ODDER An otter's story

PreS-Gr 1--This picture book hybrid is based on a true story and on the successful middle grade novel of the same name. Odder, an adventurous baby sea otter, loves to play and take risks. When she is separated from her mother, she is rescued and rehabilitated by humans. Unwilling to curb her sense of curiosity and adventure, Odder is injured by a shark and returned to the rehabilitation center, where she slowly discovers a new talent: teaching other orphans the skills they need in to survive in the wild. Odder's story is lengthy, and better told in the middle grade version of these events. For younger children, movement between the otter world and that of humans is confusing. A key scene in which Odder is attacked by a shark is described so passively that readers may not grasp the degree of Odder's injuries. Another scene, in which Odder first learns to help new pups, is drawn out and seems very intellectualized. However, the art is superb and the book's water scenes convey a sense of swirling movement that mirror Odder's playfulness. VERDICT A picture book with too much plot combined with complex character development; the result is a tale that may be too heavy for picture book readers.--Benjamin Ludwig

Applegate and Santoso's novel in verse about a rehabilitated otter is adapted for a picture-book audience. Separated from her mother at a young age and found by "tall, tailless animals," young Odder--so named by her fellow otters for her restless, curious nature--is taken to an aquarium, where she learns essential skills before being released back into the ocean. There, she makes friends who play and snuggle with her and show her where all the best mussels are, but Odder never loses her trust in humans, to her new pals' dismay. After being attacked by a shark, Odder is rescued again. Her injuries are too severe; she'll now have to live out her days at the aquarium. After she recovers from her wounds, Odder is given a job at which she eventually excels: teaching life skills to other rescued young otter pups. Rendered in digital brush strokes, Santoso's illustrations are realistic yet sweet, capturing the otters' delightful activities in soothing blues and browns. While Applegate doesn't shy away from hard realities, she imbues the narrative with a sense of hope that will reassure sensitive readers, especially as Odder helps foster other young pups. Information on marine biology is well integrated; young readers will emerge eager to learn more. Odder's rehabilitators vary in skin tone. An author's note describes the real-life otters, rehabilitated at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, that inspired Odder's tale. Certain to enrapture young animal lovers. (photo)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.