Most children adore a good animal story. This one will likely be fought over if there is only one copy on the home, school, or public library shelf. This true tale of a rescued baby otter shares concepts of kindness, hope, healing, and the life cycle.

The story begins as Adaa, a baby otter, is found alone in the Alaskan snow. "They call him Adaa,* meaning ‘come ashore’ in the Aleut language." A rescue team takes him to the Alaska SeaLife Center before he eventually transitions to his forever home in the Seattle Aquarium with a whole family of otters. The care he receives is ongoing as he transfers from home to home. He is enveloped in tenderness and nurturing. Finally, at the Seattle Aquarium, he has a family of his own, and eventually, the now elderly, grandfatherly Adaa takes in a newly adopted otter pup. In the final phase of his life, he shows all the kindness and patience that he was given. "Adaa has found the ending to his story. All are quiet as they watch. Another story of kindness begins."

The writing and illustrations are superb and give children many questions to discuss: Where is Alaska? What is a wildlife hospital? Why are some animals rehabilitated and released, and others stay in zoos or aquariums? And for those who really want to go down the otter hole, there is a thorough afterward about otter populations, their place in the ecosystem, why they matter, and where to see them. The author even points out otter cams at four West Coast aquariums. Sprague clearly knows kids and natural science. Her obvious interest in bringing real science to the masses, especially to children, is infectious. This children's title is a hands-down winner.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

A 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist

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