A young hippo prepares for his birthday party by taking a bath, stirring the batter for the cake his Daddy bakes, and putting up decorations, all the while longing for his gift from his father. His friends--a rhino, an alligator, and a bear--arrive with presents. They play a game of hide-and-seek, during which Bertie manages to sneak a bit of cake and look at the gifts and Daddy searches high and low for the present he hid too well. Bear slips from his hiding place on top of a cupboard, bringing down the decorations and Daddy's misplaced gift. Full color.