Second ‘Herbert the Hippo’ children’s book released by Advocate

‘Herbert the Hippo In the Moment’ authored by the Rev. Meg Sweeney Cook

The second book in the Advocate Press’s Herbert the Hippo children’s book series is now on sale.

Called “Herbert the Hippo In the Moment,” the book is authored by the Rev. Meg Sweeney Cook and illustrated by P.A. Sweeney. Cook pastors Cayce United Methodist Church, Cayce.

Designed for preschoolers (ages 3-5), the book focuses on helping children embrace mindfulness, or being present in the moment, something that has powerful physical, emotional and cognitive benefits as well as faith elements.

“Mindfulness matters, and it is a skill that can be learned and nurtured,” Cook said.

Good for both children and adults, mindfulness helps improve emotional regulation, increase focus, reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, improve social skills, improve sleep, reduce symptoms of ADHD, increase resilience, improve academic performance, and set a foundation for long-term well-being, Cook said.

“It also matters because we are embodied. We are not just brains carried around by bodies. Instead, we are whole people with eyes, ears, hearts, hips and more,” Cook said.

She hopes the book will not only impact young children but also, perhaps the adults who read the book with these children.

Book one, “Herbert the Hippo,” introduces readers to Herbert, a small pink hippo figurine who was made in South Africa. He’s so small he can fit in the palm of someone’s hand. But even though he’s small, he’s a great big reminder that everyone can make a difference in the world, and everyone is God’s special work of art. 

Both books are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLGPJH5K, or from the Advocate directly at https://advocatesc.org/store/books/herbert-in-the-moment. You can also purchase the book by sending a check (payable to Advocate) for $10 plus $2.50 shipping/handling; mail to Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.