Tuesday, March 17, 2015

A Mama for Owen




Title: A Mama for Owen
Author: Marion Dane Bauer
Copyright Date: 2007
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Possible Theme: Family, Hippopotamus, Tortoise, Friends, Africa

Personal Response: A Mama for Owen is a true tale of a baby hippo (named Owen) losing his mother in a flood. Owen was rescued by the wildlife service and brought to a nature preserve. There he befriended a 130 year old tortoise named Mzee. Owen follows Mzee, sleeps with his head on Mzee, and eats alongside Mzee. This story makes me tear up every time I read it. The illustrations by John Butler show such emotion. It’s a story that really portrays that animals have feelings of friendship and belonging.

Student Journal Entry: Friends can help you during hard times. Mzee was a good friend to Owen. Write about a time you needed a good friend?

Activity: A hippo and a tortoise are two unlikely friends. Draw a picture of other animals that would not normally become friends.

Website: Click HERE to find real pictures of Owen and Mzee. There is also a documentary, fun games, and facts about the nature preserve that took in Owen and Mzee.

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