Otters

Children's Literature - Stacey Evers

Otters practically leap off the page in this clearly written, photo-filled book about nature's most playful inhabitants. The book, part of the "Welcome to the World of Animals" series, is well-organized into chapters such as how otters play and what the pups must learn before they can live on their own. It's also crammed with fun facts, like how the pups have their fur blown dry by their mother. The color photographs are appealing, showing cute and fuzzy otters sledding, swimming, cuddling, and eating crab off their bellies while doing the back float. Although the book is written in language that should be accessible to most readers, it includes a short glossary of the more challenging words. 1999 (orig.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Exuberant, playful, energetic, furry, and presenting an amiable appearance to humans, otters of any sort are of high interest among children and books on these engaging critters are often read for pleasure as well as for factual reporting. This slim volume offers information on range, diet, communication, the raising of young (though mating is never mentioned), and other lifestyle data on both sea otters and river otters. Easy to read and relatively informative, this book includes a large, full-color photo for every two pages. While this title is not essential, especially for collections owning M. Barbara Brownell's Amazing Otters (National Geographic, 1989; o.p.) or Bobbie Kalman's Sea Otters (Crabtree, 1996), the attractiveness of the subject will ensure circulation.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.