The Hatopotamus: And Other Videoville Animal Stories

By Merv Lambert

Videoville is an unusual town where many movies are made, but not all of the animals who live there are friendly. Take Mr. Rockhopper, for example. He can be one angry penguin. Skidder, probably the fastest penguin in the West, can be relied on to be careless, but his small friend Pudden can amaze you. As for Skidder’s sister, Trendy Wendy, she often sets the fashion for the younger members of the town. Also meet the Hatopotamus, Buster Gutter, the stunt bear, Mewsli, the cat detective, Myrtle Turtle, and many more surprisingly talented animals... We must not ignore the humans either. Is Slim, the cowboy, to blame for the Umbrella War? Only you can decide, and lastly don’t forget to read about the Parapenguins...

• Language: English
• Publisher: AUK Kids
• Release date: Jul 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781849895859

Book preview

1988.

How Myrtle Turtle Became Famous And Got Her New Nickname

Celia Moo had not met Myrtle Turtle until the afternoon she drifted down on her parachute into Myrtle’s garden. Myrtle was very surprised to see a cow floating calmly towards her.

Oh dear! Oh dearie moo! murmured Celia, as she landed gently in an untidy heap and the silk parachute dropped over her like a huge tablecloth.

Myrtle hurried to unwrap Celia from the parachute, pulling gently at the fabric with her teeth.

Hello, she said. What are you doing here?

I’m not sure. I’m lost, replied Celia, untangling her horns from the ‘chute. I was taking part in the sponsored parachute jump at the airfield, but I just drifted away.

Come and have a drink of my home-made lemonade, offered Myrtle.

Thank you, said Celia and soon they were lounging in the garden, sipping lemonade from some extra-large glasses that Myrtle had found in her kitchen.

You know, I think you are amazing, said Myrtle to her new friend. I’ve never done anything unusual, daring or adventurous. Of course turtles aren’t the right shape for riding motor-bikes or bungee-jumping. The most exciting moment of my week is when I change my library books.

They chatted for a while longer and then Celia said, I must get back home. Farmer Wellygreen will be getting worried.

Myrtle told Celia just to follow the road to the left outside her house. It will lead right into town, she said.

The next day Myrtle’s phone rang. It was Celia.

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me yesterday and for being so kind.

Oh, that’s all right, Celia. Come and see me again. By the way, I’ve been thinking about you and your parachute. You’ve given me an idea. I’m going to try something new.

Ooh, moo! What is it? asked Celia excitedly.

Well, I can’t tell you yet, as it may not happen. I’ve got to talk with my brothers first. I’ll ring and let you know.

O.K., said Celia happily. Bye.

Immediately Myrtle pressed a key on her phone and rang her brothers Burt and Kurt.

Hi, Myrtle, said Kurt. Have you drunk all that wine we sent you for your 80th birthday last week?

Not yet. I’m expecting you and Burt to help me finish it, but that’s not why I’m calling.

Quickly she told him what she wanted him to find for her.

O.K., Little Sister, said Kurt. It may take a day or two.

Every evening that week Myrtle waited for one of her brothers to call her. They did not ring. She had almost given up hope,