Books with author Isabella Hatkoff

Now the New York Times Bestseller is adapted for the youngest readers.Owen and Mzee's true story of friendship continues! Owen the baby hippo, who was separated from his mother during the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia, chose Mzee the giant tortoise as his friend--and the pair's bond only continues to grow. This story of survival and hope has captured the hearts of people the world over who marvel as the two unique friends spend their days together. As any good friend knows, you don't need words to show you care.

From School Library Journal Starred Review. Kindergarten-Grade 4-Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship (Scholastic, 2006) chronicled the fascinating story of a baby hippo who was orphaned by the December 2004 tsunami and the bond he formed with Mzee, a 130-year-old Alhambra tortoise at a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. This sequel updates readers on the status of that friendship a year and a half later, particularly with regard to the way this unusual duo has learned to communicate with one another. They apparently call back and forth, making sounds that hippos and tortoises do not usually make. The authors honestly discuss the issues that will face these two friends in the future, as their caretakers become increasingly concerned that Owen could become a danger to Mzee as he continues to grow. Other problems and possible solutions are discussed. The text is clearly written and accompanied by numerous high-quality, full-color photos of this unique pair. Children captivated by the first book will be thrilled to discover this one, and enough background information is provided so that readers coming to the story for the first time will be comfortable. A first purchase for most libraries.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.