My favorite kind of nonfiction for young readers, explanation paired with a bit of action - in this case, the otters' birth and growth. There is primary and secondary text (you can skip the latter for younger readers, and include it for preschool/K kiddos). The watercolor illustrations suit the story perfectly. Back matter includes an index and "about otters."

See also: I'm Done! by Gretchen Brandenburg McClellan ( )

This was a very cute book that gives both the features of a story and an informational text. The information pieces are written in a different text and added seemingly as a side note. For example, one page states "Two pups grab the ends of a stick, it's an otter tug-of-war!" But on the same page, it also says, "Playing is fun, but otters play with a purpose. For young otters, play helps them to develop the speed and agility needed for hunting." This type of text can be found on each page of the book giving the reason behind what is happening in the story and picture on the page. With the layout being this way I found it a bit more interesting than other informational texts and I believe that some students would tend to agree. One piece I also like about this book is that they include an index at the end. This is especially helpful because they discuss all different kinds of information on each page. This book also includes a whole page about otters and other facts they didn't include other places in the book, such as the number of otter species, etc.

I've felt ambivalent about some of London's previous nonfiction picture books, but I embrace this one whole-heartedly.

The bold text of the main narrative describes a family of otters who have moved into an old beaver lodge. "It's spring, and in a nest of moss, leaves, and grass, three newborn otter babies drink warm rich milk at their mother's teats." Frequent references to play behavior accompanies the descriptions of the otter pups' antics as they grow, learn, and live through the seasons. In addition to the primary text, there is a running narrative of information in a smaller font, explaining the instincts and reasons behind the otters' playful behavior and giving additional otter facts. There is an additional "About Otters" section at the back with more facts and a brief index.

Meilo So's playful watercolors really make the book, with frolicking brown otters, whiskers quivering, leaping, sliding and pouncing across the pages. The seasons glow with color and detail, from the cool greens and blues of spring to the chilly white and grays of winter.

Verdict: The layout follows that of Candlewick's series about Australian animals and leads me to hope there will be more books from different authors and illustrators about all kinds of animals! I love the juxtaposition of the bolder text, for reading aloud, and smaller text for more information for older listeners and readers. This delightful story will be loved by children and parents alike. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780763669133; Published 2016 by Candlewick; Borrowed from another library in my consortium