ODDER

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.