Hot Hippo

HOT HIPPO is a classic African folktale set in the vast plains of Kenya. It is retold by Mwenye Hadithi, with vibrant, evocative illustrations by Adrienne Kennaway. In this timeless tale, a weary hippo longs for relief from the scorching sun and dreams of living in the cool waters of the river. Determined, he appeals to Ngai, the mighty god of Everything and Everywhere, for permission to dwell there. Ngai agrees, on two important conditions: Hippo must never eat the fish that swim in the rivers, and he must return to the land each night to graze on grass.

The story playfully explains why hippos spend their days in the water, emerge only after dark, and open their mouths wide in a promise kept since the beginning of time. Kennaway's luminous watercolours bring the landscapes and animals of Africa to life, capturing both the humour and the majesty of the tale.

Part of the African Animal Tales series, HOT HIPPO blends folklore, gentle moral lessons, and striking artwork to share Africa's rich storytelling traditions with young readers around the world. Perfect for reading aloud, classroom use, or bedtime, this beloved story has been delighting children and adults for nearly four decades.