Hey Hippopotamus Do Babies Eat Cake Too?
What’s inside...
In 'Hey Hippopotamus, Do Babies Eat Cake Too?' by Hazel Edwards, a young child with a vivid imagination navigates the world of family life and new experiences with the help of a friendly hippopotamus. The child asks the hippopotamus a series of whimsical and curious questions about the behaviors and preferences of babies, exploring themes of sibling dynamics, curiosity, and learning. The book is a playful and heartwarming tale that encourages children to ask questions and seek answers, while also touching on the excitement and adjustments that come with welcoming a new baby into the family. The cake-eating hippo on the roof series of seven books will celebrate a 40th anniversary in 2020.
Discussion points
What do you think the baby hippopotamus would like to eat besides cake?
Why do you think the other animals are curious about the baby hippo's food?
How do you think the baby hippo feels when it tries new foods?
What are some of your favorite foods that you think the baby hippo might enjoy too?
If you could talk to the baby hippopotamus, what advice would you give about trying new things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, changing your voice for different animals to make the story more engaging for your child.
Relate the food items in the book to foods your child likes or dislikes to personalize the conversation.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of the baby hippopotamus eating their favorite meal, leveraging the creativity provoked by the book.
Encourage your child to think about times when they tried something new and discuss the feelings associated with those experiences, paralleling the baby hippo's adventure.
Culminate your discussion by planning a snack or meal inspired by the book’s theme, deepening the connection between the story and real-life activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: In the story, the hippopotamus learns the joy of sharing his birthday cake with his friends, showing children the positive outcomes of being generous.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or snacks with friends, which can help foster friendships and teach them the value of generosity.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The baby animals in the book ask various questions about the world around them, demonstrating natural curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to ask more questions in their daily life, thereby enhancing their learning and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Differences
Explanation: The story includes a variety of animals who all enjoy the party in their unique ways, teaching children to appreciate and celebrate differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diverse cultures and personalities of their peers, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions.