PreS-Gr 3--This extraordinary presentation opens the world of sea otters to young readers in a fascinating way. With an economy of well-chosen text that reveals the wonders of the saltwater habitat, master writer Pringle introduces Lutris, named for her scientific name. With Garchinsky's artistic skill, they offer an appealing look into more than just her diet, physical features, motherhood, and predators. It is the why and how of her life that is not to be missed. Pringle explains the importance of sea otters in the ecosystem. The otter's role as a keystone species points to how these animals protect the kelp beds and keep them healthy. Their importance will expand in the minds of children as they realize that the sea otter is still on the endangered list in California. This is a wonderful, unforgettable sea adventure which was carefully vetted by the California Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Research expert. The back matter contains more information about sea otters, a glossary, and recommended reading. VERDICT This is a juvenile nonfiction treasure; highly recommended to all libraries who serve children.--Nancy Call

In the ocean off the coast of southern California, a sea otter's life unfolds. In this latest installment of the Secret Life series, Pringle and Garchinsky follow the familiar, successful pattern of their previous books, looking closely at an individual animal to learn about the habits and habitat of the species in general. Here, a sea otter named Lutris (after her scientific name) rests, feeds, escapes a predatory shark, bears and raises a pup, and survives a storm. The storyline is straightforward, but there are suspenseful moments followed by relief and calm. The narrative begins and ends with a comfortable nap in the rocking sea waves. The rich, descriptive language would be a pleasure to read aloud. Some specialized vocabulary is italicized, defined in context and in a closing glossary. Digitally created impressionistic illustrations, set full-bleed, mostly on double-page spreads, support the story beautifully and would show well to a small group. There are close-ups of Lutris wielding a stone as a tool and landscapes that include other creatures who share her world, kelp, waves, and coastal mountains. In an afterword aimed at adults, Pringle offers further details about this keystone species once threatened with extinction. Pair with Jonathan London and Meilo So's Otters Love To Play (2016) to introduce children to sea otters' land-dwelling cousins. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An informative and engaging introduction to an animal known as the old man of the sea. (Informational picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

This picture-book introduction to the species follows Lutris, a fictional sea otter, as she swims through kelp forests, hunts for shellfish, and teaches her new pup how to survive. Conversational, straightforward text describes how Lutris's natural adaptations allow her to thrive in her habitat. Potentially unfamiliar terms are italicized and defined in an appended glossary. Digital illustrations skillfully capture stormy skies, deep ocean waters, and otters' playful antics. "More About Sea Otters" provides additional information on this endangered species. A reading list is included at book's end. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.