Dimensions
235 x 305 x 10mm
The true story about a baby hippo who loses his mother in the Boxing Day Tsunami, then gets adopted by a new mother -- a 130 year old male tortoise.
During the world-ravaging tsunami of 2004, a baby hippo, and his entire family were swept out to sea. Baby Owen, as he was named, was the lone, befuddled survivor until an African Wildlife group rescued him and took him to a reserve. Here Owen befriended Mzee, a male tortoise who gives this little guy all the kindness and mothering he deserves.
And so our book is born... Based on this remarkable true story, master storyteller Marion Dane Bauer pairs with celebrated British illustrator, John Butler, to create a heart-warming story all about the special bond between mother and child.
Owen the baby hippo and his mama were best friends. They loved to play hide-and-seek on the banks of the Sabaki River in Africa. That was all before the tsunami came and washed Owen's world away.
But after the rain stops, Owen befriends Mzee, a grayish brown tortoise. He plays with him, snuggles with him, and decides he just might turn out to be his best friend and a brand-new mama.
Ages: 2-6
