Sea Otters: A Survival Story

by Isabelle Groc, Judi Dench (Foreword), David F. Mills MBE Founder and owner of the British Wildlife Centre (Foreword)

Sea otters once ruled the Pacific Ocean, but the fur trade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries brought this predator to near extinction. Today they’re slowly coming back from the brink, and scientists are learning more about their pivotal role as one of nature’s keystone species. This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and uncertain future of sea otters. Author and photojournalist Isabelle Groc takes us into the watching sea otter rafts off the British Columbia coast from a kayak, exploring what makes their fur coats so special, understanding how their voracious appetites are helping kelp forests thrive and, ultimately, learning how sea otters are leaving their mark (or paws) on every part of the ecosystem. They might be one of the most adorable creatures in the ocean, but kids will discover how their survival is key to a rich, complex and connected ecosystem.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

128 pages, Hardcover

Published April 28, 2020

About the author

Isabelle Groc is a writer, conservation photographer, book author, documentary filmmaker and speaker focusing on endangered species and the relationships between people and the natural world. She is a fellow of the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Societies of Canada and the UK. Her work has appeared in international media including National Geographic News, BBC Wildlife, and Canadian Wildlife.
Isabelle has written and directed over a dozen films on wildlife conservation. Her most recent documentary, Toad People, has received international recognition including a Wildscreen Impact Panda Award in Bristol.

To view Isabelle's photos, follow her on Instagram: @isabellegroc

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photo-journalist Isabelle Groc’s book is full of fascinating information about sea otters, how they were saved from extinction and their important work in nature as “ecosystem engineers” and “ecosystem superheroes.” Readers will discover sea otters’ role in both a three-level and four-level trophic cascade, “a series of interactions through which the top predator in a food chain can affect the entire ecosystem by its impact on its prey and, indirectly, its prey’s prey.” (p. 113)

The author’s stunning photographs of these marine mammals at the surface in the wild, taken from a safe distance, give the reader the opportunity to get up close, in some views to see every whisker. Groc’s book is infused with hope for this animal’s continued survival—if we take care of our planet. Sea otters “face many threats, and it is our responsibility to make sure sea otters stay with us now and in the future.” (p. 79) An “oil spill could wipe out an entire population of sea otters if they were concentrated in the spill area.” (p. 96)

I have researched sea otters extensively in order to write two sea otter fiction chapter books, but I still learned new information about these amazing animals. There is so much scientists don’t yet know about the natural world, including these marine mammals and how they “affect food chains, heal damaged environments and ultimately help preserve a delicate natural balance that benefits many species, including us.” (p. 110)

Sea Otters: A Survival Story is a top-quality resource highly accessible with its user-friendly format, abundant photographs, age-appropriate text, and interest to children and adults. The first occurrence of words found in the glossary are printed in a different colour from the rest of the text. A comprehensive index aids in finding specific terms and topics.

Highly recommended.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day to this endearing book! Sea Otters is not a typical choice for me to read and review. However, I'm very glad I did! It is geared toward middle readers and is less than 100 pages. Sea otters are one of my favorite creatures on the planet. I have had a long love affair with them based on their cuteness and for their seemingly loving and fun personalities. This book taught me many things I didn't know about sea otters and affirmed the facts I was aware of. For one, they are extremely important to our ecosystem. Without them, kelp would be virtually nonexistent. Female sea otters are some of the best and most industrious mothers in the world! They do not wean their babies for 9 months and are very maternal. They spend much of their day finding food to keep themselves and their pup alive. Adult females often lose weight during this process, as they put their pups first. Sea otters often navigate the waters in groups called rafts. They use kelp to help stay afloat in case they fall asleep. Sea otters don't ever get their skin wet as they are protected by their dense fur. Unfortunately, their fur is what nearly made them extinct. Their population has grown, thanks to laws being passed about fur trading and the constant advocating of biologists, ecologists and animal lovers. Sea otters are still in danger of having their population decrease due to shark attacks. These adorable creatures love to float on their backs. They also enjoy eating in this position, using their stomachs as virtual picnic tables! If you like reading and learning about animals, the ocean and nature, I recommend this book! #NetGalley #SeaOtters #withhernosestuckinabook❤️📚

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books about Sea Otters lately, so I liked that I learned a bit more from this book. It is a very informative, fun read about sea otters. The photographs showing these animals in their natural habitats are amazing, and added so much to this book. The book talks about how important they are to the environment and about becoming endangered due to humans and the fur trade, but there is so much more about their lives and habitats. I had no idea that a group of Otters floating together was called a raft of otters. This is a book for middle grades and up, as the vocabulary would be difficult for younger children to read. A definite must for school libraries. This book would appeal to those students who love reading non-fiction and animals. I mean, who doesn't love the look of a cuddly sea otter. I enjoyed the forward by Dame Judi Dench as well. There is something for everyone in this book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Ron Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely fantastic book, suitable for all ages. It is well written in clear language and wonderfully illustrated. As a citizen scientist working with sea otters I found it extremely fascinating to read about otters from historical times to the present and throughout their entire range both before and after their near extirpation. Beautiful photos of otters from Alaska to California.

It it amazed me how extensive and accurate the information Isabelle Groc was able to provide while still keeping the book an easy read. I purchased books for all my kids and grandkids and they and their parents just loved it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in nature and how we as humans interact with its many creatures.

[Brandi | booksandthrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea Otters is such a great and informative book and is very well written. In my opinion, this is great for all ages. You are never too young or too old to learn something new! I didn't know sea otters were almost considered an endangered species at one point. If you have any interest in sea life or climate change, this is a great read for you! From a young age anything pertaining to sea life has always interested me and still does! Thank you so much to Isabelle Groc, Dame Judi Dench, David Mills, Orca Book Publishers & NetGalley for my DRC!

[Sarah Sloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative, fun read about sea otters. Lovely, high-quality photographs of the animals are also included. I can see both children and adults enjoying this book, as there is a lot to learn about these creatures. There is something for everyone here.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.

[Heidi Obstfeld-adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book on some one of the cutest creatures - Sea Otters. The photos were stunning, and the story was beautiful.. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with my young daughter.

[Full of Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very informative BUT.... Sea otters aren’t the only
Bad ass moms because of how much it takes out of them to care for and nurse their pups. Does this author have kids???

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures of these adorable animals paired with an engaging story. Great gift for children!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabelle Groc’s work is truly inspiring. In Sea Otters: A Survival Story, she describes the fascinating effects of sea otters as a keystone species on the Pacific Ocean of British Columbia. When I began reading, I possessed the basics around the functions of an ecosystem, but her presentation taught me a lot more, like how large of an impact a single species, or lack thereof can have on the entire ecosystem. This book explains the impact that humans have had on sea otters and how otter populations have affected many other species in unexpected ways. For example, she describes the chain reaction of the food chain, with sea urchins thriving in a world without sea otters, and destroying ancient kelp forests. I was really inspired by these chains of events, and now I can’t stop thinking about them. It had me guessing what would happen next, like a whodunnit. Isabelle does a great job presenting information in a very accessible way that made me want to learn more about this species that lives in my backyard.

[Brent Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic book, Isabelle Groc gives the reader, both young and old, a modern overview of the biology and conservation of sea otters. It is filled with breathtaking photos, and covers the story of the sea otter from Alaska to British Columbia to California. The book also introduces the reader to not only the scientists who study sea otters, but also indigenous communities who have co-existed with sea otters for 1000s of years. This combination creates a book rich in stories about an animal that has taught humans a lot about nature.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the author's earlier book "Gone is Gone". This one tells a compelling and hopeful story about the return of the sea otters to our West Coast. I love the format and how easily accessible the science is. It is well written, well researched, and filled with absolutely beautiful photographs. Are these not the cutest, smartest and funniest mammals alive? This book is a triumph and a much needed good news story for young naturalists and their anxious older friends and family.

[Christine D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had great information about sea otters and keystone species.
Also, it had tons of adorable pictures of adorable otters!
A little repetitive but great for kids who want to know more about sea otters or ripple effect of a keystone species.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very informative book about ecology! It is not a book written for kids! I have a Master's degree, and had to reread certain parts to understand them! It is great at addressing the topics of sea otters, kelp beds, invertebrates, human fishing, the lifestyles of First Peoples in Canada, and the role of keystone predators in an ecosystem. Great for research, with lots of pictures, a glossary and an index!

[Elexndra · Rating 5 out of 5]

library borrow

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of what I was able to read (got half of the book), it is a good look at otters and their habitat. Good for those who have an interest or love for otters or animals that live in/near the water.

[Robin Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea Otters were almost wiped out to extinction by the fur trade, until they became protected in the 19th century and by the Endangered species act in 1972.
They live mainly in British Columbia and along the central coast of California.


Not only are sea Otters adorably cute, but they have an important impact on the ecosystem everywhere they live. Biologists observed that the kelp forest, sea grass beds in the estuaries, and the salt marsh was healed when the sea Otters were there. They discovered that the otters are a keystone species in a trophic cascade, where otters as the top predators effect those below. By otters eating sea urchins, now there were less urchins eating up the kelp, and the kelp forest returned. In the estuaries, the otters ate the crabs, and with less crabs now there were more sea slugs. The slugs ate the algae on the sea grass, keeping the sea grass healthy. The sea grass beds were restored. The otters also helped restore the salt marsh by eating crabs so now less crabs meant less burrows ruining the salt marsh structure. When these ecosystems were restored it also helped other species using them as a habitat.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE otters! There is just something about these cuddly creatures that makes me smile. The photos in this book were amazing! Besides being cute and playful, I didn't know much about sea otters. This book was so informative. I didn't know sea otters were almost an endangered species. NO!!! This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and the uncertain future of sea otters.

Thank you to Netgalley, Orca Book Publishers and Isabelle Groc for a copy of "Sea Otters: A Survival Story" in exchange of an honest review.