Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu with photographs by Peter Greste tells the true story of Owen, the baby hippopotamus, famous around the world for becoming stranded in the Indian ocean after the tsunami of 2004, and Mzee the 130 year old Aldabra Tortoise who helps him recover.
Six year old Isabella Hatkoff sees a picture of a baby hippo and a giant tortoise nestled together and asks her Dad to help her write a story about their friendship. The book is the result of Isabella and her father researching the lives of Owen and Mzee by contacting the sanctuary where the animals live to learn their story. Intrigued by the father/daughter interest, Dr. Paula Kahumbu, Director of the sanctuary decides to write the authorized account of Owen and Mzee's companionship with the father/daughter team. Fantastic photos of Owen and Mzee, as well as adorable drawings by Isabella Hatkoff are included in the book.
What struck me was Craig Hatkoff's amazing parental insight in finding out the facts behind the relationship of Owen and Mzee. He does not dismiss his daughter 's curiosity. Instead, he has given his daughter an invaluable experience by understanding her desire to find out more about the two friends. It is a perfect opportunity for delving into the process of research. When Isabella encounters research assignments at school, she will already have first hand experience. In reading the story of Owen and Mzee we understand the value of events that happen far from home and the interconnectedness of the human experience is highlighted.
Recommended for grades K-5.
Keywords: friendship, hippopotamus, Aldabra Tortoise, Kenya, tsunami, families.
See also: Owen and Mzee: Best Friends, Owen and Mzee: Language of Friendship
Six year old Isabella Hatkoff sees a picture of a baby hippo and a giant tortoise nestled together and asks her Dad to help her write a story about their friendship. The book is the result of Isabella and her father researching the lives of Owen and Mzee by contacting the sanctuary where the animals live to learn their story. Intrigued by the father/daughter interest, Dr. Paula Kahumbu, Director of the sanctuary decides to write the authorized account of Owen and Mzee's companionship with the father/daughter team. Fantastic photos of Owen and Mzee, as well as adorable drawings by Isabella Hatkoff are included in the book.
What struck me was Craig Hatkoff's amazing parental insight in finding out the facts behind the relationship of Owen and Mzee. He does not dismiss his daughter 's curiosity. Instead, he has given his daughter an invaluable experience by understanding her desire to find out more about the two friends. It is a perfect opportunity for delving into the process of research. When Isabella encounters research assignments at school, she will already have first hand experience. In reading the story of Owen and Mzee we understand the value of events that happen far from home and the interconnectedness of the human experience is highlighted.
Recommended for grades K-5.
Keywords: friendship, hippopotamus, Aldabra Tortoise, Kenya, tsunami, families.
See also: Owen and Mzee: Best Friends, Owen and Mzee: Language of Friendship
by Isabella and Craig Hatkoff
Mama: A True Story in which a baby Hippo loses his Mama during a Tsunami,
Mama: A True Story in which a baby Hippo loses his Mama during a Tsunami,
but finds a new home, and a new Mama by Jeannette Winter
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