The Blue Hippopotamus.

Linda Ludke is a children’s librarian at the London Public Library.

Hapu the hippopotamus is captivated by the Pharaoh’s daughter. He longs to play with Mery-Am, but she runs away. Lamenting the fact that “She can never love me as I love her,” Hapu seeks the assistance of the great magician. While the shaman can’t change the hippo into a human, he offers to transform him into a toy. Mery-Am spends many years playing with her blue hippo, but as she grows up her childhood plaything is relegated to the cedar chest. Realizing that his friend is lonely, the little hippo wishes “May Mery-Am find her own true love, and may they live happily ever after.” On Mery-Am’s wedding day, the toy hippo is knocked over and breaks. In a mystical turn of events, Hapu eventually returns as Mery-Am’s baby.

Joanne Fitzgerald’s watercolour and coloured pencil illustrations capture the exotic ancient Egyptian setting, from the sun-soaked Nile River to the decorative motifs on the palace walls. Hapu is a gentle soul, and his expressive face conveys many emotions.

This tale of love and transformation is highly recommended.