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Odder
A touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter, from Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, author of Wishtree.
Meet Odder, the Queen of Play:
Nobody has her moves.
She doesn’t just swim to the bottom,
she dive-bombs.
She doesn’t just somersault,
she triple-doughnuts.
She doesn’t just ride the waves,
she makes them.
Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she’s known. She’s a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself—and about the humans who hope to save her.
Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.
Meet Odder, the Queen of Play:
Nobody has her moves.
She doesn’t just swim to the bottom,
she dive-bombs.
She doesn’t just somersault,
she triple-doughnuts.
She doesn’t just ride the waves,
she makes them.
Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she’s known. She’s a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself—and about the humans who hope to save her.
Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.
3 pages, Audiobook
First published September 20, 2022
796 people are currently reading
12138 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Applegate
271 books6,282 followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate has written many books for young readers, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal.
Katherine’s picture books include THE BUFFALO STORM, illustrated by Jan Ormerod (Clarion Books); THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IVAN, THE SHOPPING MALL GORILLA, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Clarion Books); SOMETIMES YOU FLY, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Clarion Books); and ODDER: AN OTTER’S STORY, illustrated by Charles Santoso (Feiwel & Friends).
She’s written or co-written three early chapter series for young readers: ROSCOE RILEY RULES, a seven-book series illustrated by Brian Biggs (HarperCollins); DOGGO AND PUPPER, a three-book series illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends). With Gennifer Choldenko, she co-authored DOGTOWN and MOUSE AND HIS DOG, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends).
Books for middle-grade readers include HOME OF THE BRAVE (Feiwel & Friends); THE ONE AND ONLY series, illustrated by Patricia Castelao, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, and THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY (HarperCollins); the ENDLING trilogy (HarperCollins); CRENSHAW (Feiwel & Friends); WISHTREE (Feiwel & Friends); WILLODEEN (Feiwel & Friends); ODDER (Feiwel & Friends); and the forthcoming POCKET BEAR (Feiwel & Friends).
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote ANIMORPHS, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide. They also wrote two other series, REMNANTS and EVERWORLD, and a young adult novel, EVE AND ADAM (Feiwel & Friends.)
Katherine’s work has been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists.
Katherine lives in Nevada with her husband and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary and Mary Pender at WME.
Katherine’s picture books include THE BUFFALO STORM, illustrated by Jan Ormerod (Clarion Books); THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IVAN, THE SHOPPING MALL GORILLA, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Clarion Books); SOMETIMES YOU FLY, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Clarion Books); and ODDER: AN OTTER’S STORY, illustrated by Charles Santoso (Feiwel & Friends).
She’s written or co-written three early chapter series for young readers: ROSCOE RILEY RULES, a seven-book series illustrated by Brian Biggs (HarperCollins); DOGGO AND PUPPER, a three-book series illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends). With Gennifer Choldenko, she co-authored DOGTOWN and MOUSE AND HIS DOG, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends).
Books for middle-grade readers include HOME OF THE BRAVE (Feiwel & Friends); THE ONE AND ONLY series, illustrated by Patricia Castelao, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, and THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY (HarperCollins); the ENDLING trilogy (HarperCollins); CRENSHAW (Feiwel & Friends); WISHTREE (Feiwel & Friends); WILLODEEN (Feiwel & Friends); ODDER (Feiwel & Friends); and the forthcoming POCKET BEAR (Feiwel & Friends).
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote ANIMORPHS, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide. They also wrote two other series, REMNANTS and EVERWORLD, and a young adult novel, EVE AND ADAM (Feiwel & Friends.)
Katherine’s work has been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists.
Katherine lives in Nevada with her husband and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary and Mary Pender at WME.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,042 reviews
March 2, 2024
The delightfully charming cover may have drawn me in-- but it was the surprisingly creative free form prose that stole my heart from the first few pages.
Admittedly, I judged the book by its cover, but in this case, the inside more than matched the charm of the outside. (Note—the inside illustrations were equally delightful).
I love to be suprised-- plot twists I don't see coming, characters that change and grow, shallow plots lines that turn deep or dark-- these are just a few of the ways that this bookworm loves to be shocked out of her reading complacency.
The cover screamed "adorable children's book" and then I read the first page-- caught off guard, I read a few more pages and then realized this kids book was anything but... 270 pages later I realized that Ms. Applegate (a talented but as yet unknown author to me-- my kids are in their 20s so it's been awhile since I trolled the library shelves for great books to read out loud) turned a children’s book into a story with universal themes.
This is NOT just a children's book, but it would be a wonderful book to read out loud to kids in elementary school-- the older the better as I think some of the depth of the book's themes would be lost to the 4-7 year old set.
This is an EVERYONE should read book. I'm in my 50s and yet I felt a wide range of emotions while reading Applegate's free form prose. Timeless themes-- loss, family, childhood (okay-- otterhood), hope, and joy spread across the pages like the kelp beds/patches found in the Pacific Ocean.
I challenge you to read this book-- to yourself or to a loved one-- I promise you, it will give you all the "feels." I can't wait to order a few copies for Christmas presents... I can't think of a better book to give that hard to choose a gift for literary fan or young reader.
(Reviewed 11/12/22)
Admittedly, I judged the book by its cover, but in this case, the inside more than matched the charm of the outside. (Note—the inside illustrations were equally delightful).
I love to be suprised-- plot twists I don't see coming, characters that change and grow, shallow plots lines that turn deep or dark-- these are just a few of the ways that this bookworm loves to be shocked out of her reading complacency.
The cover screamed "adorable children's book" and then I read the first page-- caught off guard, I read a few more pages and then realized this kids book was anything but... 270 pages later I realized that Ms. Applegate (a talented but as yet unknown author to me-- my kids are in their 20s so it's been awhile since I trolled the library shelves for great books to read out loud) turned a children’s book into a story with universal themes.
This is NOT just a children's book, but it would be a wonderful book to read out loud to kids in elementary school-- the older the better as I think some of the depth of the book's themes would be lost to the 4-7 year old set.
This is an EVERYONE should read book. I'm in my 50s and yet I felt a wide range of emotions while reading Applegate's free form prose. Timeless themes-- loss, family, childhood (okay-- otterhood), hope, and joy spread across the pages like the kelp beds/patches found in the Pacific Ocean.
I challenge you to read this book-- to yourself or to a loved one-- I promise you, it will give you all the "feels." I can't wait to order a few copies for Christmas presents... I can't think of a better book to give that hard to choose a gift for literary fan or young reader.
(Reviewed 11/12/22)
March 7, 2024
I live in Morro Bay, CA. In our Bay are otters. A lot of visitors come here to see the otters. While my family was visiting this summer, they couldn’t wait to see the otters. For my daughter-in-law’s birthday this summer, we got her a cozy chair blanket with an otter picture on it. She lit up! There is something about an otter!
This is an enjoyable story that animal lovers will appreciate.
But…it is also an educational experience, too.
Odder is written in free verse and inspired by true events, according to the author’s note at the back of the book. It also has lovely illustrations throughout by Charles Santoso that add to the story.
Premise: Otter pup Odder is separated from her mom after a fierce storm. Fortunately, strange animals – humans – discover her and take her to a strange place, and restore her health. Eventually she goes back to the wild, has fun, makes friends – but after being badly injured by a shark bite, lands back with the humans again to be given a wonderful job of nurturing and raising other pups at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
There is much to love about the story – the feelings of adventure and impulsivity of the otters. The natural movements of a shark. The ways of the bay/ocean. The wonderful human intentions (to keep the otters healthy and/or happy in the wild). The importance of play. Messages of resilience, compassion and empathy.
Some trigger moments for discussion with kids…
Since the story is about orphaned pups and told from the viewpoint of one of them, (Odder) there will be some violence and scariness. A sense of fear, grief and uncertainty of being permanently separated from Mom is essential to the story – which may be difficult for kids to understand, even while kind humans provide a safety net.
Other difficult parts to discuss with kids may involve when Odder is attacked by a shark and can no longer be in the wild, and another otter delivers a stillborn pup.
Yet, even though…
The story will have moments when it is centered on grief, loss and separation as pups lose their moms, moms lose their pups and friends lose each other – there will also, be in the background, a dedicated, caring group of scientists and volunteers working hard at keeping them safe.
I strongly recommend that when readers are finished with the story, they read the Author’s note, to learn the amazing fictional backstories of these animals and their caretakers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA.
She is also the author of The One and Only Ivan. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is an enjoyable story that animal lovers will appreciate.
But…it is also an educational experience, too.
Odder is written in free verse and inspired by true events, according to the author’s note at the back of the book. It also has lovely illustrations throughout by Charles Santoso that add to the story.
Premise: Otter pup Odder is separated from her mom after a fierce storm. Fortunately, strange animals – humans – discover her and take her to a strange place, and restore her health. Eventually she goes back to the wild, has fun, makes friends – but after being badly injured by a shark bite, lands back with the humans again to be given a wonderful job of nurturing and raising other pups at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
There is much to love about the story – the feelings of adventure and impulsivity of the otters. The natural movements of a shark. The ways of the bay/ocean. The wonderful human intentions (to keep the otters healthy and/or happy in the wild). The importance of play. Messages of resilience, compassion and empathy.
Some trigger moments for discussion with kids…
Since the story is about orphaned pups and told from the viewpoint of one of them, (Odder) there will be some violence and scariness. A sense of fear, grief and uncertainty of being permanently separated from Mom is essential to the story – which may be difficult for kids to understand, even while kind humans provide a safety net.
Other difficult parts to discuss with kids may involve when Odder is attacked by a shark and can no longer be in the wild, and another otter delivers a stillborn pup.
Yet, even though…
The story will have moments when it is centered on grief, loss and separation as pups lose their moms, moms lose their pups and friends lose each other – there will also, be in the background, a dedicated, caring group of scientists and volunteers working hard at keeping them safe.
I strongly recommend that when readers are finished with the story, they read the Author’s note, to learn the amazing fictional backstories of these animals and their caretakers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA.
She is also the author of The One and Only Ivan. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 17, 2023
Just look at that face on the cover! Who can resist picking up this new release from Katherine Applegate? Not me. Written in verse, the true stories of otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium are put into a cohesive story form. An Author's Notes gives details on the real-life otters who inspired the story of Odder. Such an inviting and informative book. Highly recommended!
June 27, 2025
This was just a book that I picked up one day at work. I was in need of something cute, funny and heartwarming and I felt like this one would deliver. You probably figured it out by now that I have an obsession with otters (I think the fact that every single sentence of mine is ending with an otter emoji is a pretty clear indication of that fact).🦦 So ofc I had to read this one.
Now this is actually inspired by a true story, that of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otters with surrogate mothers. I really love animals (otters the most ofc), but I love animals in general, so this really touched me in ways I could never explain in words. The fact that at the end of the book the author chose to include some details about the real otters that inspired this story made me so emotional. I really appreciated that section of the book.
It is written in verse, so that’s something new to me, but I really enjoyed it so much. And the illustrations !!! Guys, the illustrations were absolutely ADORABLE. I loved them so much. Odder was the cutest otter ever. Witnessing her journey, from being an orphaned otter, lonely and missing her home, to finding a new purpose in life, finding herself and her hope again, in fact, filled me with so much joy, it’s really hard to put it in simple words. I loved seeing her grow and become so wise, kind and loving towards her baby otter.🥹 It was heartwarming beyond words.
Now this is actually inspired by a true story, that of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otters with surrogate mothers. I really love animals (otters the most ofc), but I love animals in general, so this really touched me in ways I could never explain in words. The fact that at the end of the book the author chose to include some details about the real otters that inspired this story made me so emotional. I really appreciated that section of the book.
It is written in verse, so that’s something new to me, but I really enjoyed it so much. And the illustrations !!! Guys, the illustrations were absolutely ADORABLE. I loved them so much. Odder was the cutest otter ever. Witnessing her journey, from being an orphaned otter, lonely and missing her home, to finding a new purpose in life, finding herself and her hope again, in fact, filled me with so much joy, it’s really hard to put it in simple words. I loved seeing her grow and become so wise, kind and loving towards her baby otter.🥹 It was heartwarming beyond words.
January 11, 2023
This wonderful story, told in free verse, is based on true stories of the work being done at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to preserve and protect the otter colonies living off the California coast near Monterey.
Odder is a fictional otter whose story is based on the life of a real otter who was rescued, rehabilitated and set free to live in Monterey Bay. However, after three years, Odder was attacked by a shark and was again rescued by the Aquarium staff.
Young readers will learn a lot about otters by reading this book. There aren't a lot of illustrations, but the ones that are included are beautiful. At the end of the book there is a glossary of terms and a bibliography of more books to read about otters. Adults, too, would enjoy this story!
Odder is a fictional otter whose story is based on the life of a real otter who was rescued, rehabilitated and set free to live in Monterey Bay. However, after three years, Odder was attacked by a shark and was again rescued by the Aquarium staff.
Young readers will learn a lot about otters by reading this book. There aren't a lot of illustrations, but the ones that are included are beautiful. At the end of the book there is a glossary of terms and a bibliography of more books to read about otters. Adults, too, would enjoy this story!
June 10, 2023
"Odder is grateful for her
luxurious fur.
Human bodies seem to
offer plenty of opportunities
for humiliation."
Odder is a petite, adorable, and funny otter.
"It's relief, giving up
and accepting the inevitable.
Hope can be
exhausting."
Take a look at their beautiful animals:
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/a...
How much I wish I had been working somewhere like that!
I get nervous when reading animal stories inspired by true events. It's just so sad to think of anything bad happening to them, sometimes so heartbreaking. That's why, before diving into this, I skipped to the last page to ensure everything turns out okay and have ensured this is a sweet children's poetry collection narrated by otters, and heartwarming story of darling Odder, in middle have the moments though but still so beautiful!
luxurious fur.
Human bodies seem to
offer plenty of opportunities
for humiliation."
Odder is a petite, adorable, and funny otter.
"It's relief, giving up
and accepting the inevitable.
Hope can be
exhausting."
Take a look at their beautiful animals:
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/a...
How much I wish I had been working somewhere like that!
I get nervous when reading animal stories inspired by true events. It's just so sad to think of anything bad happening to them, sometimes so heartbreaking. That's why, before diving into this, I skipped to the last page to ensure everything turns out okay and have ensured this is a sweet children's poetry collection narrated by otters, and heartwarming story of darling Odder, in middle have the moments though but still so beautiful!
March 16, 2023
Oh my heart! I loved this sweet little otter! This is a great story that’s told in such a fun way. I loved following Odder’s story and the author’s note was fantastic and I loved learning where the story came from. And yes, I want an otter….
April 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely delightful and very informative short story.
An absolutely delightful and very informative short story.
July 12, 2022
As a second-grade teacher, I'm always on the lookout for something new to use as a Read Aloud for my class. Odder is a darling book that teaches kids about Odder, an otter that lives off the coast of central California. Bringing the otter to life through the pages of the story, we get to know this cute, little, adventurous otter who tends to find trouble wherever she goes.
Odder's story is written in Free Verse by Author Kathleen Applegate. Free verse is the name given to poetry that doesn't use any strict meter or rhyme scheme. Because it has no set meter, poems written in free verse can have lines of any length, from a single word too much longer. I love the opportunity this book gives me to teach this style of poetry to my students.
Here is an excerpt from the book...
Questions
Her mother called her "Odder"
from the moment
she was born.
Something about the way
the little pup never settles,
something about the way
her eyes were always
full of questions.
To Eat or Not to Eat
A few feet away
from Odder,
her favorite companion,
Kairi drifts on her back,
aimless as a log.
Kairi, two years older
than Odder, has
shiny ebony fur.
Odder, smaller
and more agile,
has a deep brown coat
and caramel-colored head.
Play,
Odder wants to know,
or eat?
First, we eat,
then we play,
answers Kairi,
who is always practical,
a cautious sort.
This touching story is based on true life events in the 90's at the Monterey Bay Aquarium program that paired orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. Odder’s story is told with humor, adventure, action, and a lot of playfulness tossed in. It also teaches kids about one of the most cutest, intelligent, rambunctious, chatty, curious, and sociable animals found in the animal kingdom. I can't wait to share this story with my second graders, because I know that they also will be charmed by the delightful little otter called Odder.
Odder's story is written in Free Verse by Author Kathleen Applegate. Free verse is the name given to poetry that doesn't use any strict meter or rhyme scheme. Because it has no set meter, poems written in free verse can have lines of any length, from a single word too much longer. I love the opportunity this book gives me to teach this style of poetry to my students.
Here is an excerpt from the book...
Questions
Her mother called her "Odder"
from the moment
she was born.
Something about the way
the little pup never settles,
something about the way
her eyes were always
full of questions.
To Eat or Not to Eat
A few feet away
from Odder,
her favorite companion,
Kairi drifts on her back,
aimless as a log.
Kairi, two years older
than Odder, has
shiny ebony fur.
Odder, smaller
and more agile,
has a deep brown coat
and caramel-colored head.
Play,
Odder wants to know,
or eat?
First, we eat,
then we play,
answers Kairi,
who is always practical,
a cautious sort.
This touching story is based on true life events in the 90's at the Monterey Bay Aquarium program that paired orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. Odder’s story is told with humor, adventure, action, and a lot of playfulness tossed in. It also teaches kids about one of the most cutest, intelligent, rambunctious, chatty, curious, and sociable animals found in the animal kingdom. I can't wait to share this story with my second graders, because I know that they also will be charmed by the delightful little otter called Odder.
November 3, 2022
Odder is an otter that is adventerous and spunky. She and her friend Kaira spend their days deep diving and hunting for food. But the open sea calls to Odder and with that call, the danger of predators.
Odder's story unfolds in parts. We find Odder when she is swimming and living her best life in the bay. We then learn Odder's origin story. Finally, we find Odder in Monterey Bay Aquarium (no spoilers here).
I love the illustrations and how the facial expressions are so detailed. When we saw the book cover, one of my daughter's said to me: "Look at that cover, how can you not buy it?" Good question.
Applegate is one of my favorite authors. She writes for middle readers, but her books can teach anyone lessons about compassion and respecting nature. One of my favorite books this year.
Odder's story unfolds in parts. We find Odder when she is swimming and living her best life in the bay. We then learn Odder's origin story. Finally, we find Odder in Monterey Bay Aquarium (no spoilers here).
I love the illustrations and how the facial expressions are so detailed. When we saw the book cover, one of my daughter's said to me: "Look at that cover, how can you not buy it?" Good question.
Applegate is one of my favorite authors. She writes for middle readers, but her books can teach anyone lessons about compassion and respecting nature. One of my favorite books this year.
October 13, 2022
Oh my heart. A lovely novel in verse told from the point of view of Odder the sea otter. “Who is the audience for this book?” asked another reviewer. A good question. I think this is a book for future marine biologists, conservationists, zoologists. It’s a book for animal lovers and for kids who live near otter habitats. It’s a book for anyone who smiles at an otter video or meme. It’s for everyone. ❤️
June 4, 2025
Read this one for a book challenge. It was cute!
December 29, 2022
Well meant but kind of boring.
March 9, 2023
So adorable!!
February 16, 2025
This was such a cute book. I really enjoyed reading about this cute little otter. This book is written in free verse and I feel that it is very refreshing after reading novels all day.
July 7, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for an eArc of this book.
You have to love Katherine Applegate. If she wrote her own version of the phone book, I would read it. This upcoming book in verse is a beautiful, quick read based on real life otters. I read this one very quickly, not only because it is written in verse but it was a wonderful story and hard to put down. I will have to buy multiple copies of this for my elementary library to keep up with demand.
You have to love Katherine Applegate. If she wrote her own version of the phone book, I would read it. This upcoming book in verse is a beautiful, quick read based on real life otters. I read this one very quickly, not only because it is written in verse but it was a wonderful story and hard to put down. I will have to buy multiple copies of this for my elementary library to keep up with demand.
March 18, 2023
Absolutely delightful—filled to the brim with sweet, playful otters. And as always, Katherine Applegate’s poetry is just chef’s kiss.
August 6, 2023
I loved this book! So cute and warming but also emotional and so relatable in the way they tell the story and the struggles they present through Odder and what she faces. I enjoyed this book so much!
May 1, 2025
‘Nobody plays like Odder plays’
This delightful story is inspired by actual events at Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have enjoyed reading this book with my kids. It has sparked many discussions and further learning opportunities.
This delightful story is inspired by actual events at Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have enjoyed reading this book with my kids. It has sparked many discussions and further learning opportunities.
March 14, 2025
Odder by Katherine Applegate - 5 Stars
A Beautiful Middle Grade Story
BLOG POST: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
From what I have understood, Katherine Applegate has a gift for writing emotionally compelling animal stories, and Odder is no exception. This was my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
This is a beautiful book written in verse and it tells the story of a playful and curious sea otter who finds herself in a life-changing situation. This book is inspired by real-life otter rescue and rehabilitation efforts and she blends facts with a deeply moving story about survival, resilience, and the connection between humans and wildlife.
I think the verse format works well for this story because it keeps the story light with Odder's joyfulness but also delivers a powerful emotional story. This is a must-read for animal lovers and anyone who enjoys crafted storytelling with an important message.
A Beautiful Middle Grade Story
BLOG POST: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
From what I have understood, Katherine Applegate has a gift for writing emotionally compelling animal stories, and Odder is no exception. This was my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
This is a beautiful book written in verse and it tells the story of a playful and curious sea otter who finds herself in a life-changing situation. This book is inspired by real-life otter rescue and rehabilitation efforts and she blends facts with a deeply moving story about survival, resilience, and the connection between humans and wildlife.
I think the verse format works well for this story because it keeps the story light with Odder's joyfulness but also delivers a powerful emotional story. This is a must-read for animal lovers and anyone who enjoys crafted storytelling with an important message.
January 22, 2023
Delightful! The free form prose flows so naturally I felt like I too was floating along the water gently bobbing up and down like Odder the Otter! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to keep that feeling. The adorable illustrations are the perfect accompaniment. I would read this all over again and it would be just as enjoyable the second time.
February 3, 2025
Se siente mal ponerle una puntuación al libro porque es básicamente la vida de unas nutrias jajaja
Fue una excelente lectura de playa, si tienen la oportunidad de leerlo en verano o cerca del océano lo recomiendo
Fue una excelente lectura de playa, si tienen la oportunidad de leerlo en verano o cerca del océano lo recomiendo
August 28, 2023
Good science about otters, the ecosystem of the ocean, keystone species, rehabilitation, etc. Fairly extensive back matter. "... ice cubes filled with tempting shreds of crab meat."
But also just a nice animal story, if that's what you want. Surprisingly poetic verses; I'm impressed.
"The wind was not itself today.
She didn't like the way
it kept bullying the water."
But also just a nice animal story, if that's what you want. Surprisingly poetic verses; I'm impressed.
"The wind was not itself today.
She didn't like the way
it kept bullying the water."
March 2, 2023
This gem of a book is the exact reason why I love middle grade!!
September 2, 2023
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Ya van varios libros de la autora que he leído y siempre encuentro una historia bonita con un gran mensaje entre sus páginas, algunas me han gustado más que otras pero al final todas aportan algo y son perfectas para aprende cosas nuevas a la vez que te entretienes y pasas unas buenas horas de lectura. Desde luego lo recomiendo para jóvenes lectores, pues pueden ser un gran aporte y una buena manera de cogerle el gusto a la lectura, al menos con Odder.
Es una historia sencillita, sin grandes sobresaltos, ni trama súper elaborada pero que tiene algo muy cuqui y un personaje adorable y diferente. Además, la manera en la que está narrada la historia le da un toque muy original y un ritmo ágil, se lee de una sentada sin apenas darte cuenta. La pluma de la autora es delicada, amena y sin grandes pretensiones, aunque en esta ocasión me ha faltado algo más, no sé si es por como está escrito, pero me hubiera gustado conectar más con la historia, me he sentido un poco al margen y eso que la he disfrutado, pero es que tengo la sensación de que se me ha quedado corta.
Una historia bonita, perfecta para desconectar y reflexionar.
Ya van varios libros de la autora que he leído y siempre encuentro una historia bonita con un gran mensaje entre sus páginas, algunas me han gustado más que otras pero al final todas aportan algo y son perfectas para aprende cosas nuevas a la vez que te entretienes y pasas unas buenas horas de lectura. Desde luego lo recomiendo para jóvenes lectores, pues pueden ser un gran aporte y una buena manera de cogerle el gusto a la lectura, al menos con Odder.
Es una historia sencillita, sin grandes sobresaltos, ni trama súper elaborada pero que tiene algo muy cuqui y un personaje adorable y diferente. Además, la manera en la que está narrada la historia le da un toque muy original y un ritmo ágil, se lee de una sentada sin apenas darte cuenta. La pluma de la autora es delicada, amena y sin grandes pretensiones, aunque en esta ocasión me ha faltado algo más, no sé si es por como está escrito, pero me hubiera gustado conectar más con la historia, me he sentido un poco al margen y eso que la he disfrutado, pero es que tengo la sensación de que se me ha quedado corta.
Una historia bonita, perfecta para desconectar y reflexionar.
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November 21, 2022I’m not a huge fan of stories with anthropomorphized animal characters, so I put off purchasing this novel-in-verse until I started hearing many positive reviews. The cover art by Charles Santoso finally compelled me to pick it up when I was looking for a shorter book to get me out of a reading slump. Inspired by real-life events, Applegate delivers a compelling story about an orphaned otter cared for by staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and later returned to the wild. Her reckless nature jeopardizes her freedom when she encounters a great white shark; the aftermath is both touching and poignant. I learned many interesting facts about otters, and The One and Only Ivan fans will enjoy Applegate’s story about a spirited and adventurous character delivered with humour and realism.
July 21, 2022
Just look at that adorable cover! Who would be able to resist picking up this book? I couldn't wait to dive into this book and find out about Odder. Amazingly the book is just as fantastic as the cover. Told in lyrical verse, the reader finds out about Odder's life in Monterey Bay as she grows, learns, and plays including encounters with humans and sharks. The kids in my library love books in verse, and who wouldn't love one about sea otters. I can see I am going to have to stock up on some more non-fiction books on the subject because this will spur their interest to find out more.
September 4, 2024
Can Odder, a young and sometimes reckless otter find her purpose in life ? Are the humans who interact with her friends or foes to her development? Give this to those who like animal stories or novels in verse.
January 23, 2024
Okay this was so cute, and I love knowing that is inspired by real Otters at Monterey Bay Aquarium!
December 30, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ I love that this is a story from an animal POV, but is based on the lives of real otters at a real location.
This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in animals!!!
This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in animals!!!
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