Odder: An Otter’s Story

Odder: An Otter’s Story (University of Queensland Press) Katherine Applegate & Charles Santoso PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780702269158

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Katherine Applegate is a No.1 New York Times bestselling author who has written many children’s books. The One and Only Ivan, won a Newberry Medal.

Charles Santoso loves drawing little things and dreams about funny, wondrous stories. He has illustrated many books including Happy Hippo. He has illustrated the New York Times bestseller Wishtree.

Odder is adapted from Katherine Applegate’s bestselling novel of the same name and inspired by the true story of a program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This lyrical tale showcases resilience, healing and the importance of play. The novel version of this story spent over 80 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Odder loves playing underwater and learning life lessons from her mother. Then something unthinkable happens and she is rescued by humans. Odder heals and learns to mother other rescues. It becomes clear Odder has a talent for teaching young pups how to otter.

Katherine Applegate’s writing is heartfelt and written in verse. Odder is an endearing character whose personality and spunk shine through on every page. Young readers gain a clear sense of her playfulness and resilience. The language is evocative and lovely. Odder is restless, her front paws dream-busy, small and soft as a baby’s mittens. The fact that the story is based on real events and inspired by two actual otters not only strengthens the narrative but also deepens its emotional impact. The text is considerably longer than a typical Australian picture book, with a much higher word count, allowing space to fully share this powerful story. The voice speaks directly to the reader, while the illustrations beautifully enhance the story’s emotional resonance.

Applegate uses literary techniques such as repetition and rhetorical questions to help tell the story through the eyes of an otter. Throughout the book, the constant motion of the sea mirrors and deepens the emotional journey. I love how Applegate shows that teaching and loving are, in many ways, the same thing. Odder’s actions illustrate this beautifully. There is so much this little one needs to know. The backmatter adds meaningful value to the story, and the information about the author and illustrator is a thoughtful touch.

Charles Santoso’s illustrations beautifully capture the life of an otter and the rhythm of the ocean. The ocean-inspired colour palette is soothing, and the character design is both endearing and warm. The movement of the water and the otters is depicted with charm, especially through their expressive faces and body language. The illustrations are varied, and Santoso’s use of vignettes is especially effective in bringing the story to life. The endpapers begin and end with the swirling motion of the ocean, creating a sense of continuity. What stands out most about the illustrations is their warmth and the deep sense of love they convey for marine life and the ocean.

Odder: An Otter’s Story is an uplifting picture book that highlights the importance of play, caring for marine life, and choosing to overcome adversity. It’s a feel-good story that will appeal to children, parents, teachers, and librarians alike. Suitable for children aged three and up, this book offers both heart and hope.