Oliver, a young child with a deep affection for penguins, embarks on an imaginative adventure after a visit to the aquarium. In Lisa Connors’ engaging picture book, Oliver’s Otter Phase, the protagonist becomes so captivated by sea otters that he begins to emulate their behavior throughout his day. This delightful narrative offers a charming blend of childhood imagination and educational content, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s library. As a reading specialist, I’m always on the lookout for quality children’s literature, and this book certainly fits the bill.
Oliver’s mimicry extends to everyday activities. At lunchtime, he places his bologna on his chest, mirroring how otters use their bodies as a natural plate. Later, when his father places him in the grocery cart, Oliver, remembering how otter mothers use kelp to secure their young, offers his dad a long green string. While Oliver’s parents are generally supportive of his otter obsession, they draw the line when he attempts to eat hot spaghetti off his chest. By the story’s end, Oliver’s intense focus on otters begins to subside, yet he retains a desire to be otter-like in one cherished way: snuggling with his mother.
Author Lisa Connors has crafted an engaging text that resonates with young children, allowing them to easily connect with Oliver and his animal-inspired antics. Teachers will appreciate how Connors seamlessly integrates fascinating facts about otters into every page, brought to life by Karen Jones’s charming illustrations that accurately capture the natural behavior of these marine mammals.
Following a read-aloud session, students can be inspired to write in a similar style to Connors. This could involve researching a specific animal and then composing a narrative that compares and contrasts the animal’s behaviors with those of humans. A significant advantage of Oliver’s Otter Phase is its supplementary backmatter. This section includes a comprehensive definition of marine mammals, a T-chart for comparing and contrasting otters and humans, additional otter facts, and even a matching activity that highlights how Oliver and an otter utilize tools. Notably, these educational materials are available for photocopying, providing extended learning opportunities.
About the Author and Illustrator
Lisa Connors’ childhood was filled with outdoor explorations, from catching frogs in a stream to building rafts for them. This early love for nature guided her academic pursuits, leading to a BS in Medical Technology and master’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Teaching. Connors now channels her passion for science and nature into writing. While she has a history of writing nature essays, Oliver’s Otter Phase marks her debut as a picture book author. She resides in a home named “Halcyon” with her family, their Redbone Bluetick hound, two cats, and an abundance of local wildlife. Readers can connect with her at www.lisaconnors.wordpress.com.
Award-winning illustrator Karen Jones initially worked as a storyboard artist and editorial illustrator. However, it was after becoming a mother that she discovered her true calling in children’s illustration. In addition to Oliver’s Otter Phase, Jones has illustrated several other books, including Midnight Madness at the Zoo, One Odd Day, My Even Day, and My Half Day. She has also written and illustrated ABC Safari. Karen and her family live near Raleigh, NC, and her children often accompany her on research trips to museums, zoos, and aquariums – a task she describes as “tough, but someone has to do it!” Her work can be explored on her website.
Disclaimer: Beagles and Books received a complimentary copy of Oliver’s Otter Phase for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. The book was released in February 2018.
This charming book not only entertains but also educates, making it an excellent choice for fostering a love of reading and learning about the natural world in young children. The story encourages curiosity and imaginative play while subtly introducing scientific facts, aligning with the principles of helpful content for young learners.
