The Laughing Hippopotamus

Name: The Laughing Hippopotamus
Author: L. Frank Baum

This work is a children's fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young girl who discovers a magical hippopotamus with the ability to laugh and make others laugh. The story takes place in a fantastical world where animals possess human-like qualities, and the protagonist embarks on a journey to understand the power of laughter and its effects on those around her.

By L. Frank Baum · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 3,762 words

First lines

On one of the upper branches of the Congo river lived an ancient and aristocratic family of hippopotamuses, which boasted a pedigree dating back beyond the days of Noah-beyond the existence of mankind-far into the dim ages when the world was new.

They had always lived upon the banks of this same river, so that every curve and sweep of its waters, every pit and shallow of its bed, every rock and stump and wallow upon its bank was as familiar to them as their own mothers. And they are living there yet, I suppose.

What this Textopian page supports

The Laughing Hippopotamus is listed on Textopian as a short story by L. Frank Baum, dated 1902 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: L. Frank Baum
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Fable, Humor
Length: 3,762 words
Structure: 1 section, 98 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Laughing Hippopotamus by L. Frank Baum
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The narrative features whimsical characters and a moral lesson suitable for a young audience.
Fantasy — The story includes magical elements, anthropomorphic animals, and a mythical creature, Glinkomok.
Adventure — The plot involves the journey and challenges faced by the characters, particularly Keo's capture and subsequent escape.
Fable — The story conveys moral lessons about promises, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions.