Otter Book Recommendations

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Story Time is an essential part of Otter Meetings. Here are some favorite age-appropriate books:

Oopsie Otter: A Tale of Playful Otters by Suzanne Tate, Illustrated by James Melvin

This is a great book for learning some basics about river otters as well as talking about the importance of listening to your leaders and parents. Oopsie loves playing with her best friend Ottie from another Den, but when she is having too much fun to listen to her mom, it lands the young otters in danger.

Otters Love to Play by Jonathan London, Illustrated by Meilo So

Contains lots of great facts about otters and follows a litter of baby river otters through their first year. Emphasizes otters' playful nature as well as illustrating the changing seasons throughout the year.

Otto the Otter: A Big Surprise by Linda Hansen

Based on a true story about a river otter visiting a family's pond. When Otto brings pups along, it becomes apparent that Otto is actually Opal! Beautiful watercolor illustrations and does a good job of weaving information about otters into a sweet and engaging story. Could also be an opportunity to discuss gender identity in a gentle and age appropriate way.

Pup the Sea Otter by Jonathan London

Covering the first 8 months of a sea otters life, this book is written in lyrical poetry-like prose that will be engaging for younger readers. The kids will enjoy making some otter sounds (“munch crunch munch” and “Eeeeee!”) and following along with the illustrations. A nice way to introduce different types of otters and talk about habitats.