A Mama for Owen

Narrated by author Marion Dane Bauer, this iconographic adaptation of the 2007 picture book illustrated by John Butler is inspired by a true story about the titular young hippopotamus calf, who was separated from his family when all were displaced from their Sabaki River home after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and resulting tsunami. Washing up in a strange place, Owen takes comfort from the brownish gray (“or was it grayish brown?”) 130-year-old male tortoise Mzee, who reminds him of his mother. Featuring pastels and cute depictions of the loving little hippo, A Mama for Owen also includes an author's note on the real-life Owen and Mzee, whose acquaintance began at the Haller Park nature reserve and inspired several other stories (including the New York Times bestselling Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship). DVD extras include a conversation with Bauer, who discusses the recurring theme of family in her stories. Recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)