Forever Friends
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 7/1/2007
You can't judge a book by its cover—or a tortoise by its shell, according to Owen, the baby hippopotamus who found an adopted parent (and best friend) in a 130-year-old, 700-pound Aldabran tortoise named Mzee. The unlikely duo's endearing true story is captured in the bestselling Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship, created by Craig Hatkoff and his young daughter Isabella along with ecologist Dr. Paula Kahumbu and photojournalist Peter Greste.
After the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia swept away his family, the 600-pound orphaned hippo, adrift in the Indian Ocean, was rescued and brought to Kahumbu's Haller Park animal sanctuary in Kenya. Owen immediately ran to Mzee, who taught him everything—how to find food, where to sleep and when to swim. The rest is history. “We immediately recognized the appeal of Owen and Mzee,” says Scholastic's Ellie Berger, publisher. “We're thrilled with the success, both the great critical acclaim as well as the strong sales.”
To capitalize on the phenomenon—as well as to educate kids about animals and the environment—the authors have recently debuted the continuing adventures of the pair in Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship, also from Scholastic. A board book version of the story as well as a new Web site (www.owenandmzee.com)—which features a documentary, teaching guides, photo galleries, weekly blogs, and interactive, kid-friendly activities—have also been created. Next up are new plush from Oakland, Calif.-based MerryMakers, which Hatkoff calls “a natural fit” for the characters. At least one more book in the series—”maybe when the duo become dads,” Hatkoff says—is being planned, and additional licensed products that educate as well as entertain might also be on the horizon. “Owen and Mzee have become such beloved characters to millions across the globe, the possibilities as far as merchandise and marketing ties are endless,” Hatkoff tells Playthings.
He adds, “We knew there was something very special about this story. Owen and Mzee give testament to the power of friendship. Their true story . . . teaches us many beautiful lessons on many levels, including friendship, conservation and tolerance.”
