Mama

By Jeanette Winter

A baby hippo finds an unlikely mother in a giant tortoise after a tsunami separates him from his family.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 188 ratings

32 pages

$16.00Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, a baby hippo, lost and alone, is rescued and taken to a refuge. There, he forms an unexpected bond with a 130-year-old tortoise, adopting him as a surrogate mother. This heartwarming tale of survival and unexpected companionship unfolds against a backdrop of tragedy, highlighting the resilience of love in the most unlikely circumstances. How will this unique pair navigate their new life together?

From the publisher

Set during the devastating tsunami of 2004, MAMA is the touching true story of a baby hippo that was separated from his mother when the wave hit. After struggling alone for several days, the baby was rescued by Kenyan wildlife officers and brought to live in an animal refuge. There, all by himself, he adopted a new “mother”–that just happened to be a 130-year-old giant male tortoise. And they’ve been inseparable ever since. Although MAMA takes place against the backdrop of a terrible human tragedy, at the heart of this story is a moving and original tale of adoption–and of finding love and companionship in the least likely of circumstances. Includes an author’s note.