Review: Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu, with photographs by Peter Greste, 2006. Nonfiction picture book, ages 3 to adult.
Five stars out of five.
It has a happy ending, but boy, is this a weeper. The December 2004 tsunami orphaned a baby hippo in Kenya, stranding him on a coral reef, weak and terrified. After a courageous rescue, Owen, as the hippo was named, arrived at an animal sanctuary near Mombasa. Frightened, he immediately took to Mzee, a 130-year-old tortoise. The antisocial tortoise tried to avoid him at first, but Owen stayed at his side, and before long a powerful bond grew between them: they are now inseparable. While researchers believe that Owen may have perceived Mzee to be a mother hippo (round with similar coloring), they are unclear why the solitary tortoise has formed such a bond with the orphaned hippo. This is a fascinating story, with a heartwarming message- dear friends can be found in the most unexpected places.
The facts are presented clearly, in a way even younger children can understand, and the back of the book has a map, glossary, pronounciation guide, and more facts about animals and places mentioned in the story. The photographs are extraordinary (they really must be seen to be believed), especially those of the two animals side by side, and clearly convey their unusual bond. Both children and adults will enjoy this moving story, particularly kids with an interest in animals. I would also highly recommend it to teachers for the classroom.

Note: A simplified version of this story, suitable for younger children, is a colorful picture book entitled Mama: A True Story by artist Jeanette Winter, 2006. It is lovely, similar to Jez Alborough's Hug (here the text mostly consists of the word "mama?" as it follows Owen on his journey), and Owen and Mzee's story is explained in the back of the book.

reviewed by Tina K., parent (and bookseller)