Odder

A novel based on the experiences of several real sea otters offers a glimpse into rehabilitation methods at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Odder the otter is curious and fearless—so much so that she finds herself back in the care of aquarists after a nearly fatal run-in with a shark. Swimming too far out in the Bay, she’d put her friend Kairi, who had followed her, at risk as well. Although Kairi was not harmed, she’s in the aquarium, too, being treated for illness. Odder’s stay will be permanent this time. Rescued as an orphaned pup and raised by humans, she has developed a problematic liking for people and has proven she’s not safe in the wild. Once both otters are healthy, Odder and Kairi are happily reunited. Kairi, who’d been pregnant but lost her pup while ill, has been paired with an orphaned pup, and soon Odder finds a pup in her own tank as well. The humans, now fully concealed behind welder’s helmets and ponchos, observe closely. Odder stubbornly ignores the pup for several days before finally taking pity on it. The pups will be fostered by the mature otters—and denied the chance to bond with humans—until they are ready to be released into the Bay. Sweet, informative, and not overly precious, this novel in verse is complete with fascinating back matter and undeniably endearing illustrations.  

CCBC Choices 2023. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2023.