A young hippopotamus is so enamoured with a beautiful Egyptian princess that he begs a magician to turn him into something she could love. Although he doesn't hold the power to turn the hippo into a human, the magician grants one wish and also transforms him into a blue ceramic hippo which becomes adored by the young princess and is carried with her everywhere. When the princess grows up and longs to have a prince as her companion instead of a toy, the hippo selflessly gives up his wish so the princess can have her one desire.

Based on the story The blue faience hippopotamus by Joan Grant.