There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake

The imaginary Hippo can do what he likes on the roof. In fact, he does all the things a little girl wishes she could, but is not allowed. When she takes a bath, the hippo takes a shower; when she goes to bed, the hippo watches television on the roof. And when the repair men come to fix the roof, the hippo conveniently disappears, returning of course to eat a very large piece of cake.

My daddy says there's a hole in our roof.

I know why there's a hole.

There's a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake.

He can do what he likes.

Drip!

Drip!

Drip!

My hippopotamus doesn't like baths.

He's having a shower.

I know, because I heard him.

There's a hippopotamus on our roof having a shower.

About The Author

Hazel Edwards (born 1945) is an Australian author who has written 200 books, including the classic children's book, There's a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake, which is approaching its 30th anniversary and a short film is in production with Pocket Bonfire Productions. Since its publication in 1981, the age-less Hippopotamus on the roof has been reprinted annually, evolved into a series of six picture books and inspired a junior chapter book, classroom play scripts, stage production and a short movie. The Hippopotamus books have also been translated into Braille and Auslan signing for the hearing impaired and were presented as an official Australian Government gift to the children of Princess Mary of Denmark.