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gothicvamperstein's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book as it has beautiful illustrations and the story is a powerful reminder not to mess with nature and that biological diversity is a good thing. I think a lot of kids would enjoy reading this one and it could also make kids interested in natural science and environmentalism.
backonthealex's review against another edition
5.0
Sea otters are often the star of picture books about sea animals, perhaps because they are have such sweet faces and seem so playful and friendly. But the sea otter actually plays a key role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem off the Pacific coast of North America. As Susannah Buhrman-Deever explains, there large forests of kelp growing there, providing a home for abalones, clams, sea stars, octopuses and other sea creatures, among them the spiny sea urchin, the enemy and potential destroyer of the kelp forest. Luckily, the otter is a hungry hunter, diving deep into the sea to eat whatever he finds in the kelp, including the sea urchin, maintaining the delicate balance needed for the kelp to thrive. But what if the sea otter disappeared? What would happen to this important ecosystem? At one time, the sea otter was hunted for its thick fur until they almost all gone. When that happened, the spiny sea urchin ate the kelp, causing the underwater forest to collapse. Once the kelp was gone, the other sea creatures no longer had a safe place for their eggs and babies. Fortunately, in 1911, laws were passed to protect the otter from hunters. As the otter population increased, slowly new kelp forests began to grow, providing homes for sea creatures and food for the otters. Buhrman-Deever brilliantly presents this example of the negative impact the loss of one keystone animal can have on the environment in which it lives. It is written on two levels - one in large type gives the basic story, while more detailed facts are presented in smaller type. The kids I shared this book with are young so we stuck to the basic type, and I think because the otters had a happy ending, it generated lots of conversation (more than had the ending be otherwise). The mixed-media illustrations are done in various bright to darker shades of aquamarine depending on the health of the kelp forest. Back matter included more information about kelp forests and otters, a select Bibliography and a list of books and websites for further investigation. This is another excellent informative STEM book for studies on ecosystems and the environment.
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
3.0
Lovely book about how all interconnected nature is, the illustrations are stunning. Only negative is there is large and small text, sometimes this overlaps and it’s hard to see a distinction between them and it’s not on all pages, all the text could have been integrated.
etienne02's review against another edition
3.0
A documentary that adopt the «model» of a more common picture story book. Not my favorite type of book. I'm more of a story or documentary, but mixing style like that isn't much for me. I could be very good for some reader, because the blending is very well executed. So if you like that style and subject you should have a look. Personal liking 2/5, potential 4/5, I'm going with the fair 3/5.
vineyivy's review
5.0
LOVE the illustrations and the simple way the balance of an ecosystem is explained. Also appreciated the information about the First Nation People involved in the story and the additional information for adults.
librarianryan's review
4.0
First off the illustrations in this book are breathtaking. They are absolutely gorgeous. The story tells how the cycle of life changes if an element, in this case sea otters are taken away. Along with the story there are multiple factoids that are relevant and interesting. This would be a great book to talk about life cycles, hunting, and even endangered species.
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