Blue Faience Hippopotamus

I have three grown daughters. Each rates this as their favorite book when growing up. It was such an important one for them, that when I found some Blue Faience Hippos at a museum shop, I bought one for each of us as a keepsake. The illustrations are gorgeous, the story makes us cry every time. Still. Yes, we still read it. This book is a gem.

I love this book, I have ever since I was 5! I was doing an art presentation recently for a BA class and came across a blue faience hippopotamus in the history of Egypt. I was immediately brought back to my childhood favorite book! I recommended this book to my class and several people have reported back how much they loved it!

"The Blue Faience Hippopotamus" is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read, a story for both children and adults. The writing is top notch, featuring what is almost a "hero's quest" for children, ending with an exquisite example of unselfishness and the true gift of love and life. While similar in many ways to "The Velveteen Rabbit," it is neither an imitator nor an homage; I cry each time I read the story. In addition to the excellent writing are the illustrations, featuring beautifully crafted images which bring the tale to life while utilizing numerous historically accurate artistic motifs of the ancient Egyptians. Although this book is currently out of print, I believe that a story of such lovliness should be reissued to entertain and enlighten those fortunate enough to read "The Blue Faience Hippopotamus."