Hippo In The Stable

Book Description Title: Hippo in the Stable Setting: Palestine around 0 BC Characters: Harriet a female hippo from Northern Africa. Boon, a male baboon from the same area Jesus, Mary and Joseph The Wise men Theme: Following Jesus - Faith Synopsis: Harriet is captured by Roman soldiers to be taken back to Rome. She discovers that a baboon friend named Boon has also been caught. When the Romans divert to Jerusalem, because Herod was in the market for animals, Harriet and Boon successfully execute an escape plan. On the run, and faced with the problem of finding their way back home, Harriet and Boon discover Bethlehem and decide to hide in one of the stables. It turns out to be the stable/house where Jesus had been born. Harriet and Boon witness the arrival of the wise men who bow in worship before the baby Jesus and give Him presents. Harriet is confused by the strange behavior of the men, but Boon was more interested in what everyone was saying. When a servant brings news that Herod’s soldiers are snooping around, everyone leaves quickly. Joseph tells Mary about his dream, and Herod’s plans to kill the baby, so they immediately begin the long journey to Egypt. Harriet and Boon leave quickly too, because they don’t want to be caught again, Then Boon has an idea. He realizes that if they follow Jesus and His family to Egypt, that they will be able to get home. Harriet leads the way as they find the family and keep their distance so as not to be seen. The journey is tough and Harriet really struggles, but they finally make it to the big river (Nile) that will take them home. By becoming refugees, Jesus and His family help Harriet and Boon to find their way back home.