  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 09/01/2015 PreS-Gr 1—Otter throws herself into preparing for Halloween with the same zest with which she approached starting her own restaurant and blasting off into space. Stuffed toys in tow, she helps Otter Keeper pick out a pumpkin, decorates the house, and designs costumes for herself and her plush pals. Everyone's all set to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters, but the visitors' costumes prove a little overwhelming for Otter, who takes shelter under the bed. Otter Keeper soothes the intrepid heroine, and all is well in the end. The first-person narration of the endearingly self-assured Otter, as she delegates responsibilities to Otter Keeper and takes it upon herself to put everything in order for Halloween (with predictably messy results), is as hilarious as ever. With a bright but gentle palette and soft, rounded shapes, Garton's digitally created cartoon images are a winning mixture of humor and tenderness. Otter is a rambunctious and comical character, and parents and kids alike will giggle at the know-it-all animal's exploits, but they'll also sympathize with her fear—and smile knowingly at her insistence that it's not her but her stuffed toy Pig who's in fact afraid. The Otter tales are simple, yet through the adorable antics and fun, Garton demonstrates a deep understanding of how children think and feel. VERDICT Another wonderful outing with Otter, this latest is also a great way to encourage youngsters who are nervous about celebrating Halloween to get excited about the holiday.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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