Artie Knapp

Sweet, informative, and gentle—this is a lovely book which introduces young listeners to the world of river otters.

The time has come for Little Otter to learn how to swim. He's nervous but his mother knows how to handle the situation with loving care. Soon, they're swimming and diving. When the mother leaves Little Otter alone for awhile, she soon encounters unexpected dangers. But the river is always the otter's friend.

This is simply a wonderful read. The story is written in rhyme, one that flows pretty nicely the whole way through. But, in general, the text is kept to a minimum and is appropriate for even younger listeners. Little Otter undergoes a small adventure, but it's a gentle one and allows the wonder for the animal to come across as it swim among other residents of the river. The more tense moments, which Little Otter must survive, give the listener an idea of the predators an otter faces with a tiny dash of tension. The warmth at the end of the story will have young listeners ready for a last cuddle.

At the very end of the book, there more detailed information about otters is offered. These pages provide material for parents/guardians to either use in discussions or simply as more information for themselves. Either way, it makes for a rounded book, especially for otter fans young and old.

One of my favorite aspects of this book are the illustrations. The are beautifully done, spur emotions at the right moments, and invite into the otter's world. The depictions are realistic enough to bring across a true impression of the otters—something real fans will love. And it's a treat to gaze through them even when the text isn't being read. It makes for a wonderful read.

I received a complimentary copy and found it not only informational but to be an enjoyable read. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.… (mehr)