Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. ISBN 0-439-82973-9. Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu. Photographs by Peter Greste. 2006. The Christopher Award. Ages 4-8. Caucasian, African.

Owen & Mzee is the true story of a baby hippopotamus who gets separated from his pod and stranded on a sandy coral reef near the small coastal town of Malindi in southern Kenya. The people of the town rescue him and name him Owen, after a visitor who helps save him. A nearby animal sanctuary agrees to take Owen and place him in an area of the park with other animals, including an Aldabra tortoise named Mzee, who is not very friendly. Owen and Mzee strike up a surprising friendship, swimming, eating, drinking, and even sleeping together. This touching story is strengthened by the book’s photographs of Owen’s rescue, the transfer to the sanctuary, and many images of the friends together. There is additional information in the back of the book about the hippopotomi, tortoises, Kenya, and the sanctuary.

There are endless possibilities for classroom activities surrounding Owen & Mzee. Students could compare and contrast physical characteristics and habitats of the two creatures. Reading this book also presents an opportunity to learn about Kenya, animal sanctuaries, and other wildlife conservation efforts in Africa and around the world. And, of course, Owen & Mzee offers a unique context in which to discuss friendship. At www.owenandmzee.com, a teacher can find additional books about the two friends, activities, and teacher’s guides.