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There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake
Portrays a huge hippopotamus on the roof of a house performing such outrageous acts as eating a cake, riding a bicycle, taking a shower, and watching television after bedtime
32 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1980
4 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Edwards
175 books97 followersHazel is a readaholic, author and Reading Ambassador.
She’s best known for the children’s classic ‘There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake’ which inspired ' Hippo! Hippo! the, Musical'' produced by Garry Ginivan which toured nationally.
January 2026 , The Guardian newspaper listed 'There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake' in the top 50 Australian picture books. End January 2026 voting in the Guardian poll will close for the top picture book.
2026 will celebrate the 46th year of this picture book.
Her unconventional memoir 'Not Just a Piece of Cake-Being an Author' (AUDIBLE and from www.ligatu _re as part of UnTapped project of historical Australian literature. ).
'Wasted?' a YA/adult cross over #Clific novel is her latest, set around the Garbage Patches, mid ocean where Asylum Seekers trade bio fuel to form a new State and gain visas. In dsylexi font from ReadHowYouWant and being adapted for screen.
Adult murder mystery 'Celebrant Sleuth: I do...or die' with asexual sleuth Quinn is currently on AUDIBLE ,read by the author from print & e versions. 'Wed,Then Dead on The Ghan' is a mini-sequel , commissioned by ABC audio and currently being adapted as a screenplay.
Hazel mentors her 'Hazelnuts' and helps people craft their ancestry in her popular workshops ‘Writing a Non- Boring Family History’, and 'Complete Your Book in a Year'.
'Fake I.D.' a family history mystery YA novel was translated into Tamil by Cre-A in Chennai.
Hazel’s 2001 Antarctic expedition inspired the young adult eco-thriller 'Antarctica's Frozen Chosen', picture book ‘Antarctic Dad’ (reprinted by Kipas) and the memoir, ‘Antarctic Writer on Ice’. Reading about Antarctica is a hobby.
Recently AmbaPress.com.au re-issued updated script collections of Hazel's class plays including 'Grief and Loss in Schools' , 'Issues' and 'Workplays' as well as 'Kaleidoscope of Ideas for Gifted students'. Authorpreneurship' and 'Writing for Young People' have been popular.
Hazel writes a new story for each of her four grandsons each birthday. 'Go Go Gecko' is latest and is being translated.
She’s best known for the children’s classic ‘There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake’ which inspired ' Hippo! Hippo! the, Musical'' produced by Garry Ginivan which toured nationally.
January 2026 , The Guardian newspaper listed 'There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake' in the top 50 Australian picture books. End January 2026 voting in the Guardian poll will close for the top picture book.
2026 will celebrate the 46th year of this picture book.
Her unconventional memoir 'Not Just a Piece of Cake-Being an Author' (AUDIBLE and from www.ligatu _re as part of UnTapped project of historical Australian literature. ).
'Wasted?' a YA/adult cross over #Clific novel is her latest, set around the Garbage Patches, mid ocean where Asylum Seekers trade bio fuel to form a new State and gain visas. In dsylexi font from ReadHowYouWant and being adapted for screen.
Adult murder mystery 'Celebrant Sleuth: I do...or die' with asexual sleuth Quinn is currently on AUDIBLE ,read by the author from print & e versions. 'Wed,Then Dead on The Ghan' is a mini-sequel , commissioned by ABC audio and currently being adapted as a screenplay.
Hazel mentors her 'Hazelnuts' and helps people craft their ancestry in her popular workshops ‘Writing a Non- Boring Family History’, and 'Complete Your Book in a Year'.
'Fake I.D.' a family history mystery YA novel was translated into Tamil by Cre-A in Chennai.
Hazel’s 2001 Antarctic expedition inspired the young adult eco-thriller 'Antarctica's Frozen Chosen', picture book ‘Antarctic Dad’ (reprinted by Kipas) and the memoir, ‘Antarctic Writer on Ice’. Reading about Antarctica is a hobby.
Recently AmbaPress.com.au re-issued updated script collections of Hazel's class plays including 'Grief and Loss in Schools' , 'Issues' and 'Workplays' as well as 'Kaleidoscope of Ideas for Gifted students'. Authorpreneurship' and 'Writing for Young People' have been popular.
Hazel writes a new story for each of her four grandsons each birthday. 'Go Go Gecko' is latest and is being translated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 4, 2022
I liked the kid's imagination. I was kind of meh about the illustrations, but they are bright and cartoony and work with the text.
Note for those reading to actual children:
Mummy is, for no reason, on a diet (she's the same size as everyone, not that fatter folks need to diet; I don't know why this was included at all).
There is corporal punishment.
Note for those reading to actual children:
Mummy is, for no reason, on a diet (she's the same size as everyone, not that fatter folks need to diet; I don't know why this was included at all).
There is corporal punishment.
July 12, 2014
I know I say a lot of books were "one of my favourites as a kid" but this is my absolute favourite. I have read this book more times than I can count.
Though I wasn't able to be there, my amazing boyfriend was able to get me a signed hardcover edition from the lovely Hazel Edwards.
What I don't remember reading as a child though, due to now knowing that I owned a censored version, was that this new edition I now own has the two excluded lines in it, meaning it is a first edition and uncensored.
The lines in question make reference to the daughter being smacked by the father when she destroyed his belongings.
Apparently this was a big deal in 1980s Australia.
Nevertheless, I'm stoked to own it and keep that part of my childhood alive.
Though I wasn't able to be there, my amazing boyfriend was able to get me a signed hardcover edition from the lovely Hazel Edwards.
What I don't remember reading as a child though, due to now knowing that I owned a censored version, was that this new edition I now own has the two excluded lines in it, meaning it is a first edition and uncensored.
The lines in question make reference to the daughter being smacked by the father when she destroyed his belongings.
Apparently this was a big deal in 1980s Australia.
Nevertheless, I'm stoked to own it and keep that part of my childhood alive.
March 26, 2020
Re-read
N.B.: I have our family's edition that was printed in 1980.
The smallest member of the household found the concept of a hippopotamus on a roof very amusing, and I must confess I have a soft spot for the book due to nostalgia. However, two points in the story made me pause and therefore affected my star rating for this edition:
1) do we really need to mention that a mother is on a diet in a children's book about a hippopotamus? She doesn't look larger than any of the other adult human characters. Can she just like salad? Please?
Mummy is on a diet.
She eats lettuce, tomato and cheese.
2) the infamous smack (this is changed to a growl in more modern editions)
Today I was naughty.
I drew on Daddy's best book.
Daddy gave me a smack.
N.B.: I have our family's edition that was printed in 1980.
The smallest member of the household found the concept of a hippopotamus on a roof very amusing, and I must confess I have a soft spot for the book due to nostalgia. However, two points in the story made me pause and therefore affected my star rating for this edition:
1) do we really need to mention that a mother is on a diet in a children's book about a hippopotamus? She doesn't look larger than any of the other adult human characters. Can she just like salad? Please?
Mummy is on a diet.
She eats lettuce, tomato and cheese.
2) the infamous smack (this is changed to a growl in more modern editions)
Today I was naughty.
I drew on Daddy's best book.
Daddy gave me a smack.
October 20, 2017
Comic, silly and yet with a shrewd eye to family relationships, this book was read and re-read by my children and is now requested regularly by visiting grandchildren. It has pace, is bizarre enough to tempt the divergent thinker, and gets to the heart of the family - and the imaginary friend.
July 24, 2013
This was my favourite book as a child, recently purchased again for my delight and amusement. It's a simple book, with simple illustrations that a child could draw (or copy). It's pretty much wish fulfillment for the child: everything she can't do, the hippo can do.
After I read this book, I tried telling my parents that I didn't eat my mushrooms because I was saving them for my hippo, who liked mushrooms. They solved this by making extra mushrooms. Darn.
After I read this book, I tried telling my parents that I didn't eat my mushrooms because I was saving them for my hippo, who liked mushrooms. They solved this by making extra mushrooms. Darn.
October 26, 2009
Our roof leaks. Drip! Drip! Drip!
These are the opening words of the book. This was probably my favourite picture book as a child. It's about a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake. It has a lot of sentimental value as well. Santa from Kindergarten gave it to me in 1987. This is a special, classic book that is a favourite from my childhood.
These are the opening words of the book. This was probably my favourite picture book as a child. It's about a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake. It has a lot of sentimental value as well. Santa from Kindergarten gave it to me in 1987. This is a special, classic book that is a favourite from my childhood.
July 24, 2008
The father in this story give his daughter a "smack" for being naughty and coloring on his favorite book. You just don't hear things like that in children's books anymore.
January 8, 2026
enlightening
January 30, 2018
This is a delightful picture book that shows the power of imagination. The young narrator charmingly tells the reader about her special friend, a hippopotamus who lives on the roof. I love the way the hippopotamus's experiences mirror the little girl's, and how she imagines the hippopotamus doing the things she's not allowed to. The language is simple and easy to understand, making the story accessible for all ages. The illustrations are bright and engaging. I remember enjoying this book as a child, and it's lovely to be able to share it with my baby daughter.
June 23, 2020
An 80's classic about a girl with a very active (and specific) imagination. It's cute and charming, even if the language is dated. I think we should all aspire to be this hippo: living large, doing whatever he likes and eating cake for every meal.
March 7, 2015
I have fond memories of this picture book -- one that will stick in my mind forever, and one I will read to my own children one day.
December 29, 2016
My children loved this as bedtime story. And so did I. Just reread it decades later and it's just as charming.
November 29, 2019
A child tells stories about the hippo on their roof once they learn about the leak in the roof. We follow the child as their stories get more integrated into their life. This book was cute and I can see why it would have been so appealing when it came out. I feel as though this is one that is covered in nostalgia however, and it may be hard for modern audiences to connect to the look of the book.
For: hippo fans; readers looking for a book about imagination.
Possible red flags: disciplinary "smacking"; misbehaving; telling stories.
For: hippo fans; readers looking for a book about imagination.
Possible red flags: disciplinary "smacking"; misbehaving; telling stories.
May 1, 2020
Oh, the nostalgia! I haven’t had the opportunity to read this story since my childhood, and I loved it just as much this time around!
The simple illustrations, especially of the hippopotamus getting to live his best life, reminded me of the little things I wanted to do as a kid – such as eating cake whenever I wanted and watching tv at bedtime!
I also adore this 40th anniversary edition – the pink felt hippo on the front cover is amazing.
Thank you @puffinbooksaus and @penguinkidsaustralia for gifting me a copy to treasure – I still have my original copy but it is a little worse for wear!
The simple illustrations, especially of the hippopotamus getting to live his best life, reminded me of the little things I wanted to do as a kid – such as eating cake whenever I wanted and watching tv at bedtime!
I also adore this 40th anniversary edition – the pink felt hippo on the front cover is amazing.
Thank you @puffinbooksaus and @penguinkidsaustralia for gifting me a copy to treasure – I still have my original copy but it is a little worse for wear!
March 8, 2022
Just bought this book for my daughter because I remember loving it as a kid. It’s sweet but it doesn’t flow terribly well and I wish they’d updated the ‘mummy’s on a diet’ thing alongside the daddy gave me a smack thing - not something I need my daughter to internalise. That messaging was everywhere growing up in the 80s and 90s I guess. Overall a sweet kid’s book, good for nostalgia and I can’t really criticise it for things that were in line with the values at the time.
March 11, 2018
"There's a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake" by Hazel Edwards, well I just have to say that this is one gorgeous book for kids, and adults if you are still a child at heart :-). Just love it.
Let me check what my imaginary friends say; hm.... they love it as well!!!
I am definitely glad this book is a part of my daughter's (and mine) little home library.
5 stars!!!
Let me check what my imaginary friends say; hm.... they love it as well!!!
I am definitely glad this book is a part of my daughter's (and mine) little home library.
5 stars!!!
May 19, 2020
A ripper yarn about a young girl and a hippo who lives on her roof. Full of suspense (is the hippo real? Are the men in the roof going to catch him?) and I enjoyed the way the characters developed along the way.
I rarely finish a book in one sitting- but this was one I couldn’t put down!
I rarely finish a book in one sitting- but this was one I couldn’t put down!
August 13, 2017
A favourite of mine as a child, I find reading it to my children just as enjoyable.
October 24, 2017
Funny book about a little girl’s imaginary friend. Perhaps there is an element of psychological projection of the child on to the hippo?
February 7, 2020
A favourite for my children, and will now be passed on to my grandson.
February 27, 2020
“I drew on daddy’s best book. Daddy growled at me” the lessons I’m this book a kind and beautiful but lessons all the same
March 22, 2021
Loved reading this to my two year old. Gorgeous illustrations and a cute story from my young child to another.
Read
December 14, 2022who's cake is he eating
February 4, 2024
A funny, joyful read!
May 10, 2024
I enjoy this book but will be changing the line about mummy on a diet. Kids don’t need to know about diets.
July 27, 2024
A support work favourite!! Sooo many giggles
October 13, 2025
This timeless classic has not dated. With vivid drawings by renowned Australian illustrator Deborah Niland, this story is a testament to the power of a child’s persuasive imagination.
October 31, 2020
Great for discussing imaginary friends and why some kids have them. If we need to comfort ourselves by having imaginary friends, why not have them large and pink and enjoying themselves doing all sorts of things we normally can't do?
It's also great to have both the first edition and the the "censored" later edition for comparison. In addition, it's a perfect example for discussing censorship of young children's stories, why they happen, and what the effects may be.
Rather than say the author should not have written about the daddy smacking the girl, or that the mummy was on diet, it would be healthier to talk with kids about what they think and how they feel about the events in the book, and help them process those feelings. We mustn't forget that even when we successfully get authors to delete certain things from their stories, or withdraw their stories altogether, we can't change what's really happening in the world. Is it better to not let our children know about real things at all by never mentioning them or never letting them read about such things (only for them to get a rude shock in life, eventually), or to let them learn about them through their reading, and be there to help them process what they find out through books, and thus indirectly prepare them for the real world?
It's also great to have both the first edition and the the "censored" later edition for comparison. In addition, it's a perfect example for discussing censorship of young children's stories, why they happen, and what the effects may be.
Rather than say the author should not have written about the daddy smacking the girl, or that the mummy was on diet, it would be healthier to talk with kids about what they think and how they feel about the events in the book, and help them process those feelings. We mustn't forget that even when we successfully get authors to delete certain things from their stories, or withdraw their stories altogether, we can't change what's really happening in the world. Is it better to not let our children know about real things at all by never mentioning them or never letting them read about such things (only for them to get a rude shock in life, eventually), or to let them learn about them through their reading, and be there to help them process what they find out through books, and thus indirectly prepare them for the real world?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews