Otters Love to Play

A clutch of river otter pups grows and develops through the four seasons of its North American habitat. The main narrative, in a larger font, tells the story of this otter family, while a second, smaller text periodically provides additional factual information about otter development. Lively illustrations capture the kinetic movements of otters; their slinky, flexible bodies; and irresistible cuteness. Ind.

A clutch of river otter pups grows and develops through the four seasons of their North American habitat. Shortly after their birth in springtime in a (borrowed) beaver den, the pups learn to swim, fish, eat and -- most entertainingly -- play ("Playing is fun, but otters play with a purpose"). The young otters chase each other on land through flowers, fields, and piles of leaves; splash around in the water; tussle over sticks and fish; and slide down snowy river banks. The main narrative, in a larger font, tells the story of this otter family, while a second, smaller text periodically provides additional factual information about otter development. Lively illustrations capture the kinetic movements of otters, their slinky, flexible bodies, and the irresistible cuteness of their stocky paws and whiskered faces. Only once is there an external threat that shows otters' less friendly side: a fox is quickly scared off by the snarling mother -- and playtime resumes. danielle j. ford