Ogilo and the Hippo by Asenath Odaga

In this heartwarming and adventurous tale, young Ogilo and his two close friends stumble upon a secret that demands their complete loyalty and courage. One morning, the boys discover a pregnant hippo hopelessly stuck in a muddy hole near their village.

Knowing that the grown-ups will likely kill the hippo for meat if they find her, Ogilo and his friends decide they must keep the animal's plight a secret. The story follows their thrilling and clandestine efforts to protect and rescue the helpless creature, all while struggling to evade the attention of the village's adults. The narrative culminates in a powerful moral lesson, particularly regarding the fate of a greedy poacher, highlighting the importance of compassion, secrecy, and respecting wildlife.