Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story is based loosely on an actual situation of an otter (Luna of the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago) being rescued. After I finished reading, I was not sure I liked this cute, poetic story of a baby otter and the adventure it takes to find their home. I feel that is probably since it was too cute for me in places, and maybe also even too short.
But this book can be fun for the right audience. There are pieces of otter information within the text/story itself and there are a few facts added at the end. It is probably best for the aged child it is aimed at (ages three/four to about seven) and while most adults will appreciate it, I am not sure everyone will be, “OMG Best Book Ever!” It will be great for the animal lover or the person who likes sweet stories.
Jean Reidy’s text is perfectly paired with Ashley Crowley’s illustrations. They are soft, colorful and remind me of the audience it is written for: nice, cute, mischievous toddlers. You know things will work out of Pup 681 (named that as they were the 681st otter to be rescued). There are no surprises and little in the way of “ACTION and EXCITMENT” but it is not dull. There is “action and excitement.” It is a cozy book that can be used for a cozy reading time. It would work well with a one-on-one audience or a small group at story time
