A novel based on the experiences of several real sea otters offers a glimpse into rehabilitation methods at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Odder the otter is curious and fearless—so much so that she finds herself back in the care of aquarists after a nearly fatal run-in with a shark. Swimming too far out in the Bay, she’d put her friend Kairi, who had followed her, at risk as well. Although Kairi was not harmed, she’s in the aquarium, too, being treated for illness. Odder’s stay will be permanent this time. Rescued as an orphaned pup and raised by humans, she has developed a problematic liking for people and has proven she’s not safe in the wild. Once both otters are healthy, Odder and Kairi are happily reunited. Kairi, who’d been pregnant but lost her pup while ill, has been paired with an orphaned pup, and soon Odder finds a pup in her own tank as well. The humans, now fully concealed behind welder’s helmets and ponchos, observe closely. Odder stubbornly ignores the pup for several days before finally taking pity on it. The pups will be fostered by the mature otters—and denied the chance to bond with humans—until they are ready to be released into the Bay. Sweet, informative, and not overly precious, this novel in verse is complete with fascinating back matter and undeniably endearing illustrations.  (Ages 8-12)

Now a #1 New York Times bestseller! 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.