Otter on his Own: The Story of the Sea Otter (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection Book) (with easy to download e-book & audiobook) - Softcover

As a child, Doe Boyle watched every National Geographic and Jacques Cousteau documentary, fascinated with their exploration of the undersea habitat. Born and raised on the Connecticut shoreline, she took classes at her local Audubon sanctuary to satisfy her curiosity with the natural world. The adapter of the Adventures of Ranger Rick series published by Soundprints in conjunction with the National Wildlife Federation, Doe is also the author of Otter on His Own, Gray Wolf Pup, and Summer Coat, Winter Coat published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. A graduate of Fairfield University, Doe is also an author and editor of adult nonfiction. Her free time is often spent exploring the seashore with her husband and four daughters. She visits frequently with school children to share her love for nature and literature. Their enthusiasm inspires her writing.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Bobbing in a ribbon of kelp, diving for his dinner, and watching a shark attack his mother are all part of growing up for Otter Pup. In this revision of a 1995 title (Soundprints), Boyle's almost poetic text and content remain mostly unchanged, with the exception of a few sentences that were rewritten to read more smoothly. The illustrations are by a different illustrator, and have a softer look. Lawson's colors immediately draw readers into Otter Pup's world, from the time he is two hours old to adulthood, and the details, from the gleam in the sea otters' eyes to background items such as a lighthouse, nicely complement the text. Every picture fills the entire spread, leaving no white space. Words appear on a lightly colored background. Otter is a wonderful blend of factual information and delightful story that combines drama and adventure. A glossary and two sections at the end of the book provide more information about this animal.
Cathie Bashaw Morton, Somers Library, NY
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