Customer Reviews

Owen & Mzee: Language Of Friendship

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I heard of this story and sought out the first book for my elementary school daughter. I ended up buying it more for me. It was very good. I was cautiously excited about another more detailed book. I found it even better than the first.
The photography is beautiful on it's own. The story is well written and interesting for all ages. The information shared is just what we all want to know: How do two such different animals enjoy each other so much? Is it possible for them to truly love each other? How do they know?
At the end of the book is information about Kenya, interesting and pertinent information about hippos and tortoises and their habitats, the park in which they live and the information about the Tsunami which brought them together. This information would make a great unit study start and would make a viable report.
If read to a preschooler, it would be fantastic, if read by an adult, it's just as enjoyable as it is taken in at a deeper level. My friends walk past the coffee table, pick it up and can't put it down. I'll keep it in mind as a gift for those whom I find difficult to buy gifts.
This is an heirloom for us. I can't imagine a better account of this remarkable story.

I thought this book was put together better than the Green cover, the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. The story, photos and extras at the end are more captivating.

I got this book for my 4 year old niece. As an animal lover, I knew she would be charmed, but I didn't expect the adults to be so enthralled. Everyone who picks up this book gets caught up in the story and pictures. Thank you.

We have enjoyed reading this book about the unusual friendship between an orphaned baby hippo and a crusty old tortoise.
The quality of the paper used and the large photo-illustrations are appealing.
The story is delightful and raises many questions, some of which are answered. It both invites the reader to marvel at the mysteries that exist in nature, and educates the reader a little about the animals concerned and conservation in general.

This is a great book with amazing photos. Truly a wonderful story of very unusual friends. I sent both of the O & M books to my 8 yr old granddaughters . . . but only after I had read them myself!!

This is my second purchase of the Owen and Mzee books. They're a great introduction National Geographic realistic style of the book. It is a great way for little kids to see real photos matched with a kid's story.

Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu's OWEN & MZEE: THE LANGUAGE OF FRIENDSHIP provides a sequel to the true story of a unique friendship between a land tortoise and a baby hippo. Photos by Peter Greste explore a special friendship in text and color images, making for a lovely story kids will find involving.

Wonderful story for all ages about friendship, loyality, flexibility, and acceptance. If only we could all learn from from the simplicity of nature. The messages are universal.

This book has wide appeal, although probably aimed at children. As a retiree, I enjoyed the descriptions of the 130 year old tortoise and the young hippo. This carries the story of their meeting and bonding, but also carries it further telling how they developed their own ways of communicating.
The photos include a full-page and a smaller picture on each two-page spread. The text is good sized (for children, but also older eyes) and each page has ample white space.
A lovely book that will appeal to any animal lover. At the end of the book are pages with information about Kenya, the park where the animals live, and the tsunami of 2004 which brought the animals together.

Children of all ages can appreciate the wondrous friendship between a young hippo and an ancient tortoise. There are lessons for everyone in this story. Recommended classroom reading and great for libraries.