About
Unhappy Hugo
The story of a very dramatic hippo, one unlocked gate, and the adventure that began as a bedtime story.
Hugo lives in a City Zoo, where every day children walk by with candy, ice cream, lollipops, and sweet treats.
They smile.
They laugh.
They enjoy every bite.
But Hugo only gets hay. This is where his story began!
About
Unhappy Hugo
The story of a very dramatic hippo, one unlocked gate, and the adventure that began as a bedtime story.
Hugo lives in a City Zoo, where every day children walk by with candy, ice cream, lollipops, and sweet treats.
They smile.
They laugh.
They enjoy every bite.
But Hugo only gets hay. This is where his story began!
Why is Hugo Unhappy?
Hugo's problem is simple...
but his feelings are huge...
Every day at the City Zoo, Hugo sees children and visitors enjoying candy, ice cream, lollipops, and other sweet treats.
They smile. They laugh. They enjoy every bite.
But while everyone else gets something sweet, Hugo gets the same thing again and again.
Hay.
That's what makes Hugo so unhappy.
What do you think Hugo would do if he quietly snuck out of the zoo one night? Would he search for adventure, follow the lights, or look for something he has always dreamed about?
Hugo watches children and visitors enjoy sweet treats every day.
But no matter how much he wants something sweet, Hugo only gets hay.
Then one night, the gate is left unlocked... Hugo sees his chance!
Why is Hugo Unhappy?
Hugo's problem is simple...
but his feelings are huge...
Every day at the City Zoo, Hugo sees children and visitors enjoying candy, ice cream, lollipops, and other sweet treats.
They smile. They laugh. They enjoy every bite.
But while everyone else gets something sweet, Hugo gets the same thing again and again.
Hay.
That's what makes Hugo so unhappy.
What do you think Hugo would do if he quietly snuck out of the zoo one night? Would he search for adventure, follow the lights, or look for something he has always dreamed about?
Hugo watches children and visitors enjoy sweet treats every day.
But no matter how much he wants something sweet, Hugo only gets hay.
Then one night, the gate is left unlocked... Hugo sees his chance!
Meet The Creator
A little idea. A sleepy night.
A story that grew into something big.
Nick DuBois is an animation writer and artist known for work connected to Animaniacs, X Men: Evolution, and Beast Machines: Transformers. His animation background helped shape Hugo’s expressive style, visual comedy, and big emotional personality.
But Unhappy Hugo began in a much more personal way.
Nick first created Hugo as a bedtime story for his daughter, Rebecca. The idea was simple: a hippo at the zoo watches children enjoy candy, ice cream, and sweet treats, while all he gets is hay.
From that small bedtime idea came a character with big feelings. Hugo felt left out. He wanted to be part of the fun. And one night, when his zoo pen was left open, he finally got his chance.
What started as a father’s bedtime story became Unhappy Hugo Goes To The Candy Shop, a funny, heartfelt picture book about curiosity, mischief, and one unforgettable hippo who wanted more than hay.
Meet The Creator
A little idea. A sleepy night.
A story that grew into something big.
Nick DuBois is an animation writer and artist known for work connected to Animaniacs, X Men: Evolution, and Beast Machines: Transformers. His animation background helped shape Hugo’s expressive style, visual comedy, and big emotional personality.
But Unhappy Hugo began in a much more personal way.
Nick first created Hugo as a bedtime story for his daughter, Rebecca. The idea was simple: a hippo at the zoo watches children enjoy candy, ice cream, and sweet treats, while all he gets is hay.
From that small bedtime idea came a character with big feelings. Hugo felt left out. He wanted to be part of the fun. And one night, when his zoo pen was left open, he finally got his chance.
What started as a father’s bedtime story became Unhappy Hugo Goes To The Candy Shop, a funny, heartfelt picture book about curiosity, mischief, and one unforgettable hippo who wanted more than hay.
Bigger Adventures. . .
Bigger Smiles. . .
Join Hugo's
Adventure Club
Be the first to hear about the new adventures, news, books, events, and surprises!
Books
Fun Stuff
Shop
About Hugo
Follow Hugo!
