A Sea Otter to the Rescue: Ready-to-Read Level 2

by Thea Feldman, Rachel Sanson (Illustrator)

Learn all about Toola, a sea otter from California who inspired lawmakers to protect endangered species!

In an aquarium in California, there was a sea otter who was a mother for rescued pups. She taught them how to look for crabs and open clam shells. She also inspired a state law to protect the endangered species.

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

32 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2019

About the author

Based in New York City, Thea Feldman is a prolific writer and editor with over 250 children’s books to her credit. She has collaborated with major publishers, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. She lives with her cat, Rose, who enjoys lounging on her manuscripts.

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toola was a rescued sea otter brought to an aquarium in California. After seeing that sea otter pups raised by humans weren't doing to well surviving on their own, the staff decided to try having Toola raise rescued pups and she revolutionized the way they now do pup rescues and raised awareness for sea otters.

A simple, sweet retelling of Toola's rescue and how she helped rescue other sea otters. Perfect for an animal lover and those interested in animal rescue best practices. Also a great pick for readers who think they don't like nonfiction.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story. Young readers will be delighted to learn about Toola, a sea otter, is rescued and ends up fostering sea otter pups. Feldman weaves facts about sea otters into the narrative about Toola. Sanson's colorful illustrations clearly support the narrative.

Actually, I was so delighted by the story that I looked up more information on Toola on the Internet and found several stories which means there's a great opportunity for readers to do follow up research.

I'd BOOK TALK (1st-2nd grade) this by reading a few pages and saying, "Who wants to read this to find out what happens?"

One small WISH - I wish Feldman had included the name of the aquarium - Monterey Bay Aquarium and maybe the titles and names of some of her caregivers. She writes in very general terms "they" and "the aquarium" took care of Toola, etc. I think young readers can handle more specific details and may be more likely to remember the details as a result. Just a thought.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter is a big fan of the Tails from History books. And I love anything that encourages her to read more nonfiction. This books had an adorable true story and colorful illustrations. Plus, the facts about sea otters and ways the reader can help them in the back was helpful. A good read for any kids who love animals.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old really enjoyed this non-fiction tale about a rescued sea otter who helps other rescued sea otters! He liked it so much that he requested all of the other Tails from History books from our local librarian -- what a great combination: nonfiction, interesting animals, and history!

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, wow, did my class hang on to every page of this story. Inspired some great thinking about protecting animals and their habitats, too. We now have added 19 new otter-lovers into the world.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the long-ago history of the 2,000s, a baby sea otter was rescued but had no mother. Rescuers paired the baby with another older female otter who raised the baby and effectively taught it to survive in the wild. Now the rescue center regularly practices adoptive care with baby otters and is able to release them back in the wild. Cool story!

[Mary Tumbleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the heartwarming story of an otter at an aquarium that adopts an orphan pup and raises it as her own. The book also teaches a lot of facts about otters and even information about how we can help otters since they are endangered. This would be a great book for kids to read if they are interested in otters and it is an easy read.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea otters are my absolute favorite and I loved this book. Even though it's a children's book, it was very impressive in how much information is included. It's a very sweet story about a sea otter at the Monterey Bay Aquarium who becomes a surrogate mother to a rescued sea otter pup. Loved the illustrations and the story.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - want to know more about this Southern Sea Otter hero

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally adorable

[Bridget Neace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Random find on the library shelf--really enjoyed this true story, as well as learning some interesting facts about sea otters!

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kids are going to love this. What a cute story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER cute art and a true story about a rescued sea otter who helped raise orphaned pups.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I am a fanatic for great nonfiction for kids and this fits that niche beautifully. The illustrations are sweet and the story was delightful!