Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children’s playground in Hinode Park. If you look to the side, standing on stubby legs, is a hippo. Its upturned eyes give it a teary look, yet for decades, its quiet power has sustained the hearts of one community. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery.
A quietly powerful story of hope, friendship and connection, Michiko Aoyama’s beloved bestseller is a celebration of everyday encounters. Its subtle portrayal of the magic of community will lodge itself in every reader’s heart as the eclectic cast of characters find healing in their lives–though they may not always find it in the ways they expect.