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Good Night, Little Sea Otter
Children will want to settle down for bedtime with Little Sea Otter as he snuggles onto Mama's chest in a cozy bed of sea kelp and bids good night to all his ocean friends. From sea lions to sea snails, seagulls to seals and sea urchins, it seems he'll never close his eyes. But gently rocking seas, twinkling stars, and Mama's loving arms lull Little Sea Otter--and children everywhere--to dreamland.
24 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2010
7 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Janet Halfmann
89 books28 followersJanet Halfmann is a multi-award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. She writes about animals and nature, family and community, and little-known people of achievement. Janet has written almost fifty fiction and nonfiction books for children.
Janet was formerly a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She has four children, seven grandkids, and two great-grands. Janet enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with family. She grew up on a farm in MI and now lives in WI. More at: http://www.janethalfmannauthor.com
Janet was formerly a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She has four children, seven grandkids, and two great-grands. Janet enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with family. She grew up on a farm in MI and now lives in WI. More at: http://www.janethalfmannauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 21, 2017
Little Sea Otter is getting ready for bed, but she cannot forget her many friends. She takes her time bidding them all a good night and receives the same wish in return. From sea lions to orange fish and even the moon, Little Sea Otter goes through the crew before drifting off herself. Neo liked the idea of wishing everything a goodnight, which then took him ten minutes to stop listing off small things around the room that needed his good night wishes.
March 7, 2015
3.5 stars I loved the pictures but the story was just the same old boring "goodnight book" good night this and good night that. Cute enough for a bed time story...but not great literature!
August 27, 2019
Good Night, Little Sea Otter is about a baby sea otter (named Baby Sea Otter) that is unable to go to sleep, to the dismay of her mother. She demands to say goodnight to all the other ocean creatures before going to bed. As shown by the rating of 5 stars I gave the book, I think it is an adorable, quality book! I read it because sea otters are my favorite animal, and I love to see anything with them in it! My favorite quality of the book was the art, it is very vibrant and highlights the animals very well. The story is straight and to the point, not dwelling on unnecessary parts of the story. I would recommend this book to children who need to go to sleep, as this book relates with them, and people who like art and/or otters. While there is not anything I would change, I would love to see more art of Baby Sea Otter and the others! This book stands out as better to me than similar books, mostly because of the cute otters and beautiful art.
Overall, this book is adorable and has many great moments for kids and art lovers alike! This book is definitely one I would recommend.
Overall, this book is adorable and has many great moments for kids and art lovers alike! This book is definitely one I would recommend.
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June 19, 2021This is a sweet book that is perfect for bedtime. Not only is the story typical t about going to bed, but it is also a short, quick read. It's hard to tell whether Little Sea Otter is genuinely stalling or if he just wants to say "good night." Highly recommended for reading with toddlers and preschool-aged children. It would make a nice gift for ... read the full review.
April 24, 2018
Beautiful artwork, cute story, lots of sea-life!
October 26, 2018
A very cute story about a baby sea otter that has to say goodnight to all of the different animals in the sea as a way to delay bedtime.
June 28, 2019
465 - 2019
October 28, 2019
Arabic
February 29, 2020
A baby otter explores the undersea world before drifting off to sleep. Full color.
June 25, 2020
The story isn’t a new one, but the writing and the illustrations are truly lovely and comforting, hence my rating.
January 27, 2022
These are such gorgeous illustrations of sea otter and his explorations saying goodnight to all of the other sea creatures as he gets ready for bed.
August 16, 2022
A bedtime book with stunning illustrations. Keeping this one for my children's book library!
January 6, 2025
My absolute favorite to read to my son. There’s lots of opportunities for animal sounds and voices which I always appreciate. The story is very sweet and the illustrations are gorgeous!
August 10, 2017
Good Night, Little Sea Otter is written by Janet Halfmann and illustrated by Wish Williams. It is a picture book appropriate for children ages 3-8. The main characters in the story are a little sea otter and her mother. Little Sea Otter wants to say goodnight to all of the other sea creatures before she goes to sleep. Her mother humors her and helps her by reciting the names of the many creatures that live in the sea. One after another, Little says goodnight to each one. Throughout the book, the illustrations beautifully highlight the different creatures.
The plot and characters of the story are effective for young children. On the surface, the story teaches them about sea life and helps them identify various beings in the ocean like sea urchins and spotted fish. More subtly, the story is reassuring and relatable to a little child who stalls to go to sleep. Just as the little sea otter wants to say goodnight to each creature, thus delaying bedtime, a young child might stall too by asking for a drink of water or needing the closet to be checked for monsters. In the story, the mom is loving and patient. The little one is curious and secure. The characters’ traits validate to a young child his or her place in the world. Additionally, the book is a way of teaching thinking skills through repetition. The language is repetitive as each creature gets a “Goodnight.” This repetition helps the child predict what is coming next, and teaches skills of guessing, forecasting, and cause and effect. The illustrations are detailed and provide good reference for recognizing sea creatures. The colors and scenes stimulate imagination. This is a great book for bedtime. It is rated 5 out of 5 stars for its effectiveness, teaching elements, loving themes, and beautiful illustrations. Reviewed 7/20/17.
The plot and characters of the story are effective for young children. On the surface, the story teaches them about sea life and helps them identify various beings in the ocean like sea urchins and spotted fish. More subtly, the story is reassuring and relatable to a little child who stalls to go to sleep. Just as the little sea otter wants to say goodnight to each creature, thus delaying bedtime, a young child might stall too by asking for a drink of water or needing the closet to be checked for monsters. In the story, the mom is loving and patient. The little one is curious and secure. The characters’ traits validate to a young child his or her place in the world. Additionally, the book is a way of teaching thinking skills through repetition. The language is repetitive as each creature gets a “Goodnight.” This repetition helps the child predict what is coming next, and teaches skills of guessing, forecasting, and cause and effect. The illustrations are detailed and provide good reference for recognizing sea creatures. The colors and scenes stimulate imagination. This is a great book for bedtime. It is rated 5 out of 5 stars for its effectiveness, teaching elements, loving themes, and beautiful illustrations. Reviewed 7/20/17.
November 20, 2022
A typical kid, putting off their bedtime to do anything else.
June 27, 2011
If you are looking for the perfect children's picture book, look no further than Janet Halfmann and her marvelous creation Good Night, Little Sea Otter.
Ms. Halfmann is truly one of the most talented children's authors that I have come across. Her stories are engaging, fun, tender, educational and just plain snuggle cuddle excellence. Good Night, Little Sea Otter is the story of a little otter who is getting ready to cuddle up with mama for a lovely night's sleep. However, before going to sleep, Little Sea Otter must tell all of his friends and the animals in the ocean good night. From sea urchins to sea stars and sea lions to sea gulls, children and adults will delight in learning a bit more about these wondrous sea creatures, as well as delight in the innocent sweetness of Little Sea Otter.
Kindness and love are an underlying theme in Ms. Halfmann's stories and this one is no exception. The love and patience of Little Sea Otter's mother is apparent, as she waits for her little one to say good night to every creature - even the moon and stars.
The illustrations are amazing and utterly soothing. They are the perfect combination to the story for a bedtime or quiet time story. I highly highly recommend Good Night, Little Sea Otter for every household with small children. My son, who is four, and I have snuggled and read this several nights and we both love it. This would also make a perfect gift for a new mom or mom-to-be!
Ms. Halfmann is truly one of the most talented children's authors that I have come across. Her stories are engaging, fun, tender, educational and just plain snuggle cuddle excellence. Good Night, Little Sea Otter is the story of a little otter who is getting ready to cuddle up with mama for a lovely night's sleep. However, before going to sleep, Little Sea Otter must tell all of his friends and the animals in the ocean good night. From sea urchins to sea stars and sea lions to sea gulls, children and adults will delight in learning a bit more about these wondrous sea creatures, as well as delight in the innocent sweetness of Little Sea Otter.
Kindness and love are an underlying theme in Ms. Halfmann's stories and this one is no exception. The love and patience of Little Sea Otter's mother is apparent, as she waits for her little one to say good night to every creature - even the moon and stars.
The illustrations are amazing and utterly soothing. They are the perfect combination to the story for a bedtime or quiet time story. I highly highly recommend Good Night, Little Sea Otter for every household with small children. My son, who is four, and I have snuggled and read this several nights and we both love it. This would also make a perfect gift for a new mom or mom-to-be!
June 21, 2011
Little Sea Otter is ready to go to bed, snug in his Mamma’s lap, head against her chest, floating on the ocean’s surface. Still, he fights his drooping eyes and mother’s urgings, by saying good night to every animal he can see or hear, in and out of the ocean’s calm blue waters.
“I forgot to say good night to the harbor seals,” Little Sea Otter said to his momma. “Good night harbor seals.” Little Sea Otter then said good night to the sea lions, sea gulls, and the orange, yellow, and purple fish. Then he spots the sea urchins, sea stars, sea slugs, clams, and crabs, bidding them all good night. Little Sea Otter continued his good nights until he believed he was finished, but he had missed saying good night to one creature of the sea. Can you guess whom?
This is an adorable bedtime book. Children will love the cute Little Sea Otter and all his friends. I can hear children reciting the lines, having memorized them from night after night readings. Moms and Dads might even get a rendition of Rock-a-Bye Baby as the back cover folds closed. Wish William’s illustrations use deep, rich colors and are wonderfully detailed. If enlarged, the side-by-side pictures without text would make awesome posters. Good Night, Little Sea Otter is a must-have bedtime story that will endear children for years.
Note: received from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher
“I forgot to say good night to the harbor seals,” Little Sea Otter said to his momma. “Good night harbor seals.” Little Sea Otter then said good night to the sea lions, sea gulls, and the orange, yellow, and purple fish. Then he spots the sea urchins, sea stars, sea slugs, clams, and crabs, bidding them all good night. Little Sea Otter continued his good nights until he believed he was finished, but he had missed saying good night to one creature of the sea. Can you guess whom?
This is an adorable bedtime book. Children will love the cute Little Sea Otter and all his friends. I can hear children reciting the lines, having memorized them from night after night readings. Moms and Dads might even get a rendition of Rock-a-Bye Baby as the back cover folds closed. Wish William’s illustrations use deep, rich colors and are wonderfully detailed. If enlarged, the side-by-side pictures without text would make awesome posters. Good Night, Little Sea Otter is a must-have bedtime story that will endear children for years.
Note: received from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher
August 5, 2011
almost bedtime in the kelp forest but litte sea otter is not quite ready for sleep. Like any youngster, he's trying to put off bedtime by a few more minutes. He tells his mama he forgot to say good night to all the harbor seals. All along the rocky shore, the seals snort back a good night wish to little sea otter.
Not only did he have to say good night to the seals but also to the sea lions, both mamas and babies, but he also wishes a good night to the seagull and to all the fish in the sea; long ones, short ones, purple, orange and yellow ones too. Mama otter points out the other creatures in the sea to be wished a good night. Little sea otter does not want to leave anyone out. His last good night wish is to the moon and the stars and then to his mama as she wraps them in seaweed for the night.
Good night little sea otter! Good night!
Throughout the book, children can point out the different creatures in the sea with all the different colors and shapes. With vivid illustrations by Wish Williams and appealing story lines, Janet's books are so adorable and educational at the same time. I think that is one of the reasons they appeal to me so much. Every book I have read has taught me something interesting. What child would not want this book for a good night story?
April 6, 2011
The story takes place right at bed time and the little sea otter's mama is trying to get him snuggled up in bed. But before he can drift off to bed he has to tell all his sea friends and creatures good night. What a cute story.
This book actually reminds me of my youngest daughter who is pictured with the book. When I get ready to settle her down at night she has to give every stuffed animal in her room a kiss before she can get into bed. Just like the little sea otter has to tell everything goodnight.
The pictures in the book are just beautiful and she loves to sit with her book looking at all the pretty colors and all of the sea animals on the pages. Since receiving this book a few months ago this has become one of her favorite books to look at. We have to keep it on her favorite book shelf and it is often grabbed at night when she gets to pick out the night time story.
What a nice story book and a really colorful way to learn about different animals and sea creatures that live in the sea.
*I was provided a complementary copy and a giveaway opportunity of Good Night, Little Sea Otter by the Author Janet Halfmann . I am an honest reviewer. My reviews are written by me and are based on my own opinion (I'm not a review expert).
This book actually reminds me of my youngest daughter who is pictured with the book. When I get ready to settle her down at night she has to give every stuffed animal in her room a kiss before she can get into bed. Just like the little sea otter has to tell everything goodnight.
The pictures in the book are just beautiful and she loves to sit with her book looking at all the pretty colors and all of the sea animals on the pages. Since receiving this book a few months ago this has become one of her favorite books to look at. We have to keep it on her favorite book shelf and it is often grabbed at night when she gets to pick out the night time story.
What a nice story book and a really colorful way to learn about different animals and sea creatures that live in the sea.
*I was provided a complementary copy and a giveaway opportunity of Good Night, Little Sea Otter by the Author Janet Halfmann . I am an honest reviewer. My reviews are written by me and are based on my own opinion (I'm not a review expert).
May 5, 2011
From the Publisher:
Children will want to settle down for bedtime with Little Sea Otter as he snuggles onto Mama's chest in a cozy bed of sea kelp and bids good night to all his ocean friends. From sea lions to sea snails, seagulls to seals and sea urchins, it seems he'll never close his eyes. But gently rocking seas, twinkling stars, and Mama's loving arms lull Little Sea Otter—and children everywhere—to dreamland.
My Thoughts:
This book was wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. It is the tale of any child trying to say "good night" to everyone and anyone they can think of before going to sleep themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. However, my 3 year old daughter, had a hard time sitting still for the entire story. Maybe she needs to get a hard copy of this book in her hands? She was captured by the artistry, if not the story, at this time. I, however, enjoyed the sea otter's interactions with the animals around him. I would definitely recommend this book to others and will be purchasing as a gift in the near future!
I was given a galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was asked to provide my honest opinion of the galley and have not been compensated for publishing my opinion.
Children will want to settle down for bedtime with Little Sea Otter as he snuggles onto Mama's chest in a cozy bed of sea kelp and bids good night to all his ocean friends. From sea lions to sea snails, seagulls to seals and sea urchins, it seems he'll never close his eyes. But gently rocking seas, twinkling stars, and Mama's loving arms lull Little Sea Otter—and children everywhere—to dreamland.
My Thoughts:
This book was wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. It is the tale of any child trying to say "good night" to everyone and anyone they can think of before going to sleep themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. However, my 3 year old daughter, had a hard time sitting still for the entire story. Maybe she needs to get a hard copy of this book in her hands? She was captured by the artistry, if not the story, at this time. I, however, enjoyed the sea otter's interactions with the animals around him. I would definitely recommend this book to others and will be purchasing as a gift in the near future!
I was given a galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was asked to provide my honest opinion of the galley and have not been compensated for publishing my opinion.
March 8, 2011
Good Night, Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann is a sweet bedtime story about a little sea otter, who is having a difficult time going to sleep. While the sea otter's mother tries to tug the baby sea otter into bed, the little sea otter keeps coming up with animals that he has not said good night to, and he keeps postponing bed time.
Good Night, Little Sea Otter is a book that makes young children become familiar and comfortable with different marine animals such as the sea otter, seals and the sea lions. Halfmann has done a fabulous job capturing the magic of the sea otters, and this soothing story of the mama sea otter and the little sea otter makes for a perfect calming bedtime store.
My five-year-old son was especially fascinated with the way the sea otters rolled around in the kelp to make a kelp comforter for the night, and this was even a new fact to me. Good Night, Little Sea Otter is a great story for preschoolers, and Wish Williams has created beautiful comforting images that goes perfectly with Halfmann's calming story line.
Good Night, Little Sea Otter is a book that makes young children become familiar and comfortable with different marine animals such as the sea otter, seals and the sea lions. Halfmann has done a fabulous job capturing the magic of the sea otters, and this soothing story of the mama sea otter and the little sea otter makes for a perfect calming bedtime store.
My five-year-old son was especially fascinated with the way the sea otters rolled around in the kelp to make a kelp comforter for the night, and this was even a new fact to me. Good Night, Little Sea Otter is a great story for preschoolers, and Wish Williams has created beautiful comforting images that goes perfectly with Halfmann's calming story line.
February 13, 2011
Little Sea Otter pulls the same tricks as your kids do to avoid going to bed. Well, except maybe asking for a drink of water. The artwork in the book is wonderful and you can play games such as: Where are the Sea Lions? Other sea creatures you’ll find are star fish, sea urchins, clams, crabs, fish, snails and seagulls. You can point out the colors of the animals and you’re kids will soon be “reading” along with you.
Good Night Little Sea Otter was published by Star Bright Books and is a good fit for preschools and daycares and easily opens conversation about the following subjects language arts, life science, family relationships, direction, measurement, colors, textures, shapes and more.
Good Night Little Sea Otter was published by Star Bright Books and is a good fit for preschools and daycares and easily opens conversation about the following subjects language arts, life science, family relationships, direction, measurement, colors, textures, shapes and more.
May 17, 2011
This is a great book to read to children at bedtime. I know my son tries every trick in the book to keep from going to sleep, but eventually, just like Little Sea Otter, he is unable to keep his eyes open. Sea otters are a favorite of my son's, as we saw them on vacation last year. We even came home with a stuffed sea otter, so this story was especially fun for him. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the pictures, as children's books need engaging pictures as well! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, filled with vibrant colors and engaging animals. Where else can you find such a kaleidoscope of colors than beneath the sea?
August 9, 2011
What a wonderful bedtime story for children. Most children do not look forward to bedtime so like Otter, who tries to postpone bedtime as long as possible by saying good night to all his ocean friends including the moon and the stars. What a clever way of staying up pass your bedtime…lol!
The illustrations by Wish Williams are beautiful with bold colors that bring the book to life. I definitely recommend this book for any bedtime collections. Janet Halfmann has done it again with a wonderful animal book.
The illustrations by Wish Williams are beautiful with bold colors that bring the book to life. I definitely recommend this book for any bedtime collections. Janet Halfmann has done it again with a wonderful animal book.
January 12, 2011
This is a sweet and charming book to read to children at bedtime. It is the story of a little otter who like many children will do all he can to stall going to sleep. I do believe it will become a classic in the way that “Good Night, Moon” has become. This is a book that every parent or grandparent should have on their bookshelves as a ready read.
I just did an interview with this author on my blog about her experiences on writing. You can find it at http://thewritechris.blogspot.com
I just did an interview with this author on my blog about her experiences on writing. You can find it at http://thewritechris.blogspot.com
April 27, 2011
This is a super sweet bedtime story about a little sea otter that doesn't want to go to sleep. To stay awake just a wee bit longer, he makes a point of saying good night to every sea creature he can think of. Provides a good introduction to sea life for the wee ones while the wonderful illustrations and sweet bedtime story itself will make parent and child alike want to curl up and cuddle before bed.
May 2, 2011
Beautifully written and illustrations that are equally wonderful, this story seems like magic.
It is bedtime. Before Little Otter can curl up on his mama's chest and close his eyes, he needs to say good night to all the creatures he loves. As the sea finally rocks him to sleep, he hears GOOD NIGHT, LITTLE SEA OTTER.
AR 2.7
It is bedtime. Before Little Otter can curl up on his mama's chest and close his eyes, he needs to say good night to all the creatures he loves. As the sea finally rocks him to sleep, he hears GOOD NIGHT, LITTLE SEA OTTER.
AR 2.7
March 11, 2016
A book children will enjoy when its time for bedtime and naptime too. Children will be able to learn the different sea creatures involved in the story. A book children will easily remember and repeat when its time to go to sleep because of the routine. The images encourage children to be calm and relaxed.
March 9, 2016
I love the illustration, nice soft story about little Sea Otter whom was not ready to go to bed until he say goodnight to harbor seals. Good story for children,while they enjoy the beautiful pictures they can learn ocean animals names.
March 13, 2016
This is a good book to read for night night time. It is a great resource for children to learn names of diffrent animals. Colorful illustrations are great to grab childrens attention while reading to them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews