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A Mama for Owen
by Marion Dane Bauer
A true story of Owen, a baby hippo, and a giant tortoise named Mzee.
This is a true story of a baby hippo named Owen and a giant tortoise named Mzee, and how they found each other. Both animals live in Kenya and their homes were flooded when torrential rains overflowed the Sabaki River.
The author was inspired to write this book after the Tsunami of 2004 and she had heard the stories of all the displaced animals. In the story, Owen, the hippo, was best friends with his mama. They did everything together - "They swam together. They ate together. Even when Mama left the river to graze in the moonlight, Owen followed close behind her stubby tail."
But after the tsunami, Owen got separated from his mother. "And Owen was alone in the sea. He roared and roared until finally he lost even his roar." After searching everywhere, Owen finally found something brownish-gray that looked like his beloved mama, but it was an old tortoise. Children will enjoy reading about how a special bond is formed between these two jungle animals.
This beautiful true story reminds us of the power of love, friendship and survival. The acrylic painted illustrations by John Butler, are done in muted shades of brown, green and gold and capture the quiet beauty of nature and these two animals.
Children ages 3 to 8 will enjoy reading about this special true story. It would also make a great read-aloud for grades Kindergarten through grade 2.
Title: A Mama for Owen
Author: Marion Dane Bauer
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books
ISBN: 9780689857874
Review written by: Janet Pope
Reviewer's Rating:9.5
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 1
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