Librarianjk recommends A Mama for Owen

A Mama for Owen

by Marion Dane Bauer

Summary: When the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami separates a young African hippopotamus from his mother, he finds a new snuggle partner in Mzee the giant tortoise. Based on a true story.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful! This book cuts out some parts of the true story; I recommend the non-fiction books about Owen and Mzee over this book. However, it is a quicker read and is appropriate for a crowd with a shorter attention span, such as the very young and students with disabilities. In a large class with mixed abilities, a teacher could read this book to the class and show the non-fiction books that students may read on their own. As an extension, the more advanced students could read the other books in addition and complete a compare and contrast activity.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3