a very silly book! I think the chapter lengths and big, fun pictures make this a great beginner chapter book. I think this story would work great with certain kids but might not teach the best lesson to others. As long as you know your audience this is a great read!

Katrina Hyena, Stand-Up COmedian by Sophie Kohn is a gem of a read. There are animal facts, humor and life lessons all wrapped into this easy to read chapter book. I loved the illustrations and the short chapters to get young readers excited about reading a chapter book. I will definitely be recommending this one to the teachers in my school as well as the students in my class.

Katrina Hyena, Stand-up Comedian was an excellent first chapter book. The chapters were engaging and were the perfect length. My son and I loved the colorful and fun illustrations. The story itself was entertaining and made my son and I laugh out loud numerous times. He particularly loved Gary the lion and his hot sauces. My favorite were the illustrations of the animals. This was a delight storybook.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of this story! We will be impatiently waiting for October so we can order it!

Cute and silly, but Katrina never learns a lesson about there being a proper time and place for comedy, and sometimes you need to be serious.

Katrina Hyena, Stand-up Comedian
Sophie Kohn
Aparna Varma, Illustrator
Genre: Children’s Beginner Chapter Book
Katrina is a hyena, and she lives in a clan of hyenas (a group of hyenas.) In her clan laughing is a warning to let the other members know there is a danger. Katrina is different, she laughs because she finds things funny. She finds everything funny. The other hyenas are exasperated. Katrina will start laughing (which she does a lot) and the members of the clan think she’s vulnerable and they hurry to help her.
What if Katrina really was in danger? What if Gary the Lion trapped her? What if he attacked her?
The whole clan was upset, stressed out and upset so Katrina did what she does best. She put on a comedy show.
This is a funny book. It has jokes, and funny illustrations.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is very funny, and I love the illustrations, but Katrina was putting herself and her clan at risk. It didn’t make any difference to her. She laughed anyway and did not take any of their warnings to heart. I agree with the be true to yourself message. It’s ok to be different. But is it fair to be “true to yourself” when you are putting others in danger. This book sends out both positive and negative messages. It is selfish to only think of yourself.
Fact: Hyenas make a noise that sounds a lot like laughter. They make the sounds when they are fighting for food, in some type of social conflict. The laugh means they need help, are frustrated or a way to let others know their hyena social status. The laugh lets other hyenas know the presence of food or danger; it can also be used as a greeting or to establish dominance.

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

This book was so cute! Katerina didn’t give up when every other hyena rolled their eyes and told her to stop. She kept going because she knew she had a purpose. My daughter loved the hyenas that were nice and funny unlike in the lion king. What a fun book!

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Katrina is different from the other hyenas as she finds the humor all around them. Unfortunately, this means she laughs a lot and causes panic for the others. Readers see how she finds a way to have her dream and and still keep everyone safe. The humor shines through. I appreciate the message of being true to yourself but Katrina is very self focused and doesn't make an effort herself to be sensitive to others. So, a mixed message but worth the read to open dialogue.