Synopsis

Based on a true story! Nigel is a real-life Triscuit-loving, movie-watching, cowboy hat-wearing pet kangaroo who lives in the house! He made the news headlines in 2023 when he escaped into the Texas wilderness, sparking an incredible rescue mission that captured hearts around the world. Hops Heard Around the World recounts his amazing adventure told from Nigel’s own bouncy point of view.

On his exciting quest to return home, Nigel is introduced to wild animals and meets unexpected friends. The animals learn how to overcome obstacles and discover that true greatness comes from within. This inspirational story with a one-of-a-kind kangaroo hero celebrates courage, friendship, and the wonderful bond between animals and their human families. Young readers (and their parents) will love learning about kangaroos and other animals as they embark on this wonderful journey of a lifetime. You will laugh and cheer as you hop along with Nigel from the very first page!

Hops Heard Around the World is the perfect adventure story for kids and kangaroos of all ages! Nigel the real kangaroo even helped with the beautiful illustrations! He hopes you love his book!

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Review

If you live in Texas, you might have heard of Nigel. He is the kangaroo in Granbury that escaped one day and created quite a media stir. He was found safe and sound, and this adventure gave his mom an idea for a book. And from there, Hops Heard Around the World was born.

This is a cute book for younger children. It is a bit more than a storybook, since it has chapters, but they are shorter. The book is beautifully illustrated and will make a fun read for parents and children alike.

While I had heard of Nigel, to watch his story come to life was entertaining and educational. I learned a little more about kangaroos and Nigel’s escape story. I chuckled at how his mom got him to find his way home!

I can’t wait to share this book with my great nieces and nephew. I am sure they will find it just as entertaining as I did.

We give this book 5 paws up!

About the Authors

Nigel is a real-life pet kangaroo—a Triscuit-loving, movie-watching, cowboy-hat-wearing five-year-old who lives in the house on a horse ranch in Granbury, Texas. Nigel has a sweet, gentle, adventurous personality with a great sense of humor! He made headlines in 2023 when he hopped his fences and escaped into the Texas wilderness. Hops Heard Around the World is his true story told from his point of view. He even hand-picked (or paw-picked) the illustrations. This is his first book.

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Briana Lafleur is Nigel’s “Mom,” the Jane Goodall of kangaroos! She is an award-winning horse trainer and the founder of TLC Horse Training in Granbury, Texas. Throughout her life, she has worked with over 1000 animals. Her expertise with animals and her special bond with Nigel has provided a wonderful life for him, where he lives in the house as part of the family! She has raised Nigel since he was a baby, helping him to ride horses, and he even goes to the grocery store to pick out his own snacks. He is a local celebrity, and his adventures went viral around the world.

Lisa Landolt is a published author and attorney living in Weatherford, Texas. With a lifelong love of animals, she has always enjoyed seeing the world through their eyes. Writing Nigel’s story gave her the chance to bring that perspective to life, while researching kangaroos and learning from Briana about his amazing adventures. She knows readers will love hopping into his world, too.