Owen y Mzee: La verdadera historia de una amistad increíble.

Reviewed by Coop Renner, formerly from El Paso Independent School District, TX -- Críticas, 8/15/2008

Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu.
trans. by Scholastic, Inc. US: Scholastic en español. 2007. unpaged. photogs. ISBN 978-0-545-03738-9. pap. $5.99.

Gr 1-5–This Spanish-language version of the well-known story of the cross-species friendship of a young orphaned hippopotamus and an aged turtle brings the heart-warming tale to a new audience. Owen, the hippo, was separated from his extended family in Kenya by the horrific tsunami of December 2004. After being rescued by residents and visitors along the coastline, the hippo was taken to the wildlife refuge Haller Park, where he formed an unlikely bond with an enormous 130-year-old turtle called Mzee. The main text, accompanied by large color photographs occupies the greatest part of the book. Back matter includes additional information on the locale, hippos, Aldabran turtles, and the continuing story of the friendship. Plus, two small color maps indicate the story's setting. Very few children are likely to resist this story, and this well-done book should be in all libraries and bookstores serving Spanish-speaking children.

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