Ollie's First Year

PreS-Gr 1—Readers follow the runt of a litter of three river otter pups during his first four seasons. There is plenty of action and drama: Ollie is mischievous and prone to trouble, which helps keep the pacing of the story sharp and quick. Some of London's strengths are in his descriptive language, which incorporates facts about otters and their environment in a natural, fluid way. "Blind and toothless, he nuzzles with his brother and sister and suckles Mama Otter's warm, rich milk." The author effortlessly works new vocabulary into his poetic text, which is sure to keep children involved in Ollie's adventures. Repetitive noises throughout the book ("whoosh whoosh whoosh!"; "sniff-sniff-sniff!") punctuate the narrative and involve readers even more in the young otter's life. Van Zyle's realistic spreads depict river otters as wild animals and imbue Ollie's family with full personality. An extensive author's note gives more specific facts about North American river otters and their lives. This book will be useful in classrooms as well as for general interest reading.—Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ