Otters: River or Sea? A Compare and Contrast Book

by Cathleen McConnell

Overview

Perhaps you’ve seen an otter swimming and playing at a zoo or aquarium, but do you know how do these amazing animals live in the wild? Most are found in freshwater habitats, while others make their home in coastal kelp forests or can be found feeding along rocky shores. 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 adorable photos in this latest installment of the Compare and Contrast Book series.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781643519784
Publisher:	Arbordale Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	09/10/2021
Series:	Compare and Contrast
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.35(w) x 9.76(h) x 0.16(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

Editorial Reviews

2021-07-28
McConnell compares and contrasts the different species of otters (12 river and one sea) found around the world.

After giving basic facts about mustelids, the family to which otters belong, the author presents either side-by-side or alternating pages that look at river otters versus their ocean-dwelling cousins. This can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, though. For example, on a page that describes how each spends the majority of their day (marking territory and grooming fur, respectively), readers may wonder if sea otters also have scent glands and if river otters spend any time grooming their fur. And on the page about otter teeth, readers may mistakenly believe that sea otters have no sharp teeth and be left wondering if river otters have molars, issues compounded by the inset photos that show a river otter’s teeth from the front and a sea otter’s bottom jaw from above. Other information presented looks at habitat, facial whiskers and catching prey, eating habits, fur, socializing, and raising young. Backmatter includes enrichment activities looking at various otters’ sizes and weights, adaptations, fun facts, and otters in zoos and aquariums. (Disturbingly, one fun fact asks readers, “How long can you hold your breath?”) As is consistent with this series, the photos are the stars, showcasing the similarities and differences among these 13 adorable species. A Spanish edition publishes simultaneously, as does (in both English and Spanish) a similar title on penguins, by Cher Vatalaro.

An adequate resource for entertainment, information, research, and compare/contrast reports. (Nonfiction. 4-9)

Kirkus Reviews