Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship
Owen and Mzee Series
on Goodreads (611)
What’s inside...
Owen, a young hippopotamus, and Mzee, a 130-year-old tortoise, form an unlikely friendship after being brought together by a tsunami. Owen, who was separated from his herd, learns to communicate with Mzee through a unique language, and the two become inseparable. Their friendship teaches the importance of understanding and respecting each other's differences, and how even the most unlikely of animals can form strong bonds. The story, based on a true story from Kenya and illustrated with watercolor paintings, continues in a sequel that updates readers on their communication and discusses future challenges as Owen grows. The books are accompanied by high-quality photos and provide enough background for new readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Owen
Mzee
Discussion points
How did the friendship between Owen and Mzee impact their lives in the story?
What can we learn about different kinds of friendships from Owen and Mzee?
Why do you think communication is important in building friendships?
How do you think Owen felt when he met Mzee, and why?
What are some ways we can help a friend who is feeling lonely or sad?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the story to discuss the value of unlikely friendships and how they can be formed despite differences.
Encourage your child to talk about their personal experiences with friends and relate them to Owen and Mzee’s relationship.
Discuss the importance of communication, and how Owen and Mzee had to find unique ways to 'talk' to each other.
Ask your child how they would feel in Owen’s situation and what they would do to make friends in a new environment.
Highlight the emotional aspects of the story, such as feelings of loneliness, happiness, and companionship, to deepen your child’s understanding of empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of unexpected friendships
Explanation: The story of Owen, a young hippopotamus, and Mzee, an old tortoise, showcases how friendships can form between the most unlikely pairs, transcending natural boundaries and expectations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be open to forming friendships with peers who might not look or act like them, fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Owen’s survival and adaptation after being separated from his family following a tsunami exemplifies resilience and the ability to thrive despite challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through their own challenges, whether it's moving to a new school, dealing with family issues, or facing personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: The importance of compassion and care
Explanation: The bond between Owen and Mzee highlights how acts of kindness can significantly impact the lives of others, as Mzee helps Owen recover from his trauma.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to show empathy and care towards both friends and strangers, understanding that their actions can positively affect others’ well-being.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to new environments
Explanation: Owen's acceptance into a new habitat and his bonding with Mzee demonstrate successful adaptability to completely new environments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being flexible and learning to adapt when faced with new situations or environments, such as joining a new activity or moving to a different place.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss and change
Explanation: Owen’s journey after losing his family in a natural disaster deals with managing grief and embracing new changes positively.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that change and loss are parts of life, and it’s important to find healthy ways to cope and continue moving forward.