Otters

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

The Kids Can Press Wildlife Series provides primary and elementary
school children with basic information about familiar North American
animals. The clearly written text is appropriate for children reading
alone, and the realistic illustrations will help them understand the
animal features discussed.

The books use double-page spreads to introduce the defining
characteristics of each animal, as well as general information about its
habitat, food sources, infancy, etc. Each book also covers topics unique
to that animal. For instance, Otters delineates the differences in the
territory and social behaviour of sea and river otters, and explains how
to tell them apart. Bats provides an explanation of echolocation and the
winter survival mechanisms of migration and hibernation. In both books,
the pages outlining physical anatomy include close-ups and
cross-sections to show specialized aspects of the animal, such as a
bat’s wings or an otter’s flexible spine. North American maps depict
the ranges of sea and river otters (Otters) and the little brown bat
(Bats). Scattered throughout the books are iconic fact boxes with
interesting trivia such as “Some bats make up to 500 sounds in a
second.” Glossaries and indexes are included for ready reference.

Particularly laudable are the carefully researched and designed
illustrations. The large watercolours, especially those depicting the
comical otters, are eye-catching. The cover illustration of Bats is
rather scary and less likely to entice children than the entreating
mother and baby sea otters presented on the cover of Otters.

These excellent introductions to otters and bats will be appreciated in
both home and school settings. Highly recommended.