Owen & Mzee

Hatkoff, C. and Kahumbu, P. (2006). Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. Gretse, P. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Genre: Children’s Nonfiction

Just as the title suggests, this is indeed a remarkable story. A flood (caused by the huge tsunami of 2004) leaves Owen, a baby hippo, stranded behind while his mother and pod are pulled out into the sea. Hundreds of villagers worked together to rescue the frightened and angered baby Owen. Dr. Paula Kahumbu and Stephen Tuei welcomed Owen into their animal sanctuary—Haller Park. Mzee, a 130 years old Aldabra tortoise, was already living in Haller Park but he was not friendly. However, Owen immediately sought comfort from Mzee and it wasn’t long before Mzee was just as fond of Owen. Owen was able to cope with the loss of his mother and pod because of the unlikely and remarkable bond he was able to form with Mzee.

This true story made headlines and whirled up a media frenzy, I am not sure how I was kept out of the loop. It is easy to see how this story fascinated the world. It is amazing how the villagers came together to rescue Owen after their village was hit hard by the tsunami and very touching that Mzee was able to offer him a friendship after losing his family. There is a miracle to be found in every tragedy.

My wild thing (son) loved the story so much that we searched the internet for more information and I came across this website devoted to their story and thought I would share—enjoy! http://www.owenandmzee.com/omweb/

*Written February 2012

Ice Cream

Gibbons, Gail. (2006). Ice Cream: the Full Scoop. New York: Holiday House.

Literary Genre: Informational (Non-fiction Picture Book) 

Gail Gibbons brings everyone’s favorite cool treat to life with this brightly water-colored, cheerfully illustrated book. Gibbons shares the history of ice cream from a snow, rice, and milk mixture to its modern factory made mixture we enjoy today. Children will love discovering all of ice cream’s interesting facts, such as, the first ice-cream maker, which cows produce the creamiest milk, who invented the ice cream cone, how sundaes got their name, and much more.

I chose to read this book because a student I work with loves history and ice cream is her favorite treat, this was a perfect combination of those things. The student especially liked the illustrations with captions to explain how the ice-cream maker and different processes at the factory works. I especially liked how Gibbons included the names of people involved with ice cream, so that students could be encouraged to expand their knowledge by reading more about Nancy Johnson, Marco Polo, and others. Gail Gibbons is well known for her non-fiction picture books and her work is respected because she provides accurate information in an attractive and interesting manner that is well suited for children of all ages.

Almost Gone

Jenkins, Steve. (2006). Almost Gone: The World’s Rarest Animals. New York: HarperCollinsPublishers.

Literary Genre: Informational (Picture Book) 

Jenkins teams with the long-time running “Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out Science series” to introduce young readers to 28 endangered animals…before they’re gone. Each animal is introduced with its species name, location, and the number of animals left; followed by a paragraph sharing where it used to be found, facts about its size and appearance, what it eats, and reasons for the animal’s endangerment. A section of the book is dedicated to the Moa, Steller’s Sea Cow, Tasmanian Wolf, and the Guam Flying Fox because these animals are gone forever. Jenkins ends his book by sharing that not all endangered animals become extinct, with hard work they can come back, just like the Whooping Crane and Alpine Inex. Jenkins famous colorful, cut-paper collages depict all 28 of these marvelous creatures.

I was delighted when I came across this book at the library. I read Jenkins’ books, Actual Size and Bigger, Stronger, Fastest a few years ago and they are favorites at our house. Steve Jenkins’ works are well known and can be trusted to be accurate and authentic, this paired with his structured organization, and appealing illustrations qualify this book to be deemed quality children’s informational literature. My son loves animals. His favorite bird is the California Condor, so it was fun reading that page with him. I was born in San Diego and have early memories of going to the zoo, so animals are also an interest of mine. I feel that it is important to share books (such as this) about endangered animals with young readers because it helps them to make the connection between our lifestyle and the effects it has the environment and animals living in the environment.