That’s not Thabi, That’s a hippopotamus

Summary

This story follows Lucy as she searches for her sister Thabi, who seems to have mysteriously disappeared. Throughout the house and grounds, Lucy encounters a series of comical misunderstandings where Thabi is reported to be doing familiar activities but is instead represented by a hippopotamus. Each sighting adds a whimsical twist, as Lucy insists that the creature is not her sister. Finally, after hearing a peculiar noise, Lucy discovers that Thabi was, humorously, inside the hippopotamus all along. The narrative blends elements of surprise and humor, engaging young readers with its playful, imaginative storyline, while exploring themes of curiosity and discovery.

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Lucy woke up. Her sister Thabi wasn’t in her bed.

“Where’s Thabi?” Lucy asked Ma.

“Thabi’s in the kitchen eating breakfast.”

“That’s not Thabi!”

“That’s a hippopotamus!”

Lucy looked all over the house.

“Where’s Thabi?” Lucy asked Pa.

“Thabi’s swimming in the pool.”

“That’s not Thabi!”

“That’s a hippopotamus!”

Lucy kept looking around the garden.

“Where’s Thabi?” Lucy asked the neighbour.

“Thabi’s playing in the park.”

“That’s not Thabi!

That’s a hippopotamus!”

Then Lucy heard a funny noise. She gave the hippopotamus a big tickle.

“There’s Thabi!”

“Thanks,” said Thabi. “It’s very boring inside a hippopotamus.”


Credits

Originally published by Book Dash under a Creative Commons Licensed BY 4.0. This book can be read for free on https://bookdash.org/books/thats-not-thabi,-thats-a-hippopotamus and was created by: Roulé le Roux (Designer), Mbongeni Fongoqa (Illustrator), Jon Keevy (Writer), Carla Lever (Editor)

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