Cincinnati native Richard Cowdrey, the bestselling author and illustrator of the Fiona the Hippo series, will appear at Paragraphs Bookstore on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.  

“Happy Birthday, Fiona” will be the fifth release in the series based on the beloved hippo born at the Cincinnati Zoo that has captured the hearts of people all around the world. This book is a celebration of Fiona’s fifth birthday on Jan. 24. This whimsical story focuses on Fiona and her friendship with all of her animal friends at the zoo.

Richard Cowdrey is a New York Times No. 1 Bestselling illustrator with his “Bad Dog, Marley” and “A Very Marley Christmas” children’s books. His “Fiona, It’s Bedtime” was named one of Amazon’s Best Books for Children in 2021.

“Happy Birthday, Fiona” is available for pre-order at Paragraphs Bookstore at 229 S. Main St. in Mount Vernon.

A 1981 graduate of Columbus College of Art & Design, Cowdrey began his four-decade career at Hallmark Greeting Cards before becoming a freelance illustrator, according to his website bio. His work has encompassed toy companies, ad agencies and publications.