Submitted by: Jill González, Director of Programs
Today is “Make a Friend” day. Choosing a book for today’s blog was a challenge! There are so many wonderful books about making friends. Some of my absolute favorites are: Frog and Toad are Friends, A Splendid Friend Indeed, Big Dog, Little Dog, Little Blue and Little Yellow and Elmer.
I chose the book Owen & Mzee, The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship because it is a great book for all ages. Children and Adults love the story and can all understand what it means to find a true friend. Owen and Mzee is the true story of an orphaned baby hippo and 130-year-old giant turtle who became lifelong friends.
When Owen was stranded after the Dec 2004 tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked to rescue him. They brought him to an animal refuge, but there were no other hippos to keep him company. Everyone was amazed when the orphaned hippo and (Mzee,) an elderly tortoise adopted each other. Now they are inseparable, swimming, eating, and playing together. A true friend doesn’t care what you look like, how much money you have or what you do for a living. A true friend appreciates you just for being yourself. Cherish your true friends, and don’t hesitate to make a new friend today!
