Harper the Happy Hippo.
In a lazy, shallow river just outside of Ethiopia
lived Harper the happy hippo in a heavenly utopia.
The sun was always shining
while Harper was oft reclining.
Flamingos and pelicans and even a rare crane
shared and reveled in the balmy tropical terrain.
Harper loved to sing and play.
She smiled and chuckled and snorted all day.
She started a band
since her voice was in such demand.
She was surely the star of the show,
for who wouldn’t go
to see a purple singing hippo with pink painted toes
smiling and singing to the most beautiful prose.
A zebra was on the drums
while a cheetah’s guitar strings strummed.
Cymbals were clanged and clashed by a lively red-throated gazelle.
She was Harper’s closest girlfriend, and her name was Adele.
There wasn’t a happier hippo across the sea or land
than Harper the happy hippo and her Ethiopian wildlife band.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
PS Harper the Hippo is the second painting for my dear friend Pam (namesake, by the way, for Klaus’ friend Pam the Lamb). Harper is the baby sister of Lucas – Pam’s two grandchildren. If you’d like to learn more about my process or sales of paintings, poems, cards, pillows, and books, visit Sunday’s post here.
what a cutie
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Thanks Beth! 🙂
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When will the book, cartoon show and movie be out, love it. Wayne
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Woohoo!
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Harper is as cute as Lucas! You are so talented! I did hear a rumor that sometimes Adele the Gazelle also does back up vocals!!! I love you friend!
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LOL! I love the thoughts of that! haha! Such a joy to create these! Love you ❤
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So cute ☺️
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Thanks! 🙂
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Harper is one of my favorites for sure of your animal rhymes. Love it and I would go see her perform! 🙂 ❤
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Aww! Thanks! Pam said I need to do the other animals in the band now. LOL!
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I say she is right! 🙂
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🙂
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Your delightful poem and adoring Hippo reminded me of Grimm’s fairy tale: the town musicians of Bremen. Are you ready to publish, Jodi?
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Thank you, Peter. I did publish one book already that is on Amazon – not sure if you are aware – Klaus the Mouse by Jodi McKinney 🙂 I also did some illustrations for a book done by some fellow bloggers – The Odessa Chronicles. I would like to do more 🙂 Thanks for you kindness and encouragement!
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Harper is an adorable hippo and the rhyme is so darn darling!! I’m sure you have made Lucas and Harper two very happy kids!!
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Awww! Thanks PJ! So glad you enjoyed 🙂
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She is so sweet! 💗
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Thanks patty ☺️
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Wonderful Jodi! Harper’s story is endearing.
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Thanks susan!
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Adorable poem and inaugural creation of Harper the Hippo. Well done Jodi. Harper will be a hit!
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Aww. Thanks Gary!! 💜💛
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She’s so cute Jodi! Love!
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Thanks John! I had fun creating her.
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Omg! What a cute hippo and love your poem! Your creativity today is awesome!!!!
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Awww. Thanks Sharon! That means a lot coming from you. ☺️💜
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xoxo
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Love Harper the Hippo!! ❤️💕😊 Especially her pink painted toes!
This one is a favorite! How could one not love a purple hippo!! 💜
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Awww. Thanks Jill!!! 💜
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This is so sweet and it makes a great pillow! (K)
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Thanks kerfe!
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Gorgeous! A happy looking Hippo indeed!
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Thanks!! ☺️
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Harper is a real sweetie and such lovely colours 🙂
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THIS is the happiest thing I have seen all day. And much needed. 🙂
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awwww – so glad it was what you needed 🙂 ❤
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And I thought I loved Lucus…but oh my goodness! I think sweet Harper steals the show! But both are awesome!
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awwww…. so sweet 🙂 Thanks Lenore! Glad you like her ❤
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Omg. So cute is the poem! Thinks its my favorite Animal of all your animals. Just screams Hugs. Beautiful, fabulous, fun, great work! A Singin Hippo
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Awww. ☺️ so glad you like. 💜
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Oh this is so precious! Love your art and the poem!😃❤️
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Thanks Mary!
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She’s lovely Jodi – are there going to be more children’s books coming… ?
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I think maybe.
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I love this whole thing Jodi! So adorable
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Benjamin thinks that Harper is “so cute just like my friend, baby Harper!” He laughed at the poem and said : “Adele is one of my friends, remember Gem? Is My Jodi going to make another book of friends? That’s a good idea, right Gem?” My replies : Yes Benjamin, I remember, I don’t know yet and it is a very good idea! We are totally in agreement, it is a very good idea indeed!! Thank-you x 2!!
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Maybe another book. We will see if and when I create enough. I just never know where the creative muse will lead, but I love following it. Feeling abstracty lately… LOL!
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So darn cute!!!
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Thanks Sylvia 🙂
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LOL…love this! His face is adorable.
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Oh but Harper is a little embarrased you think she is a he… 🙂
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Damn my fingers and auto correct..:)
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LOL!
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Too adorable Jodi, and the perfect friend for Leo the Lion!
Jenna
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Thanks Jenna 🙂
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So cute! For sure I’d like to see this band! You should make a painting with all of them!
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Oh boy – that would be a challenge 🙂
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Harpo is darling, Jodi! I love the animal paintings you do…and I hope you keep publishing picture books!
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Adorably fantastic – the drawing and the poem.
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Thanks Pam. So fun to do!!
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Loved the rhyming words and what a band must say it will be awesome to hear them singing. With nail polish and works the hippo is sure the best. Too good Jodi.
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Aww. Thanks for loving Harper kamal! ☺️
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Welcome Jodi. It was awesome
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