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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 persuaded her father to
help tell their story. Originally an e-book, the hardcover version begins
with images of the duo, 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 Mzee'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. A worthy complement is Ann
Morris and Heidi Larson's glimpse at a human family's loss and recovery in
Tsunami: Helping Each Other (Millbrook, 2005). Wendy Lukehart,
Washington DC Public Library |
