Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook Bringing Laughter & Light to the 2025 NCTE Conference.

Los Angeles, California Nov 19, 2025 (Issuewire.com) Poet and educator Vincent J. Tomeo brings his acclaimed work The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times to the 2025 National Council Teachers of English (NCTE) event, happening November 2023, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. The book will be on display at the Combined Book Exhibit booth, joining an esteemed selection of titles presented to thousands of educators and administrators from across the United States.

Now in its 109th year, the NCTE book fair is one of the most influential educational gatherings in the country, drawing over 8,000 teachers, faculty members, and school leaders. Attendees represent decision-makers who help shape classroom reading materials and school library collections from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

In The Usefulness of Hippopotamus, Tomeo transforms adversity into art. Written during his battle with cancer amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this witty and life-affirming collection reminds readers that humor is both medicine and resistancea means to heal, to cope, and to rediscover joy.

Tomeo, a widely published New York poet, historian, and educator with over 1,100 literary publications and 108 awards, has long been recognized for his ability to find beauty and humor in the human experience. His work has been featured globally, including in Italy, France, and Thailand.

By appearing at NCTE 2025, The Usefulness of Hippopotamus continues its missionto remind readers, educators, and students alike that even in trying times, laughter remains one of humanitys most powerful tools for survival.