Owen & Mzee
Owen and Mzee Series
on Goodreads (611)
What’s inside...
Owen, a young hippopotamus, was separated from his herd during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and was rescued by a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. He was cared for by a 130-year-old tortoise named Mzee, who became his surrogate mother. The story, based on true events, follows their unique friendship and the challenges they face together. It includes photographs and information about wildlife conservation. The sequel explores the deep bond between Owen and Mzee, showcasing their playful interactions and the special 'language' they develop over their first year together. The follow-up book, which is a New York Times bestseller, delves into the language of love, friendship, and nurturance that Owen and Mzee share, tracing their adorable playful ways and the unique 'language' that they have developed during their first year together.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Owen felt when he was separated from his family and met Mzee?
Why do you think Mzee decided to befriend Owen even though they are so different?
What does this story teach us about helping others in difficult times?
How can we make new friends who are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the story to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more relevant.
Praise your child’s thoughts and feelings to instill confidence in expressing themselves.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Owen and Mzee to stimulate creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship knows no bounds
Explanation: Owen, a young orphaned hippo, forms an unlikely but strong friendship with Mzee, a 130-year-old tortoise. Despite their vast differences, the bond they share demonstrates that friendship can transcend age, size, and species.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of making friends who are different from them, understanding that true friendship is based on mutual respect and care, not merely on similarities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: After being separated from his mother following a tsunami, Owen the hippo adjusts to a new life with the help of his new friend, Mzee. This story element highlights how resilience helps to overcome difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to adapt positively to changes or challenges in their lives, like moving to a new school or dealing with personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring
Explanation: Mzee the tortoise initially resists Owen's attempts at friendship but eventually grows to care for the young hippo, showing empathy for his situation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy by understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which is crucial in developing healthy interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of companionship
Explanation: The companionship between Owen and Mzee helps them both to thrive in an otherwise challenging environment, illustrating how companionship can provide emotional support and enhance well-being.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that seeking and maintaining positive relationships can help them navigate through life's challenges more effectively.