Pup the Sea Otter

by Jonathan London, Sean London (Illustrations)

National Science Teachers Assoc. Outstanding Science Trade Book and National Outdoor Book Award winner. Watch Pup grow from his birth to first dive and from rambunctious play with other sea otter pups to a frightening encounter with a predator. Bestselling author Jonathan London tells Pup’s story in sparse, poetic text with vivid vocabulary while luminous illustrations by London’s son, Sean London, bring the adorable Pup and his loving mother to life within the swirling sea around them. London’s newest creation in his picture book collection about baby animals (including The Seasons of Little Wolf, Little Puffin’s First Flight, and Honey Paw and Lightfoot ) will entertain children with a combination of learning and fun. An author’s note at the end shares fascinating facts about this popular keystone species.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction, Childrens, Juvenile, Nature, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2017

About the author

Jonathan London is the author of several celebrated children's books. His commitment to honoring the wonders of the natural world has been lauded by readers and critics alike. He is the author of more than 70 children's books, many of which are about nature. He's also the author of the popular Froggy series. He lives in Graton, California with his wife and two sons.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Absolutely beautiful and adorable illustrations! My only criticism is that in the author's note, he mentions that MOST sea otter pups die from oil spills, so I would have been more interested in seeing an oil "attack" than the shark attack in the story; it would've been more poignant!

[Gracie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was about a little sea pup"- G
"The mother saved him"- A

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A read aloud worthy story about the life cycle of a young sea otter. I really like all of the facts tucked into the story; I learned so much about sea otters all the while I was fully engrossed in the story of the young pup's development.

An author's note follows the story and does a great job of providing geographic. historic, and conservation info to encourage readers to help protect the habitats sea otters live in. Hihgly recommended for sharing with PreK-3.

[Evan Childress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did you know that otters are the largest member of the weasel family? They are still pretty small in comparison with the majority of the other marine animals, and this book tells the tale of a baby sea otter learning the ropes with his mother.
A great informative story, with some action/scary parts. Too long for storytime, but would be excellent for a young listener/reader interested in learning more about otters.

[Cara Bornemiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had adorable and in depth illustrations. One of the main things I did not like was in Jonathon London's authors note. He went on to explain that many sea otters/pups die in oil spills. But, in the book the main cause of harm was from a stark attack. I believe the book would have been better or made more sense if it was an oil spill instead of a shark attack.

[Kaylee Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information story about the life cycle of a Sea Otter! Their are a lot of facts provided throughout the whole story which is great for students. The illustrations are gorgeous as well! This would be a great read aloud story in the classroom.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations.

[Alyssa Mandell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great non-fiction read aloud about baby sea otters. Too long for storytime but great for elementary children.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the life cycle of sea otters. I will use it when we study animal adaptations.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and perect for young readers. Additonal information about sea otters at the end of the book will inspire curious readers to learn more about sea otters.

[Linda Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOBA Winner

[Tyler Wansack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pup the Sea Otter was a good read. The pictures in this story were beautiful and really drew my attention. It is very informative; I actually learned a lot about the life cycle sea otters by reading this story. I feel that children would love this story because of the pictures and because you are learning about the animal, as well. This story would keep children on their toes while reading it because of how it has a scary part when the sea otter has a near miss with a shark. Overall, I thought this book was interesting, informative and had very beautiful pictures.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is precious. The illustrations are positively delightful and it follows a sweet little otter from birth to independence from mom. There were lots of very interesting facts, and the illustrations were very engaging for lots of conversations. Only issue I had with it was it felt like it didn’t flow super great….but still definitely worth reading.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not half bad. Could go either way - nonfiction or kids' picture book - and there's value to be found in both. My library has it as a picture book, since it's light on sources and backmatter and instead focuses on the gorgeous illustrations and linear story.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations were simple gorgeous! They were the whole reason I picked it up in the first place. However, I found the story a bit "meh" - perhaps I just wasn't expecting such a non-fiction feel. But I can't emphasize enough how much I loved the pictures!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great picture book to introduce young animal lovers to sea otters. Sparse, lyrical text and beautiful, realistic illustrations follow a young sea otter from birth to independence. Back-matter gives a lot more facts about sea otters. I hope they will be saved from extinction!

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

London Odyssey #58
Nicely illustrated and well told tale of sea otter, which gives a lot of information about the animal and wraps it in this tale.
Will be a favourite for many young readers especially those who love animals.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoology comes alive, otter-style, through this clever-and-engaging treat of a picture book.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this semi nonfiction picture book about otters even without the author afterward which added a lot. Did you know they eat 1/3 or up to 33 pounds a day. The book features the birth of a seas otter and his life with his mother till he sets out on his own. Preschool and up or a great one on one. environmental and conservation themes.

[Brittany]

Cute story, but it's the art that elevates this book. Excellent illustrations.