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I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas: A Life Story of Faith, the Hippo, and a Song That Endures
From the moment ten-year-old Gayla Peevey stepped onto an Oklahoma stage, it was clear she was born...
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From the moment ten-year-old Gayla Peevey stepped onto an Oklahoma stage, it was clear she was born to sing. What no one expected was that her playful Christmas recording-"I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"-would ignite a nationwide sensation, inspire thousands of children to send in their pennies, and result in a real live baby hippo named Mathilda arriving in Oklahoma City on Christmas Eve. Gayla's unforgettable childhood unfolds with Hollywood lights, national television appearances, and cherished family memories, all anchored by the simple joy of a little girl with a big voice.
But behind the excitement of fame were the quieter stories-of moving from place to place, navigating childhood loneliness, and learning to stay grounded while the world around her spun with opportunity and change. Through recording contracts, cross-country travel, and brushes with some of entertainment's biggest names, Gayla never escaped the feeling that her gift was given for something more. Her journey traces the path from bright young star to ordinary California schoolgirl, from national television studios to church pews and family kitchens, learning along the way what truly endures.
In this heartfelt memoir, Gayla reflects on the faith that carried her through every season-the highs of sudden fame, the heartaches of growing up, and the steady grace of God's provision in ordinary life. With warmth, humor, and honesty, she shares the story of a song that became a Christmas classic, a hippo that captured a nation's imagination, and a life shaped not by the spotlight but by the enduring goodness of God.
Author: Gayla Peevey
Publisher: Noble Finch Books
Published: 10/01/2026
Pages: 164
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.58lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.45d
ISBN: 9798994010808
About the Author
Peevey, Gayla: - Originally from Oklahoma, Gayla Peevey rose to national fame as a child performer and Columbia Records artist in 1953. At sixteen she discovered a love for songwriting, publishing her work and later recording under the name Jamie Horton. Though she stepped away from the spotlight at nineteen, she continued singing in church and writing music throughout her life. After marrying Cliff Henderson in 1963, she earned a B.A. in Fine Arts and a California Teaching Credential from San Diego State University, balancing motherhood with part-time work running a small advertising agency. In later years, she devoted more time to ministry and songwriting. A lifelong follower of Jesus Christ, Gayla lives in San Diego with Cliff, her husband of 63 years, and cherishes her three grandchildren.
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