The storytelling is engaging and age-appropriate, with just the right balance of excitement and heart. Young readers will love following along. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

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