Any young reader who has the privilege to view sea otters floating near a rocky ocean floor or to watch their play-like actions in an aquarium will enjoy this book, part of the "Under the Sea" series. Outstanding color photo illustrations accompany simple text to give the very young child an introduction to these marine mammals. As usual in this series, the author gives an apt description of how big a sea otter is—the size of a large dog. The book includes easy-to-understand text about their bodies, with wedded feet, strong teeth, and soft fur, as well as how they hunt, what they eat, plus—and this is a remarkable fact— how they sleep on their backs, anchored to strands of kelp to keep from floating away. Aided by consulting editor Dr. Gail Saunders-Smith, and Deborah Nuzzolo, Educational Manager for Sea World in San Diego, California, the author delivers a fine introductory book. This is not only well recommended for very young readers but is a great read-aloud book for pre-readers who like nonfiction. Reviewer: Judy Crowder
Jody Sullivan Rake has written many children’s books for Capstone Press. As a science writer in the SeaWorld San Diego Education Department for 10 years, she wrote numerous booklets and other educational pieces. Her degree in zoology, experience at SeaWorld, and love of animals drives her passion for writing animal books.
Jody lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, daughter, and two cats. She loves to hike, ski, run, cook, and eat. She also loves books and movies.