  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 01/01/2016 K-Gr 2—The story of an action-filled year in the life of a North American river otter family begins with the selection of an abandoned beaver den by the mother and the spring birth of her babies. Solely responsible for the young, she nurses them until they are ready to leave the den and go outside, where she teaches them how to swim. The antics of the pups—they wrestle and roll, play tag and race, and flip and swish like underwater acrobats—are amplified by vibrant and expressive watercolors. Their playful activities mimic future adult behavior as they learn how to catch fish and other prey and deal with the threat of a hungry fox. Facts about otters runs underneath the fictional narrative of the mother otter and her offspring. Seasonal variations in the riverside habitat are captured in the lovely spreads, such as the tracks as the otters slide down snowy hills. VERDICT Fun and informative, this beautifully illustrated, strong narrative belongs in every collection.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 02/01/2016 Last year’s beaver den is this year’s cozy lair for a mother otter and three newborn pups. When they are finally allowed out, they lose no time leaping and tumbling, pouncing and wrestling, because, well, otters love to play. With their waterproof fur coats, the pups “gracefully spin and flip and swish like underwater acrobats.” They learn to hunt, guided by their supersensitive whiskers. Since otters don’t hibernate, they romp all through winter. As for any would-be predators, never mess with a fierce otter mother if you can help it. London, the author of 100-plus picture books and best known for his ever-growing Froggy series, combines family adventure and facts to create a frolicsome, informative tale. A reminder about the two distinct fonts (one for the otter story, another for the explanatory tidbits), an index, and an “About Otters” endnote further enhance the learning opportunity. So’s whimsical art—aptly conceived in flowing watercolors—adds mischievous charm to all that beckoning play. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 K-Gr 2—A buoyant text and exquisite watercolor artwork follow a litter of frisky pups as they awaken to the world around them and learn the skills necessary to survive. Complementing the story of these rambunctious aquatic animals' adventures are details on their anatomy and habits, and the purpose of play. - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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