"When a young river otter sneaks into a zoo, she wonders if she should be more like some of the other animals she meets. She wants a trunk like the elephant or to be loud like the gorilla... By imitating and comparing herself to these other animals she learns to appreciate herself. Educational components are woven throughout this fun, read-aloud story and sidebar information complements and extends the learning, making it a perfect book for a wide variety of ages"--
"Otters are often found at zoos and aquariums, but how do these playful animals live in the wild? With 13 different otter species, some are best suited for fresh water and gracefully move on land and in the water; others prefer the kelp forest of the sea using tools to eat their favorite foods. There are many similarities between river otters and sea otters, but there are also vast differences. Explore fascinating facts about these playful, aquatic mammals, meet the species, and awe at the adorable photos in this installment of the Compare and Contrast Book series"--
Splash! Three playful creatures slide down a muddy slope and fall into a pond. Twisting and turning in the water, the river otter family continues its game. It's not all play, though, and soon the animals begin to hunt for fish in the murky water of their swamp home. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance not only to learn all about river otters and the swamp habitat in which they live, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Built-in activities, such as investigating the ways an otter's body is adapted to a life in water and guessing why mother otters push their little pups into the water, give readers a chance to gain insights beyond the facts and figures.
Introduces the giant river otter, describing its physical characteristics, habitat, life cycle, and ways in which young otters learn how to survive from older family members.
A group of river otters takes turns sliding into the water. Webbed feet help them paddle, while waterproof fur keeps their skin dry. These are a few of many adaptations that help river otters survive the wetlands. This title for young readers introduces the adaptations of river otters through leveled text and bright photos. Additional features highlight the range, physical adaptations, and diet of these playful critters!
A group of river otters is on the lookout for a new home, and they arenÕt about to start from scratch! These critters often crawl their way into the abandoned burrows of their riverside neighbors. Swim along with river otters as they paddle their way through the freshwaters of North America in this informative title.
In this endearing and beautifully illustrated picture book, a baby river otter learns to swim, dive, and play in her natural habitat. Encouraged by her mother, the little otter soon sets out to explore on her own, quickly learning to escape shoreline predators and to find her way back to the security of home. From children’s author Artie Knapp and wildlife artist Guy Hobbs, Little Otter Learns to Swim is an entertaining and colorful tale for ages four and up. The story is followed by two pages of fun facts about river otters as well as information and resources from the River Otter Ecology Project.
Children can join River Otter as she nurses her newborn cubs and eventually teaches them how to swim. Reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution for accuracy, River Otter at Autumn Lane is a fun and informative story with beautifully detailed illustrations. Watch your children have a blast reading and learning about the animals that live in an American backyard! This book includes an easy-to-download audiobook with realistic sound effects for added fun.
"Captivating. . . . a full portrait of this adorable and ecologically important animal." —Publishers Weekly A science journalist travels the Pacific Coast in search of sea otters in this entertaining and inspiring book on the importance and history of this charismatic endangered species Sea otters—the adorable, furry marine mammals often seen floating on their backs holding hands—reveal the health of the coastal ecosystem along the Pacific Ocean. Once hunted for their prized fur in the 18th and 19th centuries, these animals nearly went extinct. Only now, nearly a century after hunting ceased, are populations showing stable growth in some places. Sea otters are a keystone species in coastal areas, feeding on sea urchins, clams, crab, and other crustaceans. When they are present, kelp beds are thick and healthy, providing homes for an array of sea life. When otters disappear, sea urchins take over, and the kelp disappears along with all the creatures that live in the beds. Now, thanks to their protected status, sea otters are making a comeback in California, Washington, and Alaska. In this hopeful book, science writer Todd McLeish embarks on an epic journey along the Pacific Coast—traveling from California to Alaska—to track the status, health, habits, personality, and viability of sea otters, and reveals how conservationists brought them back from the brink of extinction.
