OWEN & MZEE

OWEN & MZEE

Module 7

SLIS 5420/Module 7/July 18-25

Book this module

OWEN & MZEE by Isabella Hatkoff

Bibliographic

Hatkoff,. (2006). OWEN & MZEE. New York, NY: Scholastic Press

Summary
This is a true story about a hippo and a tortoise becoming best friends. At some point the hippo was separated from his herd and needed to be rescued, but the hard job was finding a place for this hippo to take up residency. The baby hippo could no longer be placed back into its normal habitat because it would be killed. The rescuers placed Owen who is the hippo in the same area with Mzee the tortoise who attempts to keep Owen away from him, but no matter how hard he tried Owen would still snuggle up to Mzee. Well, needless to say they became best friends. Quiet unusual for such a large animal to become so attached to a animal such as Mzee.

My Impression
I loved this story! It made me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside to see and know that these animals would come together and not harm one another. I believe since the hippo was a baby at first probably played a huge role in this relationship. I also believe this companionship saved Owen's life. We have no way of knowing but it's very possible that Owen could have died if it were not for Mzee's presence.

Reviews
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 5 When the six-year-old contributor to this book saw the photograph documenting the extraordinary friendship between a baby hippo (Owen) and a 130-year-old giant tortoise (Mzee), she persuade her father to help tell their story. Originally an e-book, the hardcover version begins with images of the two, whetting readers appetite and providing reassurance as the potentially disturbing plot unfolds. After a scene depicting a pod of hippos near the Sabuki River in Kenya, the text describes the 600-pound baby's displacement and separation from the group during the 2004 tsunami. Children witness the challenging rescue and meet the knowledgeable staff at an animal sanctuary. From Owen's first approach for protection to Maee's unexpected tolerance, the photographs, mostly by BBC photojournalist Greste, capture the pair eating, swimming, snuggling, and playing together. Their contentment and peace are palpable. Because it is sensitively structured, with careful choices about what is emphasized and illustrated, the situation does not overwhelm readers. The text and the back matter are brimming with information about the animals, their caregivers, and the locale. This touching story of the power of a surprising friendship to mitigate the experience of loss is full of heart and hope.

Use in Library Setting
This book can be used with some of our presenters who come to the library and read stories to the children. There are several presenters who bring in various insects and animals that include turtles. This would be an awesome time to show which animals seem to pair up well with each other. The students with be allowed to come up and touch them and talk in detail with the presenter.