Synopsis
A young male bullfrog avoids a hungry heron and searches for a calling site in his bayou home.
Susan Hepler - Children's Literature
This entry in the "Smithsonian's Backyard" series presents in story format what happens when a young otter learns to be independent. Like others in the series, this one differentiates various aspects of an animal, in this case, how a mother otter off the coast of California takes care of her pup, anchors it with ribbons of kelp when napping, what and how they eat, and how they spend time. A great white shark poses danger for the otter pup's mother and they are both separated briefly, however, readers see the pup grow to be able to find food and move out into the wider sea alone. Suitable as a source for reports, the book also features backmatter with more information, a glossary, and an index. Lawson's paint and colored pencil drawings present an endearing otter but render waves stylistically as near-snowcapped peaks, which may bother some purists but will probably not bother child readers. The book is also available as an audiobook accompanied by a realistic stuffed animal. 2002, Soundprints,