Otter Carries On

by Maya Tatsukawa

In this gentle and encouraging picture book, an independent Otter learns to ask for help after getting lost at sea.

Otter loves floating and collecting pretty, heavy rocks all by themself. When a storm comes, Otter has so many rocks that they can't swim home—and soon, they're lost at sea. But when a few rocks accidentally slip away, Otter feels...lighter. And with the help of a new friend, Otter realizes that maybe they don't need to carry everything alone.

With gorgeous undersea illustrations, cozy storytelling, and a group of lovable characters, this sweet and beautiful picture book shows readers that it's okay to ask for help from a friend.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Storytime, Adventure

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[raccoon reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable. I loved all the small details that made the illustrations super cute. Take your time to look for all the hidden humor.

[Emily Haage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one and after just finishing Nellie's Big Splash by Cori Doerrfeld, it seems like these two stories could be paired together for a sea creature/big feelings story time!

Again, gorgeous illustrations--the texture and layering/collage-effect is so engaging.

[A Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Little Otter is holding too many rocks to do much of anything and declines help from their friend, Puffin. When a storm hits, the others tell Little Otter to swim to safety but Little Otter holds on tightly to all their rocks instead and gets swept away. After the storm, a whale makes a splash near Little Otter and they drop some of their rocks. Whale apologizes and offers to help but Little Otter declines help again. This time though the rock slips away for good and Little Otter realizes that they feel lighter and can use their hands now. Little Otter starts to head in the direction they hope their home is, dropping more rocks along the way, and when Whale offers them rocks, they say, "Oh, thanks! But I have enough now... You know, you didn't have to come all the way, too." Whale says they just wanted make sure Little Otter wasn't lost. When Little Otter gets home, Puffin asks what happened and Little Otter says, "I'll tell you all about it, but can you help me find a place for these first?" I truly do not understand the message in this book. Sometimes we need to let things go? It's okay to ask for help? When strangers follow us home, they are well-meaning and not creepy? I don't get it at all.

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable little book about a little otter who is carrying to many rocks and doesn't want to let go or accept help. This book works well as just a story to read, as well as a story that holds deeper meaning and can be used as a conversation starter with children. Illustrations are well balanced, and very nice. I'd be happy to add this book to my personal library.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest picture book by author Maya Tatsukawa is one so lovely, it’ll be a repeat read for sure!

Little Otter loves collecting rocks, so much so that Otter’s hands are quite full. Refusing any help from Puffin, Otter hangs on tightly and lets other activities (like fluffing their hair, eating clams, and actively swimming) go by the wayside. Otter is perfectly content with their choice until a storm comes in and pushes Otter out to see. Maybe refusing help isn’t always the best decision?

I personally love otters so I was instantly drawn to this story. The illustrations are so charming you just want to reach into the book and float along with Otter. The gentle lesson taught and the overall calming story will have us reaching for this book over and over.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little otter is carrying so many rocks, that it can't do much else. But it doesn't want to accept any help and it thinks it's fine with all the rocks. When it gets lost in a storm the otter has to learn to let go of some of the rocks to keep going. Sigh. This one hit home for me. I can see so many messages here about learning to let go of things that aren't serving you well, that are inhibiting you from doing other things you may enjoy and letting go of the fear of asking for help. I'm not sure kids will get all these dense messages from this sweet, simple book. But the adults who read it to the kids in their lives certainly will. Highly recommend.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an arc of this one as I was ordering books for the Children's Department of my library. I love it. It is about a little otter that is determined to carry the weight of many stones. When other animals advise that he let some things go, the Otter determinedly continues on his way. A storm comes, putting the otter in danger and forcing him to rely on others and let things go. I think this is a good read for adult and children alike. It will definitely open up conversation and would make a good storytime read or a good bedtime story.

[Elena L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otter carries on is a story brimming with gentleness. Otter has a collection of rocks. When a storm comes, some of the rocks fall into the sea and otter gets lost trying to find them. As a lover of sea creatures, I fell in love with the endearing illustration. This is a charming tale about friendship and kindness, about letting go in some circumstances. The message can be simple yet it is delivered in the most beautiful and heartwarming way. Highly recommend.

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Mackids books . All opinions are my onw ]

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I feel funny adding a picture book to my books I've read this year, as I usually just read and rate them, but after struggling through a book that was over 700 pages, and having that count as one book, I'm going to add a few picture books to count them towards my books read this year :) for balance!

This one was only ok. Adorable illustrations, but the Mole book was sweeter and more genuine. This one felt like the message was being forced on us somehow. Still, I am in love with the illustrations. I just don't see this as a read-aloud that I would do. Cute and a little sweet. I love otters, so of course I will always try out an otter picture book!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An otter gets swept away in a storm because he's holding onto rocks and tries to do it himself, but a whale friend helps him get back and he learns to let others help him. Text is all in speech bubbles - 1-2 sentences per page. Beautifully illustrated with calming, cool colors. Shows sea life and sea creatures! Music notes in the water, and shows above-the-water life. Loved the sea creatures in particular (fish, seahorse, whale, eel).

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👦🏻 reviews: Otter and his obsession with rocks while dealing with things that have changed, he still insists that he's capable of his own will. Plenty of images to look at and fewer words to read. Such a cute book with beautiful and colorful illustrations and funny story. Otter is all of us and he is also stubborn. Cute and colorful perfect for younger elementary kids.

[Jessica Strait · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful. And a great story too! About a little otter who has too many rocks to carry and trouble asking for help. After a storm the little otter loses some of the rocks but gains a lot of freedom and a new friend. I do t know if this story is about decluttering or asking for a hand when life gets too busy- but either way it’s enjoyable and the art is so cute and beautiful.

[Coro · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet! I love the illustrations and all of the different sea-life that can be seen. I also love the message. It's okay to ask for help, or ask others to help hold the weight that we carry, and sometimes we find that if we let go of certain things, it can actually help us in the end :)

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

About accepting help and making room for what's most important. Pretty much all dialogue.

The illustration style here feels very alive and fun.

Loved Otter (and the other otters) and Puffin, and Whale was very helpful!

[Rae the Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perfect for “independent reading” for preschoolers. The book and pages have a bit of texture to them that younger kids tend to enjoy as they “read” based on the images or what they’ve memorized from the story. The central lesson is about accepting advice and help when it’s needed.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

7/12/2025 ~ I am in LOVE with this story. Read it as a story of an otter OR read it as an allegory for humans who are clinging to treasures and not asking for help with life's challenges. Theme: look for the people in your life who are ready and willing to help.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otter has a vast rock collection but there’s always one more to add. Can Otter manage them all or will Otter need to accept some offered help? Otter is determined to it all on their own, but sometimes circumstances show us that we don’t need to do it all ourselves, and sometimes less is better.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I read a digital advanced copy courtesy of the publisher
i love this story about Little Otter whose hands are full and won't ask for help or let go of his rocks.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are super cute in this picture book about letting go in order to get more out of life.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prettily illustrated, and a good story/message.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lovely illustrations bump this up to 4 stars.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

All those rocks. They’re so heavy, aren’t they?

What if we didn’t, in fact, have to carry them all ourselves? 💛

Perfect artwork. Beautiful message.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otter-ly cute and delightful little story about an otter who learns that hoarding too many rocks just weighs him down.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely SOBBED at this book

[Y.Poston]

cute

[Audrey | WellReadandUndead(ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am the otter. I can’t let things go and refuse help, but act amazed when I discover that it’s easier when you carry less and accept help. I feel like it’s probably relatable for many.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holt-Delhi library PJ story time 06-11-2025

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous artwork. Great message about letting go and accepting help.

[Meeghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable book about learning to not force yourself to carry what you can’t hold, and to accept help when you need it.

[Cathlina Bergman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute illustrations