Publisher Description

A bright, charming non-fiction picture book about a family of fun-loving otters from award-winning author Jonathan London, beautifully illustrated by Meilo So.

From Jonathan London, the award-winning author of the popular Froggy series, comes a charming non-fiction picture book about otters and how they love to play. A litter of baby otters are safe and warm in their snug den by the river. But now that spring has sprung the pups are ready to explore the riverside - and to stir up a little mischief! Follow them through the seasons, as the otters play tug-of-war with sticks, slide down mudbanks, juggle pebbles, and spin, flip and swish through the water. With beautiful illustrations by Meilo So, Otters Love to Play is a vibrant and fascinating portrayal of the life-cycle of the otter, and a wonderful introduction to the idea of animal play.

Author Biography

Jonathan London, who lives in Graton, California, prefers sandals to shoes, but he knows that nothing beats socks for dancing. When he's ready to put the extra slip in his slide, he kicks off his flip-flops and puts on some tube socks. When Jonathon isn't a sensation on the dance floor, he is a rage on the page with over forty books for children to his credit, including "Froggy Gets Dressed, Hip Cat, Like Butter on Pancakes, " and "Puddles." He lives with his wife and two sons.

Review

Fun and informative, this beautifully illustrated, strong narrative belongs in every collection.
--School Library Journal (starred review) Otters love to play, and so do children. Perhaps that is why so many children love otters, "one of the most playful creatures of all wildlife," which London highlights in this engaging text featuring irresistible illustrations by So...Both playful and beguiling, just like its subjects.
--Kirkus Reviews

London, the author of 100-plus picture books and best known for his ever-growing Froggy series, combines family adventure and facts to create a frolicsome, informative tale...So's whimsical art--aptly conceived in flowing watercolors--adds mischievous charm to all that beckoning play.
--Booklist

A clutch of river otter pups grows and develops through the four seasons of their North American habitat...Lively illustrations capture the kinetic movements of otters, their slinky, flexible bodies, and the irresistible cuteness of their stocky paws and whiskered faces.
--The Horn Book

Kids who enjoyed London's introduction to those poop-flinging heavyweight hippos (Hippos Are Huge, BCCB 5/15) will be delighted with this return engagement on North American river otters...So's watercolor illustrations are as supple and sinuous as their subject; dark hatching and dashes of delicate outlining give the otters a solidity that contrasts well with their translucently rendered surroundings.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

London's sprightly narrative teams with So's naturalistic watercolors to follow pups' progress from birth in the spring through the end of their first year.
--San Francisco Chronicle

The beautiful watercolor illustrations are neatly done...This is a nonfiction adventure book filled with facts that children will love to read and to look at the pictures of the otters playing chase, tag, and racing with one another.
--School Library Connection

Review Quote

Otters love to play, and so do children. Perhaps that is why so many children love otters, "one of the most playful creatures of all wildlife," which London highlights in this engaging text featuring irresistible illustrations by So...Both playful and beguiling, just like its subjects. -Kirkus Reviews

Details